The Apatovian formula is simple: Pluck an up-and-coming comic from the small leagues, support them while they write their own darkly funny but authentically heartfelt semi-autobiographical comedy then produce and/or direct the final format.
This method has led to many successes throughout Judd Apatow's oeuvre, including Amy Schumer's Trainwreck, Kumail Nanjiani's The Big Sick, Pete Davidson's The King of Staten Island and Lena Dunham's Girls.
All of these works have one major theme in common: They're self-flagellating adult coming-of-age stories. Whether the protagonists' ultimate goal is romantic love or self-love, the rewards remain high.
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