"Adults" Showrunner Stefani Robinson and Actor Amita Rao

Summary

Podcast Episode Summary: "Adults" with Stefani Robinson and Amita Rao

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, engaging thinkers, doers, makers, and creators to explore the what and why of their work. The show celebrates the diversity and varied perspectives that make New York City vibrant.

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Episode Overview: In this episode of All Of It, Alison Stewart delves into the new comedy series "Adults", which captures the tumultuous and humorous journey of early adulthood. The episode features an in-depth discussion with Showrunner Stefani Robinson and Actor Amita Rao, who plays Issa in the series. Released on June 26, 2025, the episode provides listeners with insights into the creation, themes, and characters of "Adults," a show currently streaming on Hulu.

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Introduction to "Adults": "Adults" is a comedy series that explores the awkward, hilarious, and often chaotic transition into early adulthood. The show follows a group of friends in their early 20s living together in a friend's childhood home in Queens, navigating career uncertainties, personal anxieties, and the complexities of adult relationships. Key characters include:

• Samir: Struggling to find a career after inheriting a house from his parents.
• Billy: Grappling with the question of whether she peaked in high school.
• Anton: A well-meaning individual labeled by some as a "friend slut."
• Issa (played by Amita Rao): Determined to be the life of the party and the girlfriend to her pansexual boyfriend, Paul Baker.

A Rolling Stone review described "Adults" as a "cringe comedy for the next generation," praising the chemistry among the leads and the intricate intimacy the writers bring to the characters.

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Discussion with Guests:

1. Showrunner Stefani Robinson (Stefani Robinson) [02:51]: Stefani Robinson, known for her work on Atlanta, What We Do in the Shadows, and Chevalier, discusses her inspiration and approach to developing "Adults."

• Responding to Material: Robinson emphasizes the importance of responding to the material as a potential viewer rather than actively seeking specific elements. "[...] I couldn't get them and that chemistry out of my head" ([03:12]).

• Concept of "Cozy": She describes the show as "cozy," meaning it avoids high-concept themes or preaching viewpoints. Instead, it focuses on whether the group of friends feels authentic and relatable. "[...] it's like being an extrapolation of that and meaning that like this made-up friend group is a real friend group to me" ([04:07]).

2. Actor Amita Rao (Amita Rao) [03:01]: Amita Rao shares her experience auditioning and embodying Issa.

• Connection to the Script: Rao was immediately captivated by the script, finding it emblematic of her own interactions and friendships. "This is so emblematic of the people I interact with and my friends and our sensibility" ([05:12]).

• Authentic Representation: She appreciates how the show portrays Gen Z with love and authenticity, avoiding stereotypical or forced humor. "[...] there is so much love underneath, I do feel like the joke can become tired so fast" ([06:04]).

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Exploring Themes and Characters:

Generational Experiences: Robinson discusses the universality of the 20-something experience, emphasizing that while the core emotions and struggles are timeless, the packaging reflects contemporary nuances, especially in how technology influences relationships and interactions. "[...] little flourishes throughout all of these episodes that feel like they're more grounded in what feels more honest to a friend group today" ([07:01]).

Issa's Character Analysis: Rao explains Issa's actions and motivations, particularly in a pivotal scene where Issa mirrors another person's inappropriate behavior on the subway. This scene showcases Issa's impulsive nature and her deep-seated need for validation and recognition within her friend group. "[...] Issa is someone who feels her emotions real time and acts on them [...] she takes it upon herself" ([12:40]).

New York City as a Backdrop: Both guests highlight how New York City serves as a "pressure cooker of identity," intensifying the characters' journeys of self-discovery. Robinson notes that the characters live in a somewhat suburban environment within Queens, creating a balance between the city's vibrancy and their personal struggles. "[...] it's a metaphorical representation of their angst and struggle" ([10:05]; [11:21]).

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Production Insights:

Character Development and Actor Influence: Robinson credits the actors' genuine relationships and improvisational skills for bringing the characters to life. The authentic bond among the cast members translates into believable on-screen friendships. "[...] the dynamic and this ability for you guys to be so close on and off the set" ([18:44]).

