Sophia Michaels
Hulu’s “UnPrisoned” is an unconventional father-daughter story that speaks to many real-world topics. Created and executive produced by Tracy McMillan, the heartwarming dramedy stars Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo and premiered on the streamer on March 10. It follows Paige, a “messy but perfectionist relationship therapist and single mom,” whose life is turned upside down when her dad, Edwin, gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn.
McMillan has been trying to tell this story for years and it’s based on her own experiences growing up. Almost every aspect of the show is inspired by her real life, which she wrote about in her 2010 memoir “I Love You and I’m Leaving You Anyway.” The core of “UnPrisoned” is the father-daughter relationship between Washington’s Paige and Lindo’s Edwin, which McMillan says came to life on account of the actors having “a lot of chemistry.”
The show also touches on topics like troubled romance and relationships, which McMillan says are inspired by her own track record with love. Additionally, there are many real-life elements in the show, such as when Paige, Finn, and Edwin take a trip to Alabama to visit the latter’s hometown — something McMillan and her father actually did years ago.
The cutest, yet most heartbreaking aspect of the show is older Paige trauma bonding with her younger self (played by Jordyn McIntosh). This idea was all McMillan’s, something she says came from her own relationship with her inner child. Hulu has yet to renew the series for a second season, but McMillan says she personally has plans if and when the time comes.
