Unprisoned (2023– ) User Reviews

Slow start but keep watching!

[edwardsjosiah · 8/10 · 10 March 2023]

I'll admit at the beginning you get a whole bunch of characters who have a lot of flaws, that might feel annoying. But keep watching! By the end of the show you really get a chance to watch these people grow.

These people make a lot of mistakes that many of us do in the real world but the show does a great job of showing the behavior without encouraging it. Even exemplifies the harm of dare I say, "too much therapy," or overthinking to the point you self sabotage.

It's more than just a comedy. It has a lot of heart in touches on the inter-generational trauma that Black Americans go through on a daily basis. Once you've entered the cycle of the system, how do you get out?

Also the performances, are amazing!

Watching on a Weekend

[megreinhardtha · 7/10 · 11 March 2023]

We don't often get shows like this.

I'd say the casting department did their job well.

Kerry Washington has a good relationship and legacy with ABC, and it's nice that she gets a starring vehicle that lets her feature her comedy skills. I don't know if this will be limited to the 1 series of 8 half hour episodes, but hopefully we'll get more.

The show is Delroy Lindo's show. He's been a working actor for years who is respected in the industry. He's been in several films that are part of culture. Washington is the lead, but this is Lindo's show.

He's playing a man I see on a daily basis in the community I'm in, but not on screen. The character is complex, and you know Lindo has worked him out for us from how he is on screen. A complex character that is approachable.

This show is based on heavy topics. Daddy issues, release from prison, being black in Minnesota, revisiting relationships, the housing market in America, and how technology changes culture.

The overall tone of the show is lite, and at times cartoonish. It IS a sitcom, in 8 half hour segments that goes into those topics. How it is able to do that is the cast. The last few episodes get a bit heavier, but retain most of the positive tone about life.

We know it is based on a true story. Sometimes trauma includes laughs. It is how we live. The supporting cast, is there for the leads. In many ways they provide the drama to the show, and it is a nice mix.

By the supporting cast providing the drama, we get to enjoy watching how the two leads work through their flaws, with humor.

The shortcomings with the show are in someways related to the sitcom nature. Story lines just end. That is how life is sometimes. Problems just resolve themselves because there isn't anything else you can do with it.

I like the show. It will be nice to see more shows like this in production, and I hope the numbers support that decision for Hulu.

Love It

[ethdaniel · 8/10 · 16 March 2023]

Finally, a show with black folks that's not just stupid comedy and gag jokes, or living a hard life growing up in the ghetto in poverty, or people suffering inhuman treatment in slavery, or drug gangsters. A show that shows the beauty in blackness. I love it. I am so tired of the stereotypical portrayals of black folks, because all black folks are not poor, all black folks are not gangsters, all black folks are not into drugs. Kerry Washington is a bright light and Delroy Lindo is a treasure. No formulaic gag jokes here. Kudos to the creatives on this project. Love and family is always messy and this shows we should never give up on either.

Binged it, loved it!

[rebeccaroome · 10/10 · 10 March 2023]

This is a gem of a series. Great cast, great storyline, super charming, emotionally intelligent, witty and did I mention charming. Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo are superb, this had me hooked from the first episode, by the time I looked away from the screen I was on episode 8 and it had gone dark outside. I love how this series approached important and relevant subject matters but still managed to keep it light. Not an easy thing to do but achieved through super smart writing, perfect timing and seamless delivery from this talented cast. I really hope we get a season 2, I need to know where the story goes. 10/10.

This is a question

[debbienewman · 7/10 · 15 March 2023]

I have just started this one but I already have a question- I realize the chance might be slim- but did anyone else notice the house where her dad's ex lives is the same place where Kerry Washington's 'Scandal' dad lived?

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Delroy and will pretty much watch anything he is in. I was not a big fan of 'Scandal' but ended up watching every season thru repeats. Got hooked obviously. So I do like Kerry too.

As others have mentioned, the first thing I did notice was that once again Kerry is playing a character that refers Caucasian men. At this point seeing her with a Black man would seem almost weird I think. But then again- The Heart Wants What The Heart Wants. Does not matter to me one way or the other.

Also I so wish this site would allow you to post a comment without requiring it to be the length of a short story!

Unprisoned may well capture you

[TheTruthofItIs · 8/10 · 29 April 2023]

"Unprisoned" (S01, 8 eps, 30-min, Hulu) stars cute Kerry Washington as an instagramming therapist raising her 16yo boy in Minneapolis when her father (played by cool cat Delroy Lindo) comes to see her after being released after serving a 17yr prison sentence for crime(s) unknown, maybe that'll be a season two reveal. The show is a dramedy and though it's a racially diverse cast, the writers don't beat you up with divisive social messaging. At its core it's really about a broken family and how prison release isn't as freeing as it would seem. There's an interesting plot device they use when Kerry's character talks to her inner child and that features young Jordyn McIntosh who's a firecracker and actually uses hard-swears in her dialogue which I thought was a Hollywood no-no. In any case, it's a really good show that we were disappointed in its short 8-ep run, having to wait another year for a second season if it even happens. These streamers' 8-10 ep seasons are plain $@#% at this point. We need solid 22-ep commitments that made tv entertainment great.

I was skeptical, but it won me over.

[e_newman · 7/10 · 8 November 2023]

I'm a huge Delroy Lindo fan. Dude is a boss. Also respect Kerry. But I cringed most of the way through the first episode. Not only because of the swearing baby. But mainly because I feared they were making light of a tragic and all too frequent paradigm in the black community. Imprisoned fathers, the plethora of abandonment issues that result, and all of the complexities that fall between.

I felt going into it, that Washington and Lindo had possibly 'stooped' to low-brow jokes about this horrible, horrible reality- that's affected nearly every African American family, and not in a 'fun' and 'lighthearted' way. Think back to Eddie Murphy's PJ's, a claymation failure that poked fun at inner city black folk living below the poverty line. We don't need that type of stuff broadcasted for the entire world to see, point, and laugh at.

The first episode nearly confirmed my fears. The needlessly potty-mouthed 9 year old Jordyn McIntosh, the father's cavalier attitude toward the effects of his choices on his hyper-damaged daughter, the whimsical music being played behind situation after situation that, in reality- are brutal, for anyone who's lived through this stuff...

But they do well cleaning it up. My hope was that Lindo had a reason for doing it. And he usually does. Both Washington and Delroy Lindo seem conscious enough- to not let this thing go out like that. And by the end of the second episode, you can see where they're headed, and the points they're looking to make. By the end of the season, I could let out a sigh of relief (all except for that little girl cussing and talking about stuff she has no business knowing about). But that's the only reason is 7 stars and not 8.

IYKYK

[colva-38911 · 9/10 · 10 March 2023]

So far, I'm a few episodes in and I'm falling in love hard with Unprisoned.

There's quite a bit of one liners and a bit of comedic situational set up, however ther is a strong drama through line, especially if you've experienced a distanced/estranged relationship with a parent. The comedy is there to lighten it, which is paced well and fitting in a cultural aspect.

Kerri Washington & Delroy Lindo do a fantastic job at making this father-daughter dynamic feel believable and there is a suspense on how it will resolve for all characters. I know these characters, these personalities are people I've known in my life, so the writing is on point. A special shout out to Jordyn McIntosh as Little Paige, the inner child whose monologues are an insight to Paige's issues in her dynamic with her father, delivered with such sass and comedic timing...I can't wait to see more of her!

Based off of the life of Terry McMillan. I do see work and vulnerability to put this out there. The realness of struggles piking on all at once, microagressions, the love and humor to get you through. This is no laugh track Chuck Lorre, and I for one am glad for the reprieve. It feels like a modern mix of The Cosby Show and Everybody Hates Chris: smart, silly, heartfelt, and most of all real.

9* because I'm in the middle of the season.

Mildly entertaining but questionable messages

[blaxblew · 5/10 · 11 March 2023]

Like most, I tuned in to watch because of the caliber of leading actors including Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo. I so wanted to like this, but after binge watching all episodes, I was left wondering what the point of it all was. Unfortunately, the storytelling does not live up to the hype. The main character is a middle aged, social media obsessed therapist who like many in her profession, has a wreck of a personal life of her own. Kerry Washington is a really good actress with the right content. In this show, she comes across as a very childish graying woman who can't figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. Of course, the storyline tells us that's because she was in foster care and her father was in the criminal justice system. Those things can be true. But one must wonder if the character learned anything about herself while she was studying to become a therapist. The storylines are messy, including one around her love life. While the show makes light of her dating her father's parole officer, there's nothing advisable about that. It's predatory no matter how handsome he is. In the real world, that situation could be easily, and dangerously manipulated or even weaponized by the parole officer against her father in the event things didn't work out. There are also some interesting messages about the criminal justice system, indeed, sometimes they are literally post-its on screen. There's no doubt that this show was written with a particular message that it wanted to share. It's unfortunate that there wasn't a better caliber of storytelling to make us really care about that story and who these characters were as people. I left indifferent. One thing in particular that truly bothered me was her inner child, played by a very young black female actress. It was offensive to have that little girl cursing that way. NOT cute or funny. The same story could have been told without this child being the most profane on the show. I missed the "comedy" in this one. If there's a season 2, hopefully someone else will write it and helm it.

Well written, well acted, not what I expected

[dilleygreenleaf · 10/10 · 13 March 2023]

Unprovoked, Just the name made me cringe, I don't like stereotypical shows about black people.

This show is not that.

This show is about people, trying to live their life while living with and sometimes in their trauma.

The team's are very personal and each character deals with their trauma in very different ways

Some of the trauma does come from being black, being a woman and being a fatherless kid and some comes from being alive

There are very real issues and the are written and played for real

I thought this was going to be another show about a black person in prison but it not, its about a human being who went to prison and how that effected his loved ones and how that effect who he is, and what they all have to do to move past all of that trama.

Not worth your time

[anthonymoah · 3/10 · 19 March 2023]

It's such a dissapointing show. It's supposed to be a comedy show but I am not laughing when I watch it. The main character's daughter in the TV show is a frustration because of her phycology views and struggling to show respect to her father.

I don't like the swear words either in the show. It's not a show for a family to view together either and these days that is what we want. Wholesome shows to watch with your family.

I do have sympathy for the main character who tries to get his life in order after being in prison multiple times but his daughter makes the show unbearable to watch. Three out of ten.

Truly Felt it!!

[walkbyfaith-04501 · 10/10 · 14 March 2023]

I swear this movie is so real and hit home! It was truly written by someone that has had to deal with people that have been locked up and the post treatment! Both my mother and father were in prison when I was little and I remember the terrible feeling I had when I would go visit and see them behind bars and not being able to get to close to them and being told visiting hours are over!! And when my mom got out she couldn't get jobs at descent places because she was a felon even though she wasn't on parole and had served her time!! Every time she went right and tried to do right she was reminded of all the wrong she did even though she never went back to the streets and separated herself from the old life. Thank God a friend gave her a job and let her take home leftovers and I was 16 and able to work!! But I cried because I felt his pained and lived through it!! It's made me a ver compassionate and caring individual!! GREAT SERIES!!!

LOVE IT

[dee-27856 · 10/10 · 11 March 2023]

I actually restarted my Hulu subscription just to start watching this. Delroy Lindo is a national treasure in Jamaica; and Keri Washington is good too. What I don't like is that it seems Keri keeps playing the same characters. Black woman with a white man. Her character in this show reminds me of her character in Little Fires Everywhere. They could also do better with her hair. Still love it tho. I always try to support a new show with a black cast when it's on TV; we don't have enough representation and that's sad. The African American community really needs to start support their own. Really!

Prayers to this family

[tanisbiga · 10/10 · 12 March 2023]

This show is not just about Paige figuring herself out or Edwin trying to make it outside of jail. It's about a family's journey towards healing. You can't help but root for every character and feel everything they are going through. I love the moments between Edwin and Finn. Paige's connecting and healing with her inner child. This show has something everyone can relate to. It's a refreshing perspective. You really do believe everyone is trying their best and you can't help but be drawn in and pray that each person gets what they've been working hard for. I like Edwin's relationship with Nadine. With each person actually. I can't wait for the next season.

Another series with beautiful people with foul mouths

[pflans-98870 · 5/10 · 31 March 2023]

Oh, OK, so here's another, new series, full of promise and wonderful actors with unnecessarily foul mouths, and messy lives. It should be so full of promise and so worth watching and after the first episode, I think that if this is what entertainment is about in this country, I am about to give up. The premise of this series is good, but flippant and the way that the characters move through that first day as though there really isn't anything unusual about their lives, is somewhat depressing. Kerry Washington, as a fully trained and successful therapist, does not say much for that profession. I find this new series disappointing and sad because it embodies what is wrong about entertainment in this country. I keep hoping that the public will realize that our political milieu is precisely a reflection of our entertainment milieu. I'll watch a couple more episodes and give it a better try, but I am bleak about the purpose and aim of this new show.

What can I say

[timjculbertson · 10/10 · 23 March 2023]

When you least expect it Kerry Washington doesn't disappoint.. comedy might not be her best suit but Delroy Lindo really surprised me. I totally agree with the previous reviews, it's got healing, family trying to figure out what's been missing after a loved one is locked up and going forward. Was totally blown away because sure it's a show about African Americans but this Caucasian white male enjoyed every minute. I felt for Delroy especially in episode 6 when they travel back to his roots, the poor guy just couldn't catch a break, every road turn he had to take detours. Please renew this show.

Horrible

[BurtHandsome · 1/10 · 25 March 2023]

Nothing about this show is good. Everyone forgot how to act or never could to begin with. It's an interesting premise but it doesn't work as a comedy. I feel like the show is probably written by people that have their car covered in snide bumper stickers that let you know that the person has a specific position on any given subject with no real grasp on the issue.(At least here as the show totally sucks) There is this gimmick where child version of Kerry Washington steps in and tries to be cute/ smart and it's just a train wreck if train wrecks stopped you from doing something else for an and hour and talked down to you.

Unprisoned is SENSATIONAL

[stirrininsoul · 10/10 · 5 June 2023]

I love Unprisoned and I have called many of my sassy women in my circle to watch. They agree that Unprisoned is FAN-tastic and truly praying Ms. McMillan will give us more of this group. Thanks for giving us more of Mr. Jamaican with his chocolate self!! Kerry is brilliant and I have loved this young lady for years watching her Boost merchandise in Lift. She is still GORGEOUS!. Delroy Lindo is that special icing you only use during holidays which is everyday for me. The entire cast bring joy to the Soul that quench the inner spirit. Thanks and PLEASE give us more Seasons with extra spice of Delroy.

Hooked Immediately!!!

[camillecollins-01297 · 10/10 · 15 March 2023]

This story is a realistic dramatization about a family confronting the complexities of a Black man transitioning from prison back into society. Although some of the topics are provocative, the show does an amazing job exploring them. Real life & real life situations are complicated & messy, but getting through it with those you love makes it all worthwhile. Un-Prisoned strikes all the right cords; highs, lows, & in between. The cast is phenomenal with OGs & new faces. The racial & societal issues are highlighted in relatable ways that leave you wanting more. I binged season one & I can't wait for season two.

Definitely NOT a comedy

[kateann1027 · 8/10 · 11 March 2023]

Well, for what its worth in my opinion truly misclassified as a comedy. That being said, Great acting with a sexist ( Dad) and highly relevant storyline.