Challenges in Filming: Rao discusses the difficulties in achieving the right rhythm and momentum in certain scenes, particularly those involving complex emotional beats. Collaboration with Robinson was crucial in refining these moments to ensure they resonated with authenticity and emotional depth. "[...] scene needed to actually go all the way through and get to the emotional height it needed to" ([23:15]).

Improv's Role: Rao highlights how her background in improvisation, particularly from Second City in Chicago, enhances her performance by fostering a supportive and dynamic ensemble environment. "Improv teaches you how to love your scene partner [...] being able to lift up each other in scenes" ([20:39]).

Showrunner's Experience: Robinson shares how her diverse experiences on different shows inform her approach to "Adults," emphasizing flexibility and attentiveness to each show's unique needs. "[...] each show just needs a different set of needs [...] listen to the needs and the wants of each individual television show" ([22:00]).

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Notable Scenes:

Subway Incident: A memorable scene where Issa confronts a man masturbating on the subway exemplifies her impulsive and righteous character. Amita Rao explains that this scene was pivotal in her decision to join the cast, as it perfectly encapsulates Issa's passionate and sometimes misguided attempts to assert her values. "[...] Issa is galvanized by her emotions in the moment" ([12:40]).

Colonoscopy Hospital Visit: A clip from episode two illustrates the group's dynamic as they accompany Billy to the hospital. The interactions reveal underlying tensions and Issa's feelings of being undervalued within the friend group. Amita Rao interprets Issa's reaction as a desire for recognition and validation from her peers. "[...] Issa's waiting for everyone to realize she's already those things" ([18:04]).

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Conclusion: This episode of All Of It provides a comprehensive exploration of "Adults," shedding light on its authentic portrayal of early adulthood, the collaborative efforts of its creators and actors, and the vibrant New York City backdrop that shapes the characters' journeys. Through insightful discussions and poignant scenes, Alison Stewart, Stefani Robinson, and Amita Rao offer listeners a deep dive into the heart and humor of "Adults," making it a compelling addition to contemporary ensemble comedies.

Notable Quotes:

• Stefani Robinson [03:12]: "I couldn't get them and that chemistry out of my head."
• Amita Rao [05:12]: "This is so emblematic of the people I interact with and my friends and our sensibility."
• Stefani Robinson [07:01]: "Little flourishes throughout all of these episodes that feel like they're more grounded in what feels more honest to a friend group today."
• Amita Rao [12:40]: "Issa is someone who feels her emotions real time and acts on them."
• Stefani Robinson [18:44]: "The characters as characters versus what you guys bring to them ... that really brings them alive."

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Available on Hulu: "Adults" is currently streaming on Hulu. For more information about the show and to watch episodes, visit Hulu's platform.

Transcript

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[Unknown]

This is all of it.

[Alison Stewart]

I'm Alison Stewart live from the WNYC studios in soho. Thank you for spending part of your day with us. I'm really grateful you are here. And I'm grateful for two other things. One the end of the heat wave and two happy last day of school. Speaking of schools, on today's show we'll hear about the play Trophy Boys, about boys at a prep school getting ready for debate. In this play, the actors are non binary and female actors. It was a huge hit in Australia and has now made its way to the Manhattan Theater Club. Emmanuel Mattant and Louisa Jacobson will be our guest. We'll also hear from singer songwriter Madison McFerrin. She'll join us for a listening party for her latest album, Scorpio. And we'll learn about the work of artist Buford Delaney, whom James Baldwin says was, quote, the first living, walking proof that a black man could be an artist. That's the plan. So let's get this started with the new series Adults. A new comedy series captures that awkward, hilarious and often chaotic stretch of early adulthood when everything feels really urgent and everyone seems to know how to do stuff, but they don't really. It's time to figure things out. It's called Adults. It follows a group of friends in their early 20s who are sharing a friend's childhood home in Queens, along with their anxieties, meals and sometimes even occasional toothbrush. The show introduces us to Samir, whose parents left him a house for him and his friends to live in, but he's struggling to find a career. Billy, who's unsure if she peaked in high school Anton, who's a nice person but who some might call a friend slut. And Issa, played by our next guest, Amita Rao, who's determined to be the life of the party and girlfriend to her chill, pansexual boyfriend, Paul Baker, the group's newest roomie. A Rolling Stone review called Adults a cringe comedy for the next generation and says the chemistry among the leads and the sense of extreme detailed intimacy the writers give the characters make it all work. Joining us now to discuss the showrunner, Stephanie Robinson, who's also known for her work as an executive producer and writer on Atlanta and what we do in the Shadows as well as the film Chevalier. Stephanie, nice to meet you.

[Stephanie Robinson]

So nice to meet you. Thanks for having me.

[Alison Stewart]

And also joining us is actor and comedian Amita Rao, who plays Issa. You may know her from Deli Boys, as well as her comedy group Gag Reflex. Hey, Amita.

[Amita Rao]

Thank you for having me. Hi.

[Alison Stewart]

Hi. So, Stephanie, you got to see the pilot of the series before signing on. What were you looking for in that script that you made? You think, yeah, I'll do this.

[Stephanie Robinson]

You know, it's a good question because I don't feel like I'm ever really looking for anything. Like, I think the. When I'm sort of approaching a new series or in this case, you know, the pilot had been shot, the script had been written, and there was a good chance that the show was going to go like. I think for me more than anything was just responding to the material that was there as a potential viewer. And I read, I didn't actually read the pilot first. I watched the pilot first and it was hilarious and so funny. And this, this cast felt so insular, I think, in the right ways. And there was sort of like a cozy feeling to it that I think I had been missing for a long time. But ultimately, like, aside from the brilliance of the script, it was really the cast for me that drew me in and I really couldn't get them and that chemistry out of my head.

[Unknown]

It's interesting that you say cozy. What do you mean when you say cozy?

[Stephanie Robinson]

I think, you know, like, I think that the show and like, I can talk more about the process of how we sort of approach, I think, breaking the season. But I think like, when I say cozy, I mean, like, it's not demanding in terms of like a high concept or, you know, we're not necessarily trying to preach to an audience about like, you know, a topic or a viewpoint or anything like that. Like, I think the goal of the show is really like, can this group of friends feel like you're friends and can you feel like the sixth roommate in this house? And that connection sort of being the thing that draws an audience in and, and feels like it's personal and, and I guess cozy being like, like being an extrapolation of that and meaning that like this made up friend group is a real friend group to me and it's like an escape that I can, you know, tap into when I need to. Sort of like, I think the best ensemble television, personally.

[Unknown]

Amita, you're in comedy troops. You read comedy, you see comedy. What did you Think when you saw the script and what did you think about the comedy in the script?

[Amita Rao]

Yeah, I had read so many scripts up to that point that like I felt like had so kind of misjudged the comedy of my age group and like used language that just felt like so foreign. And it was like the first script I had read where I was like, oh, this is so emblematic of the people I interact with and my friends and our sensibility. So when I read the script I was like just like absolutely taken with it. I couldn't believe I got to audition for something that I thought was so funny and also that I felt like I could actually contribute to with my own sensibility and make funnier. And I was like, oh my God, this is. I remember in my first audition I was like, by the way, to the writers, this is so good. I would be honored to work with.

[Unknown]

You in any capacity that's so interesting. Well, for example, you don't have to name names, but something that like a 40 or 50 year old wrote for, would write for a 20 something versus the way it was said in this particular scripts. In these particular scripts, I think, I.

[Amita Rao]

Think it's hard for me to recall a specific joke as much as like I feel like Ben and Rebecca have so much love for Gen Z and there is so much lack of self awareness but played with like the highest degree of love. Whereas like you read so many scripts where it's like a Gen Z girl going to the coffee shop and like using a Latin accent sometimes and it's like it's like not played with the same degree of love and it's kind of like all joke which just can sometimes also make the. If it's like if there's no love underneath, I do feel like the joke can become tired so fast.

[Unknown]

Stephanie, each generation has a show that speaks to them. You had friends, how I met your mother, girls. But you think about being in your 20s, it's different than it was 10 years ago, 20 years ago, 30 years ago, even five years ago. When you really think about it, what's unique to this experience of people who are living through their twenties now that you wanted to capture in the show?

