Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moving family dramedy tackles big issues; sex, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
UnPrisoned
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Based on the life of author Tracy McMillan, UNPRISONED follows single mom and family therapist Paige (Kerry Washington), whose father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo), has just been released after 17 years in prison. As Edwin tries to find a foothold in the outside world, which seems stacked against formerly incarcerated Black men, he's driven by the opportunity to get to know his teen grandson, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana). Together, Paige's family relearns what it means to love and support one another.
Is It Any Good?
Powerhouse performances by Washington and Lindo stand out in this series' compact, 30-minute episodes. Based on the life of author McMillan, UnPrisoned's lead, family therapist Paige, regularly shares insightful thoughts on her life experiences. The show tackles several important topics, including the effects of incarceration on families, and thoughtfully explores mental health through the unique lens of African American and multiracial characters raised in the Midwest. But it's the interactions between Paige and her father, as they navigate their complex past with a mix of playfulness and vulnerability, that really make the series sing.
UnPrisoned's other unique twist? Paige routinely talks to her child self (and other apparitions) as she learns and grows. It's the rare 30-minute show that strikes the perfect balance between humor and impactful storytelling. Episode 6 of the first season, in which Paige's father returns to Alabama and confronts his family's painful past, stands out as particularly powerful.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the many lessons presented on UnPrisoned about how to forgive and heal. Discuss the things Paige tells her viewers on social media about these topics. How can you apply her ideas to your own life?
The show repeatedly references trauma being passed down in families. What does that mean? What can be done to address it?
In one episode, Paige, Edwin, and Finn take a trip to Alabama and confront a traumatic incident in Edwin's childhood. Be prepared to have meaningful discussions about what it means to be Black in America and how the Great Migration has shaped this country. How has the treatment of Black people changed since the civil rights movement? In what ways is it still the same?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 10, 2023
- Cast : Kerry Washington , Marque Richardson
- Network : Hulu
- Genre : Comedy
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy , Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : January 15, 2025
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