A therapist's (played by the fabulous Kerry Washington) Father get released from prison saying "I am never going back" which could mean many things. We watch him trying to find work as a felon and meets/bonds with his 16 y/o grandson for the first time.

She is an intelligent and bi-racial with a soft spot for emotionally unavailable white men who do not value her. Her Dad shares with her that she deserves more at the risk of future relationship bonding.

We witness racism of the worst kind in Alabama when he tries to get a copy of his well deserved birth certificate and the unfortunate tension between the races that some of us witness regularly at the expense of remembering we are all connected.

Worth watching.

No humour but slight predatory feel

[bobetjo · 2/10 · 10 March 2023]

Episode 1 is the setup episode and given the nature of the 'comedy' premise, is a bit cringe worthy. There is a lack of laughs.

Delroy Lindo as newly released recidivist creates his usual screen presence. But his character just screams "danger!" to me and, I think, to any woman watching. He has been written to be forward and overly close to an estranged daughter with no element of "how do we do this?". In fact, his "charming" is almost predatory in picking up women.

Washington as his daughter Paige is OK but undeveloped. Mostly sensible. But her interaction lacks spontaneity and could do with some wise cracks. Throughout the episode I wanted to scream "No. Run!"

Love the chemistry between the actors.

[nataliefugelsnes · 10/10 · 11 May 2023]

I absolutly love this series. And of course like many good sereies this might not continue for more seasons. I loooove the chemistry between the daughter and the dad. I thougt also it was very good script and I just like that it is a feel good but same time sad and same time real story. I really hope it continiues for many more season. Too bad that people only want to watch horror and terror type of series. It captured me in many ways. I never really liked Kerry Washington but she was so natural in this series that I actually really enjoyed her. Hope the show will continiue and we will see new fun characters.

Not for me!

[pauldeg-37971 · 3/10 · 12 November 2023]

My wife and I sat to watch the first episode of this series and I was quite enjoying it. I enjoyed the dynamic between father and daughter even though I question whether one would be quite so accepting of a career criminal father. (Unless you were crimonally minded yourself). I accept that profanity is part of the linguistic scene even though I think that in every day use it shows a lack of linguistic skills and an ignorance of the breadth and depth of the words available to us. I think art should aim to broaden vocabulary and culture rather than diminish it. I seldom see how the use of profanity actually anhances a movie or show, but I accept it. However I do not understand how giving lines of profanity to a child actor does anything positive to the experience of the viewer or the child. So when a child came onto the screen with lines of profanity my wife and I shared a look and turned the show off. Sorry but it's not for me! You need to be more creative than that! If the child is supposed to be bright, intelligent and sassy, then let the use of language show you that!

Based on a true story

[Advocate1 · 10/10 · 12 March 2023]

There are fewer life interruptions that can be as severe or as forceful as a parent returning home after being incarcerated for over 20 or 30 years. I love how Tracy says that she created this show for healing and not for the audience. She reminds us that art is cathartic, it's meant to allow one to process their humanity in a form that others can feel or see. This show is a great example of that. From the executive producers, the writers, the acting, this show is great. It's honest, transparent, thought provoking, and entertaining at the same time. Props to Tracy for sharing her story, Hulu for releasing it, and Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo for putting their acting expertise on screen. Watch it!!

Worth the watch.

[courtneydanae · 10/10 · 25 March 2023]

This tv show will win major awards. I love everything about this show , I'm very glad I decided to give this a chance . This show is therapeutic , funny , healing and teary eyed ( the good kind ) . Even as adults , we are all healing the little kid inside of us . This show allows you to release and heal & move forward along with the characters in the show . I can't wait to see what the show has in store for us , this show is bound to win so many awards ! So is the cast .. all very talented and deserving people !!! Huge shoutout to the writers and just the whole cast . This is so needed especially in 2023!