[Stephanie Robinson]

You know, I actually would push back a little bit on that in that I think the thing that we discovered within this process, on the one hand, I think when we first were approaching breaking the season, I think our expectation was that we had sort of like the responsibility to speak about what being in your 20s means right now. And that was difficult, like, or potentially challenging. To sort of speak to the moment. But I think what we found when we were actually, you know, sort of the writers room was relating our experiences is that so much of this is so universal, really. Like, I think, like, the packaging is slightly different, but I think a lot of the angst, a lot of the confusion, a lot of the stress, a lot of the feeling, like, I mean, Samir mentioned some version of this in the pilot that I'm going to paraphrase, but, like, you know, I thought that I would arrive into adulthood, you know, like, sort of being welcomed, but it just sort of feels like everyone is annoyed that I'm here. I think that's a really universal experience for so many people who have gotten through their twenties and can kind of look back at that experience, which is just like you're. You're really just trying to figure out. So I think, like, the core of that is. Is a universe, like a universal experience. But at the same time, I think, like, you know, like Issa with the airtag, for instance. Like, I think that is a more, I think, current way that. And Amita, you can tell me, and I'm in my 30s, so I can't speak on much authority as you can, but. But I think this group of friends interact with each other through technology, and the ways in which I think that they relate to each other do feel slightly different for this time. So I think that there are little flourishes throughout all of these episodes that feel like they're more grounded in what feels more honest to a friend group today. But I think speaking to what Amitha had been saying about just the love or the heart of it, that was the crux, I think, of how we approached all of these characters with love. And also knowing that this experience is so universal, I think across the decades.

[Unknown]

Really, it's sort of interesting. It's kind of like, I'll push back on you a little bit. Is that specifically we're talking about technology? I can't imagine a camera being around in my 20s.

[Alison Stewart]

I'm lucky my camera wasn't around in.

[Unknown]

My 20s taking videos. But that. But the feeling is universal. The feeling of being 20 something is something that we can all remember or perhaps experience. What do you think, Amita?

[Amita Rao]

I completely agree. I'm like. I think the 20s is like the second puberty. I think it's like the second time you're, like, coming into self. It's like middle school. You're dealing with, like, the war of, like, coming into your body and, like, along with coming into your identity. Whereas, like. But I do feel like so many parts of your identity are filled in by, like, what your parents take care of. Whereas, like, in your 20s, all of that is removed and you have to come into your identity again with like, the people around you. And it's. I mean, it does feel like puberty. And also your body does change in your 20s as well.

[Unknown]

What do you both think makes New York a great background for a show like this? Stephanie, I'll let you go first.

[Stephanie Robinson]

Yeah, it's a really good question. And I think, like, if I think about this show in particular, and speaking only for this show, like, I think the. The idea of New York kind of representing to, I think potentially this generation and this group of friends in particular, like freedom and adulthood is. Is true to that, true to that friend group. And I think the. The sort of funny thing about this show in particular is that they're not living in Manhattan. They're not living in the thick of it all. They're not, you know, it's not Sex and the City, it's not friends, it's not glamorous, it's not splashy. They're living in a somewhat suburban environment. So there's like a. There's a within and without sort of experience having that. They're kind of adjacent to, I think the thrill of the concept of what adulthood means to them, but at the same time they're not having that experience. And I think that sort of metaphorically being representative of their sort of angst and struggle and, you know, search for their own identities is really important, I think, in how we crafted this show in particular and how Ben and Rebecca, I think, rooted these characters in. In this show and in this dynamic.

[Alison Stewart]

Amita, what do you think about New York as a backdrop to the show?

[Amita Rao]

Yeah, I feel like the liminal nature of like, their surroundings and how, like, not adult they are definitely helps, like, kind of situate them in their, like, individual conflicts and kind of like, increase. I think New York is kind of a pressure cooker of identity and you are like, kind of forced to reckon with who you are in like, a very intense way when you're in the city and you feel everyone around you feeling that as well. And I think not feeling yourself is part of that journey. But, like, I think all these characters feel that so intensely and it's just heightened by being in New York in a way that I think is, like, helpful for the story.

