Unstable (TV series)

Last updated

Unstable
Unstable TV Poster.png
Genre Workplace comedy
Created by Rob Lowe & John Owen Lowe & Victor Fresco
Showrunners
  • Victor Fresco
  • Andrew Gurland
Starring
  • Rob Lowe
  • John Owen Lowe
  • Sian Clifford
  • Aaron Branch
  • Rachel Marsh
  • Emma Ferreira
Music by
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of series2
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Hailey Chavez
  • Missy Mansour
  • Lisa Iannone
  • Kyle Weber
Cinematography
Editors
  • Andrew Doerfer
  • Lawrence Maddox
  • Mark Bourgeois
  • Pamela March
Running time20–30 minutes
Production companies
  • Garfield Grove
  • LoweProfile
  • Night Eater Productions
Original release
Network Netflix
ReleaseMarch 30, 2023 (2023-03-30) 
present (present)

Unstable is an American workplace comedy television series starring Rob Lowe and his son John Owen Lowe, with both also acting as executive producers on the series, along with Victor Fresco. The series premiered on Netflix on March 30, 2023. In November 2023, the series was renewed for a second season which was released on August 1, 2024.

Contents

Synopsis

A father-son comedy in which socially shy son Jackson (John Owen Lowe) begins working for his successful and admired, but eccentric and narcissistic-adjacent, father Ellis (Rob Lowe) at his high-tech bio research facility in order to help save him from spiraling further following the death of his wife. [1]

Cast

Main

Recurring

Production

The show was picked up straight-to-series by Netflix and the formation of the show was reportedly inspired by John Owen Lowe's social media trolling of his father Rob Lowe. [2] John Owen Lowe described the series as "about a father-son dynamic that's very relatable but under a really specific lens, which is a father who loves being the center of attention and his son, who feels the exact opposite." [3]

It was announced in April 2022 that Rob Lowe and his son John Owen Lowe would both act as executive producers on the show along with Victor Fresco, with production being handled by the Netflix studio. [4] In June 2022 the series added Sian Clifford to the cast alongside Rachel Marsh, Emma Ferreira and Aaron Branch in series regular roles. Additionally, Fred Armisen, Tom Allen and JT Parr were announced in recurring roles. [5] On May 4, 2023, it was reported that the second season (yet to officially renew) of production has been shut down due to the writers strike. [6] On November 16, 2023 the series was officially renewed for a second season with Andrew Gurland taking over as showrunner from Fresco who was the showrunner for the first season for the eight-episode second series with production scheduled to begin in Los Angeles later that month. [7] The season wrapped filming in early February 2024. [8]

Episodes

Series overview

SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
1 8March 30, 2023 (2023-03-30)
2 8August 1, 2024 (2024-08-01)

Season 1 (2023)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
11"Unstable" Marc Buckland Teleplay by: Victor Fresco
Story by: Rob Lowe & John Owen Lowe & Victor Fresco
March 30, 2023 (2023-03-30)
Eccentric Los Angeles biotech CEO Ellis Dragon suffers a mental decline following the death of his wife. His CFO Anna Bennet worries that his erratic behavior and loss of focus at work jeopardizes the company. She has Ellis' estranged son Jackson, an aspiring flautist living in New York, come to Los Angeles to help Ellis recover from his downward spiral. Jackson resents his father for disregarding his ambitions and pressuring his son to be more like him. The two briefly reconcile during a company karaoke event, after which Jackson plans to return to New York, but he is forced to stay when Anna and Ellis reveal that Ellis has held his company-issued therapist captive in his basement for attempting to extort him.
22"Engaged, Focused and Ridiculously Sane"Marc Buckland Michael Shipley March 30, 2023 (2023-03-30)
33"The Wizard of Odd"Marc Buckland Sean Clements March 30, 2023 (2023-03-30)
44"Pilgrims and Sex Parties" Jay Chandrasekhar John Owen LoweMarch 30, 2023 (2023-03-30)
55"Beautiful Birthday Bastards"Jay ChandrasekharHailey ChavezMarch 30, 2023 (2023-03-30)
66"The Ballad of Eduardo"Marc BucklandSam ShankerMarch 30, 2023 (2023-03-30)
77"Roasting For Beginners"Marc BucklandBente EngelstoftMarch 30, 2023 (2023-03-30)
88"A Dragon's Fire"Marc BucklandMichael A. RossMarch 30, 2023 (2023-03-30)

Season 2 (2024)

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
91"Shanked"Andrew GurlandAndrew GurlandAugust 1, 2024 (2024-08-01)
102"Winning Time" Claire Scanlon Sean Clements August 1, 2024 (2024-08-01)
113"Retreat"Claire ScanlonJustin NowellAugust 1, 2024 (2024-08-01)
124"Mindhunter"Rebecca AsherGuy Endore-KaiserAugust 1, 2024 (2024-08-01)
135"MOCAP Man"Rebecca AsherDominic DierkesAugust 1, 2024 (2024-08-01)
146"Dragon Slayer"Claire Scanlon John Owen Lowe August 1, 2024 (2024-08-01)
157"Ron Tabasco"Claire ScanlonSamantha ShankerAugust 1, 2024 (2024-08-01)
168"Ellis U"Andrew GurlandTeleplay by: Alexandra Rushfield and Kate Loveless
Story by: Alexandra Rushfield
August 1, 2024 (2024-08-01)

