"UnPrisoned" returns even better for season 2 on Hulu

July 12, 2024

Courtesy: Hulu

The highly acclaimed comedy-drama UnPrisoned is a HULU original starring the multi-talented Kerry Washington (Scandal) and the venerable Delroy Lindo (Malcolm X, da 5 Bloods), making it must-see TV.

Created by Tracy McMillan, the 8-episode series is produced by the Onyx Collective and premiered on Hulu and internationally on Disney+ on March 10, 2023. The second season premiere, with 8 episodes, will stream exclusively on Hulu on July 17, 2024.

The series also stars Marque Richardson as "Mal," Faly Rakotohavana as "Finn," Jordyn McIntosh as "Little Paige," and Jee Young Han as "Esti."

Executive produced by Kerry Washington, Pilar Savone, Delroy Lindo, Tracy McMillan, Yvette Lee Bowser, Joy Gorman Wettels, Jen Braeden, and Kevin Bray. UnPrisoned is also produced by Sister Lee Productions, Simpson Street production company, Anonymous Content, and ABC Signature.

Courtesy: Hulu

Loosely inspired by Tracy McMillan's life, UnPrisoned, the 30 minute series is about a messy but perfectionist relationship therapist and single mom (Washington) whose life is upended when her dad (Lindo) gets out of prison fresh off a 17 year stint in federal prison and moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn. Edwin complicates her life at every turn and when Paige begins a promising new relationship, her daddy issues keep threatening to get in the way.

Season 2 promises even more genuine comedy and heartfelt emotions with John Stamos guest starring as the logline reads: The Alexander family is still a mess. Paige's therapy practice is in trouble, Finn's anxiety is through the roof, Edwin is still figuring out how to get his life together outside of prison, and their relationships are more complicated than ever. The family needs help, and it's time to call in a professional – OTHER than Paige. The Alexanders turn to a "family radical healing coach," who throws out all the rules to free them of the issues, old wounds, and family secrets holding them back.

Courtesy: Hulu

UnPrisoned has been a huge success, focusing on nuanced portrayals, racial awareness, and socio-economic themes, sparking authentic conversations. The series, which initially started as a comedy, has gradually shifted to a more dramatic tone. The first season premiere was the most-watched Hulu premiere for the Onyx Collective, with the series becoming the most-watched Hulu Original scripted series in 2023, setting the stage for a more compelling season 2.

When asked of McMillan if it was intentional to change the show's tone, McMillian stated, "It happened when I got there. My goal is to be truthful to the emotions of every scene, so you have drama because it's the nature of this story. There is hope and healing and laughter, but there's also pain. All those things happened to us. We're giving everything its level of gravity and don't shy away from anything and trusting that the audience will come along for the ride".

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Season 1 is currently streaming on Hulu. Watch the trailer for the season 2 premiere below: