FX dropped a surprise prequel episode of its comedy series Adults on July 31, giving fans a look at how Paul Baker first joined the friend group. Titled “Marathon Day,” the twenty-minute special aired on FXX and Hulu, just weeks before Season 2 premieres on August 27.
The episode answers a question viewers have had since the show debuted in May 2025: How did Paul Baker become part of this chaotic group of twenty-somethings living together in Queens? The answer involves a marathon, a white lie, and a chance meeting at a diner.
What Happens in the Marathon Day Prequel Episode
The prequel opens with Issa (Amita Rao), Samir (Malik Elassal), Anton (Owen Thiele), and Billie (Lucy Freyer) hanging out at Samir’s parents’ house while they are away. The group faces a problem when Anton’s coworkers show up at the New York City Marathon to cheer him on. The only issue is that Anton lied about running the marathon.
The friends jump into action to cover for Anton. Billie coordinates printing a fake race bib. Samir worries about getting caught. Issa handles the situation with her usual energy. The group works together to keep Anton’s lie going, showing the dynamic that fans love about the show.
Paul Baker (Jack Innanen) enters the story when he stumbles into a diner where Issa and Samir are eating. He has just finished the marathon and needs help. Issa comes to his rescue, getting him water and a Diet Coke. Paul calls her pretty, and the two share what one review called “the most rom-com-esque meet-cute ever”.
Issa brings Paul back to Samir’s house, where he meets Anton. The two have what critics describe as a “meet-ugly” when Anton tries to steal Paul’s space blanket. Despite the awkward start, Paul ends up helping Anton by giving him his marathon medal to prove Anton actually finished the race.
Jack Innanen, who plays Paul Baker, told TheWrap that filming the prequel was challenging because he had to act like a stranger to cast members he had grown close to over two years. He compared it to watching the “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” trailer where Zendaya’s MJ cannot remember Tom Holland’s Peter Parker.
The episode was written by series creators Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw and directed by Jonathan Krisel. The creators shared their excitement about the project, saying, “We love a good origin story, and we can’t wait for you to see where the radioactive spider bit Paul Baker”.
What the Prequel Sets Up for Adults Season 2
The prequel episode drops several hints about where Season 2 is headed. The most talked-about possibility is a love triangle involving Paul Baker, Issa, and Anton.
In the prequel, Issa and Paul share a moment when she helps him after the marathon. Paul later tells Anton about this connection. The episode also shows Paul saving Anton by covering his lie, creating a bond between the two men.
These moments connect directly to how Season 1 ended. Paul Baker’s visa was expiring, and Issa initially agreed to marry him but backed out. Anton stepped in instead, and the two had a green card wedding that ended with an unexpectedly passionate kiss.
Season 2 picks up two months after that kiss. Paul and Issa are still together, but the kiss between Paul and Anton creates complications. Show creators have described the situation as a true triangle where all three characters genuinely care about each other and none want to hurt anyone.
The prequel also shows the group covering for Anton’s lie without asking him to come clean. This fits with what the show’s creators have said about Season 2. Co-creator Ben Kronengold told Teen Vogue that the upcoming season asks the characters: “How do you bicker and get through problems without losing track of why you love each other?”
Adults Season 2 Cast and Guest Stars
The main cast is all returning for Season 2:
- Malik Elassal as Samir Rahman
- Lucy Freyer as Billie Schaeffer
- Jack Innanen as Paul Baker
- Amita Rao as Issa
- Owen Thiele as Anton Evans
Several guest stars are joining the second season. Raven-Symoné will play Anton’s older sister. Susie Essman, known for Curb Your Enthusiasm, will appear as the mother of a girl Billie went to school with. Gaten Matarazzo from Stranger Things will play a character who received Samir’s old fake ID.
Other guest stars include Zosia Mamet, Ben Marshall, Jake Shane, and Isaac Powell. One of them is reportedly playing a love interest.
What to Expect in Adults Season 2
Season 2 will focus on the group dealing with new challenges and relationship drama. The show’s creators have described this season as the “fking and feeling phase of life” for the characters.
Beyond the love triangle, viewers can expect:
- Samir and Carly’s romance moving forward
- Billie exploring her dating life
- The group navigating real-world questions about work, family, and growing up
The season consists of eight new episodes, matching the first season’s length. The show has been described by some critics as “Gen-Z Friends” because of its focus on a friend group navigating life together.
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Where to Watch Adults
The Adults prequel episode “Marathon Day” is available to stream on Hulu with subscriptions starting at $11.99 per month. It also aired on FXX.
Adults Season 2 premieres on August 27 at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT on FXX and Hulu. Fans can rewatch Season 1 on Hulu before the new season drops.
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