Release

The eight episodes of Unstable were released on March 30, 2023. [9] [10] The second season was released on August 1, 2024. [11]

Reception

The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 67% approval rating with an average rating of 6.3/10, based on 18 critic reviews. The website's critics consensus reads, "Unstable is a little wobbly as it veers between sincere family affair and scathing satire, but Rob Lowe's reliable comedic chops provide the necessary ballast." [12] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 68 out of 100 based on 10 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". [13]

Robert Lloyd of Los Angeles Times described the show as an "adorable workplace comedy that's odd enough to feel fresh and traditional enough to feel good." [14] Angie Han for The Hollywood Reporter said "it's very, very funny, thanks to a crackling combination of sharp writing, lovably eccentric characters and snappy comedic timing." [15]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rob Lowe</span> American actor (born 1964)

Robert Hepler Lowe is an American actor, filmmaker, and podcast host. He made his acting debut at the age of 15 with ABC's short-lived sitcom A New Kind of Family (1979–1980). Following numerous television roles in the early 1980s, he came to prominence as a teen idol and member of the Brat Pack with roles in films like The Outsiders (1983), Class (1983), The Hotel New Hampshire (1984), Oxford Blues (1984), St. Elmo's Fire (1985), About Last Night... (1986), and Square Dance (1987). The success of these films established him as a Hollywood star.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greg Berlanti</span> American television writer and producer

Gregory Berlanti is an American screenwriter, producer and director of film and television. He is known for his work on the television series Dawson's Creek, Brothers & Sisters, Everwood, Political Animals, Riverdale, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and You, in addition to his contributions to DC Comics on film and television productions, including The CW's Arrowverse, as well as Titans and Doom Patrol. In 2000, Berlanti founded the production company Berlanti Productions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Murphy (producer)</span> American television writer and producer (born 1965)

Ryan Patrick Murphy is an American television writer, director, and producer. He has created and produced a number of television series including Nip/Tuck (2003–2010), Glee (2009–2015), American Horror Story (2011–present), American Crime Story (2016–present), Pose (2018–2021), 9-1-1 (2018–present), 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020–present), Ratched (2020), American Horror Stories (2021–present), and Monster (2022-present).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Titmouse, Inc.</span> American animation studio

Titmouse, Inc. is an American animation studio based in Los Angeles, California founded in 2000 that develops and produces animated television programming, feature films, music videos, title sequences, commercials, and short films. The name is derived of the titmouse, which serves as the company's mascot.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ubisoft Film & Television</span> Film and television production company

Ubisoft Film & Television is a French-American film and television production company and a subsidiary of video game publisher Ubisoft based in Montreuil and Los Angeles. The company was founded on 2011, and is in charge of producing films and television shows based on Ubisoft franchises and inspired by Ubisoft's worlds and gaming culture.

<i>Santa Clarita Diet</i> 2017 American horror-comedy television series

Santa Clarita Diet is an American comedy horror television series created by Victor Fresco for the streaming service Netflix, starring Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant. Fresco serves as the showrunner, and is an executive producer alongside Barrymore, Olyphant, Aaron Kaplan, Tracy Katsky, Chris Miller, Ember Truesdell and Ruben Fleischer. The series centers on husband and wife real estate team Joel and Sheila Hammond whose normal, mundane lives change dramatically when Sheila shows symptoms of having become a zombie. The bewildered family seek a cure for her condition while dealing with its consequences, such as Sheila's new craving of human flesh and radically altered personality that has become more primal and impulsive.

<i>Mythic Quest</i> American comedy television series

Mythic Quest is an American comedy television series created by Charlie Day, Megan Ganz, and Rob McElhenney for Apple TV+. The series premiered on February 7, 2020, and follows a fictional video game studio that produces a popular MMORPG called Mythic Quest.

<i>I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson</i> American sketch comedy series

I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson is an American sketch comedy television series created by Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin, with Robinson also starring in most of the sketches. The first season premiered on Netflix on April 23, 2019, while the second season was released on July 6, 2021. The series was renewed for a third season in May 2022, which premiered on May 30, 2023.

<i>9-1-1: Lone Star</i> American procedural drama television series

9-1-1: Lone Star is an American procedural drama television series that follows the lives of Austin, Texas's first responders. The use of "Lone Star" in the name associates it with Texas, the "Lone Star State". It was created for Fox by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear. The series is a spin-off of the American procedural drama television series 9-1-1, and was ordered by Fox in May 2019. The series premiered on January 19, 2020.

