Karen joseph adcock: writer on the bear, atlanta, yellowjackets & more: redefining representation in the industry
Written by: Kurtis Williams + Photography by: Evan Odinsoff
Karen Joseph Adcock’s Biography:
Karen Joseph Adcock grew up in a small town in Louisiana, has a BA in film studies from Columbia University and an MFA in TV Writing and Producing from Loyola Marymount University. Her most recent credits include FX’s The Bear, Showtimes' Yellowjackets and Amazon Prime's Swarm. Her past work includes Atlanta, How I Met Your Father and an unforgettable assistant stint on BoJack Horseman, Undone and Tuca & Bertie.
Author’s Note:
When conceptualizing our Vicarious Column for Allusion Magazine, Karen Joseph Adcock immediately came to mind as the perfect candidate. Her journey, marked by resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, embodies everything this magazine aims to celebrate. This profile delves into her fascinating career, highlighting the moments that shaped her path, the lessons she’s learned, and the projects that continue to drive her passion. Karen’s story is one of perseverance, reflection, and innovation, and I couldn’t be more excited to share her journey with our readers. I hope her insights inspire writers and storytellers to find and embrace their own unique voices.
Finding Her Voice:
Growing up in Lake Charles, Louisiana, she found herself surrounded by stories, from books to TV shows, that provided an escape from the confines of a small, segregated town. As the youngest in a large family, she often felt overlooked, turning instead to writing her own narratives. “I’d read them out or perform them with my dolls for family members,” she recalled. This early passion for storytelling set the stage for a career that would take her from Louisiana to Columbia University and, ultimately, to Hollywood. At Columbia University, Joseph Adcock experienced the challenges of transitioning from a small-town environment to the rigorous, competitive atmosphere of an Ivy League institution. Studying film theory in a field where her perspective is often underrepresented was isolating, yet it also fueled her determination. She explored complex themes in her projects, including the evolution of Black comedy in American cinema, and questioned the representation of characters like the "mammy" archetype. She recalls presenting her thesis on the topic, only to have her professor ask, “When you say Black comedies, do you mean dark humor?” It was a moment that underscored the challenges of carving out space for nuanced Black storytelling.
Her time at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) proved transformative. “At LMU, it became about what story I wanted to tell, rather than what story I thought people wanted to hear,” she explained. This shift helped her develop her creative voice and led to a pilot about a Black woman navigating the juxtaposition of her prestigious academic experience and her small-town upbringing. The story evolved from a surface-level comedy about small-town life to a deeper exploration of identity, guilt, and belonging.
Behind the Scenes in Hollywood:
Joseph Adcock’s entry into Hollywood began with a showrunner’s assistant role on BoJack Horseman. From there, she transitioned to working on projects like Tuca & Bertie and Undone, gaining invaluable insights into the intricacies of television production. “I was able to see a show end and two others begin, which taught me how to balance humor with thoughtful storytelling,” she shared. Her work on Atlanta brought her first co-writing credit. The standout episode, a mockumentary exploring Black identity through a satirical lens, was a turning point. “I’m proud of that episode because it showed me that my voice mattered. People even thought it was real, which was incredibly validating,” she said. This experience reinforced her belief in the power of storytelling to spark conversations and challenge perceptions. Joseph Adcock’s time on Yellowjackets further showcased her ability to craft dark, character driven narratives. The show’s predominantly female writers’ room allowed her to dive into themes of survival, transformation, and the complexities of young womanhood. She describes the room as a place of intellectual curiosity, where philosophy and true crime often informed the writing. “It was a show about survival, but it also had so much humor and lightness in its darkness. Life is tough, but there’s light in it too. We can highlight that on television,” she explained.
