‘UnPrisoned’ Creator Tracy McMillan: Season 2 Focuses on Freedom

UnPrisoned returns to Hulu this week for Season 2 and the anticipation is palpable.

The Alexander family saga continues to unfold in a mess of emotions and complexities. Paige’s therapy practice faces turbulence, Finn grapples with heightened anxiety, and Edwin struggles to piece his life together post-prison. The family dynamics are as tangled as ever.

Creator Tracy McMillan shared insights with BOSSIP about the underlying themes of the show, highlighting its focus on healing Black family dysfunction. Season 2, she says, is about “getting free.”

McMillan, who was also behind the OWN unscripted series Family or Fiancé, draws parallels between her projects. “Both shows address how we can rebuild Black families and take care of ourselves,” she told BOSSIP. McMillan emphasized the importance of dealing with generational trauma and seeking freedom—a recurring theme in Black narratives.

This season introduces a “family radical healing coach,” portrayed by John Stamos, who challenges the family to abandon old rules and confront deep-seated issues, past wounds, and closely-held family secrets.

Kerry Washington’s character Paige continues to be visited by her younger self, Little Paige, albeit less frequently than in the first season. McMillan, who used her personal life as a reference for the show, explained that the relationship between Paige and her younger self remains significant.

“She’s developing a relationship with that inner self,” McMillan told BOSSIP. She described Little Paige as the part of herself untouched by past traumas, embodying wisdom and light. McMillan sees this inner relationship as crucial to her own healing journey, stemming from her father’s imprisonment.

Paige’s growth as a relationship expert features prominently this season, reflecting the ongoing nature of personal healing. McMillan stresses that life is constantly changing, and the journey to thrive involves continual self-improvement.

“Life is constantly unfolding, whatever your circumstances are. Change is the only sure thing,” McMillan said. This season delves into how people in their 40s, particularly those with children, start asking deeper questions about growth and flourishing.

Season 2 of UnPrisoned returns to Hulu on Wednesday, July 17.

Source: BOSSIP, Disney