FX's 'Adults' Unveils Prequel Episode Ahead of Second Season

FX's acclaimed comedy series "Adults" is set to release a special prequel episode titled "Marathon Day" before its second season premiere in August. This standalone episode will delve into the origin story of Paul Baker, a character portrayed by Jack Innanen, and introduce the dynamics of the friend group. Written by series creators Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw and directed by Jonathan Krisel, the episode will be available on July 31st across FXX, Hulu, and various social media platforms, including Hulu’s YouTube channel, FX’s TikTok, and Instagram.

The upcoming prequel, titled “Marathon Day,” serves as an origin story for Paul Baker, a character brought to life by Jack Innanen, and will introduce viewers to the friendship circle that forms the core of the series. This special episode, crafted by series creators Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw, with Jonathan Krisel at the helm as director, is scheduled for release on Friday, July 31st. Fans can catch it on FXX and Hulu starting at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. Additionally, it will have a limited run on Hulu’s YouTube channel and FX’s TikTok and Instagram platforms, aiming to engage a wider audience.

The premiere of “Marathon Day” also took place at the Tribeca Festival in New York on Thursday evening, generating early buzz for the upcoming season. Kronengold and Shaw expressed their enthusiasm, stating their excitement to reveal the beginnings of this friend group. They highlighted their fondness for origin stories and eagerly anticipate sharing Paul Baker’s formative experiences with the audience.

"Adults" garnered significant critical praise during its inaugural season last summer. The show chronicles the lives of a group of twenty-somethings in New York as they navigate the complexities of love, careers, friendships, and family dynamics, all while cohabiting in Samir’s (Malik Elassal) childhood residence. The ensemble cast also features Lucy Freyer, Amita Rao, and Owen Thiele, alongside Innanen and Elassal. This prequel marks a growing trend for FX, following in the footsteps of “The Bear,” which recently surprised audiences with its own hour-long prequel episode, “Gary,” exploring Richie and Mikey’s journey to Indiana.

The second season of "Adults" is slated to debut on Thursday, August 27th. The entire eight-episode season will be available on demand via Hulu and FXX starting August 27th, with two new episodes airing weekly on FXX. The upcoming season promises to delve into new challenges for the housemates, as they confront real-world questions about identity, professional fulfillment, family relationships, and the delicate balance between embracing change and maintaining stability. The narrative will continue to explore their intricate social strategies, elaborate workarounds for unresolved issues, and their consistent ability to support one another despite their repeated mistakes.

The show's production is overseen by executive producers Ben Kronengold, Rebecca Shaw, Nick Kroll, Sarah Naftalis, Jonathan Krisel, Alicia Van Couvering, and Rob Rosell, and is produced by FX Productions.

The release of the “Marathon Day” prequel episode for FX’s “Adults” marks an exciting development for fans eagerly awaiting the second season. This standalone narrative, detailing the origins of Paul Baker and his friends, not only builds anticipation but also offers a deeper understanding of the characters’ foundational relationships. With its multi-platform release and a strong creative team at its core, the prequel sets the stage for what promises to be another compelling season of the critically acclaimed comedy series.