Unstable is a family affair in more ways than one. While the series focuses on an eccentric tech billionaire in a crisis needing help from his son, the series stars Rob Lowe and his son, John Owen Lowe.
One of spring TV's new offerings, Unstable debuts as a Netflix original series, hoping to become the next big comedy on the streaming service. A genre that Rob Lowe and other series creator, Victor Fresco (Andy Richter Controls the Universe, Santa Clarita Diet), have some experience with.
Here is everything you need to know about their latest venture, Unstable.
Unstable release date
Unstable is now streaming on Netflix, with all eight episodes of the comedy series ready to watch.
Unstable plot
Here is the official synopsis for Unstable from Netflix:
"Ellis Dragon is a universally admired, eccentric, narcissist-adjacent biotech entrepreneur working to make the world a better place. He's also in emotional free-fall. His son Jackson Dragon is… none of those things. Can Jackson save Ellis and his company and salvage their estranged relationship while also doing what may actually be impossible: escaping the shadow of his larger-than-life father?"
Unstable episodes
Here are the synopses for all eight Unstable episodes:
Unstable episode 1, "Unstable"
"Reeling from a tragedy, Ellis struggles to focus at work as a major project looms, forcing Anna to reach out to Ellis' son Jackson for help."
Unstable episode 2, "Engaged, Focused and Ridiculously Sane"
"After an odd discovery in Ellis' basement, Jackson stays longer in LA and sets boundaries with his dad, which inspires Ellis to stand up to the board."
Unstable episode 3, "The Wizard of Odd"
"Determined to change the narrative of his life and business, Ellis invites a reporter to shadow him, while Anna tries to make things seem normal at work."
Unstable episode 4, "Pilgrims and Sex Parties"
"Facing fallout from the Time cover, Ellis fears getting ousted and receives support from an old pal, while Anna uncovers intel to keep the twins at bay."
Unstable episode 5, "Beautiful Birthday Bastards"
"When the twins threaten to press charges, Anna and Ellis plan a birthday surprise. Jackson and the Red Lab crew head to the bar, where feelings emerge."
Unstable episode 6, "The Ballad of Eduardo"
"A call from an old professor puts Jackson in a tough spot. The Red Lab crew faces hard truths. Ellis sets his sights on new heights at his side job."
Unstable episode 7, "Roasting for Beginners"
"Ellis and Jackson spend the day doing landscaping work until the father-son bonding time turns into a roast. At the house, Leslie wears out his welcome."
Unstable episode 8, "A Dragon's Fire"
"An emergency board meetings puts Ellis' job on the line. A shocking discovery forces Jackson to step up to save the company, and his dad, from disaster."
Unstable cast
Rob Lowe plays Ellis Dragon in Unstable. While Ellis has a mission to make the world a better place and has a belief in people, he is also an eccentric, narcissistic billionaire in the middle of a breakdown following the death of his wife.
After breaking out with roles in The Outsiders, St. Elmo's Fire and About Last Night, Lowe has become a key piece of many memorable comedies on the big screen, including Wayne's World and Tommy Boy, and on TV, most memorably on Parks & Recreation, but also The Grinder. Unstable is his second TV show currently airing, as he stars in 9-1-1: Lone Star. The new comedy is also his second Netflix project in 2023, following the movie Dog Gone.
Ellis' son Jackson, who attempts to help his father back to stable ground, is played by Rob Lowe's real-life son John Owen Lowe. Unstable is the most high-profile role of John Owen Lowe's career to date, whose previous credits include multiple episodes on The Grinder and a role in his dad's previous Netflix original movie, 2019's Holiday in the Wild. The younger Lowe has actually been more active behind the scenes, serving as a staff writer on 9-1-1: Lone Star since 2020.
Also part of the cast is Sian Clifford (Fleabag, See How They Run) as Ellis' chief financial officer Anna; Aaron Branch (Kenan) as Jackson's childhood friend Malcolm, who now works for Ellis; Emma Ferreira (Transplant) as Ruby, a scientist working for Ellis' company; Rachel Marsh (Before We Go) as Luna, another scientist working alongside Ruby; Tom Allen (Chad Goes Deep) and John Parr (Chad Goes Deep) as the Twins, who are on the company board and are trying to oust Ellis; and Fred Armisen (Portlandia) as Leslie, Ellis' mental health professional.
Unstable trailer
The Unstable trailer shows us the treat it looks to be to see Rob Lowe and John Owen Lowe acting opposite one another, the former as a jokester and the latter as the straight-laced man. Watch the trailer directly below:
How to watch Unstable
Unstable is a Netflix original series, so a Netflix subscription is required to watch. There are multiple subscription options to choose from with Netflix, including an ad-supported plan if you want the cheapest option for the streamer.