[Alison Stewart]

A new show follows a group of 20 somethings figuring out life in New York City. Showrunner Stephanie Robinson and actor Amita Rao, who stars as Issa, are here to discuss Adults, which is streaming on Hulu. I should say that I want to talk about something in the episode with you. It opens up. You're on the subway train with your friends. There's a guy who's masturbating in the corner. I don't know a woman who hasn't seen that on the subway. The group is kind of grossed out by it. But your character Issa, responds by basically doing the same. Could you walk us through that process and what does that tell us about her?

[Amita Rao]

Initially, I. Yeah, this was actually the scene that made me want to play the character. It was. I was like. Because initially I was auditioning for Billy and Issa, and I was like, oh, my God, this is so. Yeah. And I was like, oh, my God, this is, like, so insane and could go so badly. But that's what was so exciting about it. But, yeah, Issa is someone who feels her emotions real time and acts on them, which is a very fun to play because I kind of feel my emotions at a distance and, like, watch it ripple. But Issa is, like, galvanized by her emotions in the moment. She has a lot of righteousness, if misplaced, and so she sees this injustice and she takes it upon herself. And her anger thrusts her towards the only action she can think of in that moment, which is putting him through the same misery that she went through, which is watching someone masturbate unconsensually. And then she goes for it in a very, very aggressive way.

[Alison Stewart]

It's funny.

[Unknown]

I remember that happening to me in my 20s, and I can remember just.

[Alison Stewart]

Looking at the guy, I was like, oh, put that thing away.

[Amita Rao]

Oh. I was like, which part happened to you? You masturbated?

[Alison Stewart]

No, no, no, no, no.

[Unknown]

I watched the person do that and told him to put it away.

[Amita Rao]

I know. It's so shocking when it happens.

[Alison Stewart]

It's like, yeah, Stephanie, when you were thinking about the tone for the show.

[Unknown]

Because what Amita described is a really wild scene, what did you want the tone for the show to be?

[Stephanie Robinson]

I think that we wanted the tone to just be hard comedy. Like. Like that. That was. I mean, that. That was. The tone of the show is just sort of to be. To be a bit confrontational about what these kids are going through. And I think that moment in particular, I mean, it's. It happens so early in the pilot for a reason, because it sets the table for, you know, how we want the audience to experience the show. But, like, I think that Was it like, Ben and Rebecca were so clear about, like, you know, they wanted to tackle, you know, what it was like growing up in your 20s. And, you know, like, that had been done in so many different ways before. But I think there's their sort of slant on it, was that they wanted it to be a bit unflinching, a bit gross at times, a bit unpolished, and, you know, and I think sometimes downright nasty. Wouldn't you say, Miva?

[Amita Rao]

Yes, I say with a big smile. Yes.

[Unknown]

Isa so interesting because she has a lot of confidence in herself.

[Amita Rao]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

And she sort of likes taking on responsibilities, even if others haven't really asked her to take on those responsibilities.

[Amita Rao]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

Where does this confidence come from?

[Stephanie Robinson]

I think.

[Amita Rao]

I mean, I used a bunch of, like, frames of reference as well as, like, earlier iterations of myself for Issa, but I feel like, the root of her confidence. I do think she was very well loved by her parents. I think she has this, like, well of love inside of her, because you don't. You don't get that without that. And so I do think, like, the root of it is that love. And that's also why she has so much love to give. But I think also she just, like, hasn't experienced the logistical friction or even maybe a lot of the emotional friction of life that would burden someone with a lack of confidence or insecurity or anxiety. Like, I feel like. Yeah, for most of us, we, like, want people to perceive us as, like, interesting or special or, like, you know, something great. And with Issa, she's, like, is waiting for everyone to realize she's already those things. And because she's never really experienced anything to prove otherwise to her.

[Unknown]

Let's listen to a clip from adults to show people what we're talking about. In this scene from episode two, Samir, Issa, Paul Baker, and Anton, they go with Billy to the hospital for a colonoscopy. And Billy. Well, Billy chooses someone else as a proxy rather than Isaac.