On The Bear, she brought a personal touch, drawing from her own experiences and collaborating with chefs to authentically depict the high-stakes world of professional kitchens. Joseph Adcock co-wrote a Sydney-centric episode that required her and a co-writer to tour Chicago, interviewing chefs and exploring the city’s culinary landscape. “We wanted to bring as much authenticity as possible,” she said. “Every detail, from the food to the restaurant culture, mattered.” The show’s balance of humor and grief resonated deeply with her and the other writers, especially its portrayal of Carmy’s struggles with loss and anxiety. “Chris Storer brought pieces of people he knew into the characters. For me, I’ve seen substance abuse happen. Depression. Joy. And it felt important to find places for those things in the show. We all try to bring as much of our truth to the process as possible,” she added.
Adapting and Innovating:
Currently, Joseph Adcock is adapting Pride, a young adult novel, for Netflix. The story, a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, tackles themes of gentrification and cultural identity in Brooklyn. “The pace of a book and a film are so different,” she notes, explaining the challenges of staying true to the source material while modernizing its setting and characters. Writing in 2024, Joseph Adcock reflects on how Bushwick, the neighborhood in Brooklyn, has evolved since the book’s publication. “It’s a challenge to honor the original voice while also capturing what the neighborhood looks like today,” she explained. 30 Page 5 Her thoughtful approach to adaptation extends beyond plot and setting. Joseph Adcock is deeply invested in creating characters that feel authentic and multidimensional. “It’s not just about diversity for the sake of representation,” she said. “It’s about developing arcs that move beyond cultural identity and explore universal human experiences.”
Lessons Learned:
Across her career, Joseph Adcock draws inspiration from characters like Sydney in The Bear. “You need that ultimate belief in yourself,” she said. This mantra has guided her through moments of doubt and propelled her to take risks in both her writing and professional choices. Reflecting on her journey, she advises her younger self to “journal more” and embrace personal stories. “What you’re feeling right now is also a story someone wants to see and hear,” she emphasized. Joseph Adcock also credits mentorship and collaboration as key components of her success. “I’ve been lucky to work with incredible writers who’ve shown me the ropes,” she said. She’s committed to paying it forward, mentoring emerging talent and creating opportunities for underrepresented voices in the industry. “It’s important to build a pipeline for the next generation of storytellers,” she added.
Looking Ahead:
Her ability to balance humor and drama, and her commitment to authentic storytelling, have established her as a unique voice in television. Looking ahead, Joseph Adcock is venturing into feature films, a new frontier that excites and challenges her. She is currently working on a screenplay that allows her to explore themes of identity, resilience, and connection on a larger canvas. “It’s a different process,” she said. “But it’s also incredibly rewarding to have that creative freedom.” She is also exploring projects that center on marginalized voices, drawing from her own experiences as a Black woman in Hollywood. “I want to tell stories that feel honest and reflective of the world we live in,” she mentioned. Joseph Adcock’s dedication to authenticity extends to her approach to storytelling, where she seeks to balance entertainment with meaningful commentary.
A Legacy in the Making:
Through her work, Joseph Adcock not only tells compelling stories but also paves the way for others. Her commitment to representation goes beyond simply filling quotas; she is focused on creating characters and narratives that resonate on a deeper level. “Representation isn’t just about being seen,” she said. “It’s about being understood.” In reflecting on her journey, Joseph Adcock expressed heartfelt gratitude to the many individuals who have supported her along the way. “There are countless people I’d like to thank, too many to name. I’m especially grateful to all the writers I’ve had the privilege of working with. I’ve learned so much from them,” she shared.
Joseph Adcock also reserved special appreciation for her family, particularly her mother. “My mom has dealt with a lot of change. She thought I was going to be an engineer before college. Even so, I’m grateful for her support and love,” she said. Joseph Adcock’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. From her early days writing stories on decorated printer paper to her current role as a writer and producer, she has consistently stayed true to her voice. “Every time I look back, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come,” she said. And with her eye firmly on the future, Karen Joseph Adcock is poised to continue redefining the landscape of television and film, one story at a time.
