Kerry Washington stars as Paige Alexander in the new Hulu dramedy UnPrisoned, a series loosely based on the real-life story of the show’s creator and executive producer, Tracy McMillan.
The series follows Paige, a single mother and therapist, who takes in her father, Edwin Alexander — played by Delroy Lindo — after he is released from prison following a 17-year sentence. While the show leans into comedy, it tackles serious topics such as mass incarceration, systemic racism, and the challenges Black men face when reintegrating into society after prison.
Hollywood Unlocked caught up with Washington, who not only stars in the series but also serves as an executive producer. She shared that from the beginning, she wanted UnPrisoned to bring humanity to formerly incarcerated individuals — and when it came to casting Edwin, there was no question in her mind that Delroy Lindo was the perfect choice.
@thekerrywashington UnPrisoned👏🏾March 10th👏🏾 @hulu ♬ London Bridge – Fergie
The story is loosely inspired by Tracy McMillan’s real-life experiences. As Washington revealed during a TikTok Q&A, McMillan set two strict rules for her own father when he was released from prison: he couldn’t ask her for money, and he couldn’t live with her. Wondering what life might have looked like without those boundaries, McMillan — a natural storyteller with a comedic touch — imagined the scenario that would eventually become UnPrisoned.
During her TikTok Q&A, Washington was also asked to compare the father-daughter dynamic between Paige and Edwin in UnPrisoned with the iconic, tension-filled relationship between Olivia and Rowan Pope in her hit series Scandal. Washington teased that while both relationships are layered and complicated, UnPrisoned allows for a deeper exploration of healing, forgiveness, and second chances.
Related: Kerry Washington Says Former ‘Scandal’ Co-Stars Were ‘Pissed For Years’ After Admitting She Didn’t Like Kissing Them
@thekerrywashington Replying to @shep228 ♬ original sound – Kerry Washington
This series premiere on Hulu March 10.