Watch Fargo: Cast and Creators PaleyFest

Fargo is a crime-comedy series that premiered in 2014 on FX. It is based on the 1996 movie of the same name by the Coen brothers. The series is created by Noah Hawley and produced by Joel and Ethan Coen. It has had four seasons so far, each of which tells a different story with different characters, but all set in the same snowy, small-town Midwest setting.

The cast and creators of Fargo, including stars Kirsten Dunst and Jean Smart, gathered for PaleyFest in 2016 to discuss the series. The event was moderated by TV Guide Magazine's Michael Schneider. The panel included executive producer Warren Littlefield, creator/showrunner Noah Hawley, and actors Kirsten Dunst, Jean Smart, Cristin Milioti, Bokeem Woodbine, Angus Sampson, Brad Garrett, and Ted Danson.

The panel began with a discussion of the unique appeal of Fargo, which blends humor and violence in a way that is both shocking and entertaining. "It's very true to the Coens in that it's got that darkness and humor and quirky sensibility," said Littlefield. "It just seems like a world that we don't see on television."

Hawley explained that the series is not a retelling of the movie, but rather a continuation of its spirit. "I started with the idea of making a Fargo story," he said, "and I wanted to tell a new story in that world. But I also wanted to make sure that it stayed true to the spirit of the movie."

The cast and creators also discussed the show's unique casting, which often features actors who are not typically associated with the types of roles they play on Fargo. "I think that's what makes it exciting for actors," said Smart. "You never know what's going to happen next."

Dunst, who played the role of Peggy Blumquist in season two, discussed the challenges of playing a character who is both comedic and tragic. "She's not self-aware, but she thinks she is," said Dunst. "Playing that balance between being funny and being tragic was something that was challenging and exciting for me."

Milioti, who played the role of Betsy Solverson in season two, discussed the importance of the show's female characters. "It's the story of women who are very complex and very different from each other," she said. "I think that's something that's really rare to see on television."

The panel also discussed the series' use of music, which features a mix of classic rock and jazz. "I think the music is like another character," said Sampson. "It sets the tone and the mood for the story."

Hawley explained that the music is an important part of the show's overall aesthetic. "There are certain things that are just Fargo things, like the accents and the music," he said. "It's part of the world that we've created."

Overall, the panel was a lively and engaging discussion of a series that has become a critical and fan favorite. Fargo is a unique blend of dark humor, suspenseful storytelling, and quirky characterizations that has created a lasting impact on television.