<i>Wednesday</i> (TV series) 2022 American comedy horror television series

Wednesday is an American coming-of-age supernatural mystery television series based on the character Wednesday Addams by Charles Addams. Created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, it stars Jenna Ortega as the titular character, with Gwendoline Christie, Riki Lindhome, Jamie McShane, Hunter Doohan, Percy Hynes White, Emma Myers, Joy Sunday, Georgie Farmer, Naomi J. Ogawa, Christina Ricci, and Moosa Mostafa appearing in supporting roles. Four out of the eight episodes of the first season were directed by Tim Burton, who also serves as executive producer. It revolves around Wednesday Addams, who attempts to solve a murder mystery at her new school.

<i>The Upshaws</i> American sitcom

The Upshaws is an American television sitcom created by Regina Y. Hicks and Wanda Sykes. The series stars Sykes, Mike Epps, Kim Fields, Diamond Lyons, Khali Spraggins, Journey Christine, and Jermelle Simon. The series premiered on Netflix on May 12, 2021. In June 2021, the series was renewed for a second season, with the first part being released on June 29, 2022. The second part of the second season premiered on February 16, 2023. In October 2022, the series was renewed for a third season, which premiered on August 17, 2023. In December 2023, the series was renewed for a 10-episode fourth season, also called part 6. The six-episode fifth part of The Upshaws, the second half of season 3, premiered on April 18, 2024. In June 2024, the series was renewed for a 12-episode fifth and final season, also called part 7.

<i>Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight</i> Computer-animated streaming television series

Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight is an American CG-animated television series, developed by Mitch Watson and Peter Hastings for Netflix. It is the third TV series in the Kung Fu Panda franchise, following Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny. Produced by DreamWorks Animation Television, the series premiered on Netflix on July 14, 2022. A second season was released on January 12, 2023. A third and final season was released on September 7, 2023.

<i>Bookie</i> (TV series) American comedy TV series (2023–present)

Bookie is an American comedy television series created by Chuck Lorre and Nick Bakay starring Sebastian Maniscalco, Omar Dorsey, Andrea Anders, Vanessa Ferlito, Jorge Garcia, Maxim Swinton, and Charlie Sheen. It premiered on Max on November 30, 2023. In January 2024, the series was renewed for a second season.

John Owen Lowe is an American writer, producer, and actor.

Certain American television events in 2025 have been scheduled. Events listed include television show debuts, finales, and cancellations; channel launches, closures, and re-brandings; stations changing or adding their network affiliations; information on controversies, business transactions, and carriage disputes; and deaths of those who made various contributions to the medium.

References

  1. Darwish, Meaghan (February 3, 2023). "Unstable': Rob Lowe Teams With Real-Life Son in Netflix Comedy First Look (VIDEO)". TV Insider. Archived from the original on February 5, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  2. Goldberg, Lesley (April 6, 2022). "Rob Lowe — and His Son — to Star in Netflix Comedy 'Unstable'". The Hollywood Reporter . Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  3. Thomas, Carly (February 3, 2023). "Rob Lowe and His Son Discuss Taking Father-Son Dynamics to the Small Screen in 'Unstable': "Not a Whole Lot of Acting"". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  4. White, Peter (April 6, 2022). "Rob Lowe & Son John Owen Lowe To Star In Netflix Comedy Series 'Unstable' From Victor Fresco". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  5. Otterson, Joe (June 15, 2022). "Rob Lowe, John Owen Lowe Netflix Comedy Series 'Unstable' Adds Six to Cast". Variety . Archived from the original on March 15, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  6. White, Peter (May 4, 2023). "'Unstable': Season 2 Of Rob Lowe & John Owen Lowe's Netflix Comedy Series Shut Down Due To Writers Strike". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 4, 2023. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  7. Goldberg, Lesley (November 16, 2023). "Rob Lowe's 'Unstable' Renewed for Season 2 at Netflix". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  8. Freedman, Adrianna (February 3, 2024). "'Unstable' Fans, You're Not Ready for This Season 2 News John Owen Lowe Just Dropped". Good Housekeeping . Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  9. Petski, Denise (February 3, 2023). "'Unstable': Rob Lowe & John Owen Lowe Netflix Comedy Gets Premiere Date – Watch The Teaser". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 3, 2023. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  10. Mitovich, Matt Webb (February 3, 2023). "Rob Lowe Is an Unstable Tech Titan in Teaser for Netflix Comedy With Son John Owen Lowe — Get Release Date". TVLine. Archived from the original on March 6, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  11. Swift, Andy (May 6, 2024). "Rob Lowe's Unstable Sets Season 2 Return on Netflix — First Trailer Addresses That Explosive Cliffhanger". TVLine . Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  12. "Unstable: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes . Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  13. "Unstable: Season 1". Metacritic . Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  14. Lloyd, Robert (March 29, 2023). "'Unstable' review: Rob and John Owen Lowe team up in this charming workplace comedy". LA Times. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  15. Han, Angie (March 30, 2023). "'Unstable' Review: Rob Lowe and Son John Owen Lowe Make a Winning Pair in a Netflix Comedy That Keeps the Focus on Fun". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2023.