Onyx Collective has secured its first scripted comedy with Unprisoned, an eight-episode series from ABC Signature. Unprisoned, starring Kerry Washington (Scandal, Django Unchained) and Delroy Lindo (Da 5 Bloods, The Harder They Fall), will stream exclusively on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America, and Disney+ in all other areas where the service is available.
Inspired by the life and times of Terry McMillan, Unprisoned is a half-hour about “a messy but perfectionist relationship therapist and single mom whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son.”
Washington plays Paige Alexander, a marriage and family therapist and mom to 16-year-old Finn. In addition to her starring role, Washington will executive produce alongside Pilar Savone through their Simpson Street label.
As for Lindo, he’ll play Edwin Alexander, Paige’s father, who was recently released from prison. Lindo will also serve as an executive producer.
“From the moment we read the script for Unprisoned, we wanted this fresh, funny series for Onyx,” stated Tara Duncan, president of Onyx Collective and Freeform. “Tracy tells the story of an endearing but complicated father-daughter relationship with the heart and humor of someone who has lived this all too common experience. We’re thrilled to continue our creative collaboration with Kerry Washington and the teams at Simpson Street and ABC Signature.”
“From the moment Tracy McMillan brought this project to Simpson Street, we knew that it had the potential to be provocative, groundbreaking and life-affirming,” says Kerry Washington, executive producer, and star. “I love this show. I love these characters and the stories that they inspire. And I’m extremely excited to be working, once again, with both Onyx Collective and ABC Signature and honored to be collaborating with this talented group of creative partners.”
“This isn’t just my story,” says creator Tracy McMillan, “it’s the story of millions of people dealing with the effects of mass incarceration on their families, hearts, minds and bodies — and as writers, we wanted to come to these flawed but super-lovable characters from the place of empathy, humor and soul that they deserve.”
Unprisoned has got some significant star power. Now let’s see what it can do. We’ll be sure to bring you updates as this project comes together.
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