FX will release a standalone prequel episode for its comedy series Adults titled “Marathon Day” on July 31, providing an origin story for the character Paul Baker ahead of the show’s season two premiere on August 27. The episode, directed by Jonathan Krisel and written by creators Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw, will be available on FXX and Hulu.
Why Networks Are Turning to Standalone Prequels
Television networks are increasingly utilizing standalone, surprise-dropped episodes to maintain audience engagement during gaps between seasons. According to The Hollywood Reporter, this strategy mirrors the recent release of a surprise hourlong prequel episode for FX’s The Bear titled “Gary,” which explored the backstory of characters Richie and Mikey.
By releasing these episodes shortly before a new season, networks can generate social media buzz and provide context for character arcs without requiring a full season commitment. This approach allows creators to experiment with tone and narrative structure while keeping a series top-of-mind for viewers on streaming platforms like Hulu.
What to Expect from the ‘Adults’ Prequel
The “Marathon Day” episode aims to establish the history of the show’s central friend group. In a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter, creators Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw described the episode as an origin story for Jack Innanen’s character, Paul Baker.
The episode premiered at the Tribeca Festival in New York before its wider digital release. Following the July 31 premiere on FXX and Hulu, the episode will also be distributed via Hulu’s YouTube channel and the official FX TikTok and Instagram accounts. This multi-platform rollout reflects a broader industry trend of meeting audiences on short-form video platforms to drive traffic back to long-form streaming content.
The Adults season two premiere is scheduled for August 27. The season will consist of eight episodes, with two new episodes airing each week on FXX and becoming available on demand via Hulu.
The Shift Toward "Event" Television
The decision to release a prequel episode suggests a shift in how comedies are marketed. While traditional network television relied on standard summer hiatuses, the current model for shows like Adults—which follows a group of twenty-somethings living in a shared New York home—prioritizes "event" drops.
This tactic serves as a bridge for the audience. As noted in the season two synopsis provided by FX, the upcoming episodes will focus on the group’s struggle to navigate professional lives, family pressures, and the complexities of adult friendship. By grounding the season in an origin story, the production team aims to deepen the viewer’s connection to the characters before the new conflicts of season two begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Adults prequel episode air?
The episode “Marathon Day” will be available on Friday, July 31, at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT on FXX and Hulu.
Where can I watch the second season of Adults?
Season two premieres on August 27 on FXX and Hulu. Two episodes will be released weekly.
Is this the first time FX has released a prequel episode?
No. FX recently utilized a similar strategy with the series The Bear, which released a standalone prequel episode titled “Gary” last month.
Who stars in the series Adults?
The show features Jack Innanen, Malik Elassal, Lucy Freyer, Amita Rao, and Owen Thiele.
Are you excited for the return of the group in season two? Share your thoughts on the prequel strategy in the comments below or join the conversation on our social media pages.
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