[Alison Stewart]

Let's listen.

[Unknown]

This is from adults.

[F]

And we inspect the lining of the colon. Okay, got it. And you know she's allergic to sesame.

[Amita Rao]

What is he even saying?

[G]

Can I even use your card?

[Amita Rao]

Then I feel like I should be taking notes. Samir's not even.

[H]

Jeez.

[Stephanie Robinson]

Finally.

[Amita Rao]

Hi.

[H]

I'm so sorry. I'm, like, the f turn was a mess. How's it going?

[Amita Rao]

Truly horrible. Really?

[Stephanie Robinson]

Yeah.

[Amita Rao]

Billy didn't pick me as her proxy, even though I am literally the nexus of this friend group. Totally.

[H]

Yes. I meant more like House Billy doing Oh.

[Amita Rao]

I mean, she's touch and go.

[F]

What?

[Amita Rao]

What? I don't know. I don't know what that means. I'm just trying to tell you I feel unseen. Paul Baker.

[H]

Okay, I see you. I see you. I see you.

[F]

Hey. So she's not up yet, but I talked to the doctor, and she's. She's gonna be fine.

[G]

Thank you. Oh. What was wrong?

[F]

They don't even know what was wrong.

[G]

What?

[F]

I don't know.

[G]

What do you mean, they don't know?

[F]

Yeah, I mean, they want her back in two weeks, obviously, for endoscopy. It's like a throat scope thing. And, yeah, insurance is gonna cover the whole thing. Bada bing, bada boom. Taken care of, managed it. No worries. What?

[G]

No, nothing.

[F]

Nothing.

[G]

I mean, she might not have insurance in two weeks, but.

[Amita Rao]

She might not have insurance in two weeks. Samir.

[F]

What?

[G]

She's insured through work.

[Amita Rao]

Insured through work. Sameer. So we have to get this done today, otherwise she's gonna owe, like, a million dollars when she is out of work. I'm gonna have to deal with this.

[F]

No, no, Issa, you're gonna make it worse.

[Amita Rao]

You're not doing anything.

[F]

Okay, well, she picked me. Isa.

[H]

I'm the Praxis proxy.

[F]

Proxy?

[Unknown]

Yes. Amir Amita. Why is it important for her to be the proxy?

[Amita Rao]

I think in this, what I just said, like, Issa's waiting for everyone to realize all of those things about her, and she. I think you believe your friend's perception of you more than anything. So she's like, yeah, you have to choose me as a proxy, because that is testament to my value as a friend, as an interesting and special and responsible person. So it's, like, it's really important for her to be chosen, especially by Billie, who's kind of, like, emblematic of the maturity and, like, I think, like, most adult of the group. And so, like, her opinion and her choices really are representative of maturity overall for Issa. So I think not being chosen by her is, like, a huge blow.

[Alison Stewart]

Stephanie, each one of these characters has unique traits, unique flaws as well. How much of the characters personalities are, in part, influenced by the actors?

[Stephanie Robinson]

I think a lot of them are. I would say a lot of them are in a great way. Ametha, you can probably speak more to this, but I think the relationship that the actors have on set and off of set, I think is really special and really singular because a lot of what you were seeing on set kind of mirrors what happens in real life. So I think that bond that you guys Have Amitha, right. Is like. Is so genuine, and you guys are patient with each other. You guys are able to point out each other's flaws and weaknesses and then bolster each other up all within that process, which I'm incredibly impressed with. I think it's an incredibly mature thing for a young group of actors to be able to embrace each other in such a professional but also loving way. So I think, like, that, like, dynamic and this ability for you guys to be so close on and off the set, like, I think that's what audiences are sort of responding to when they are responding to your characters, is that. That you guys are first and foremost incredible comedic performers. But I think that kind of X factor underneath it all is that you guys do care about one another in a really genuine and authentic way. And I think think that kind of, like, permeates the experience. The experience for everybody, and it's really, really special. So in that way, I think, like, the. The characters as characters versus what you guys bring to them. Like, that, to me, really brings them alive and has been, I think, the thing that has made this ensemble so special.

[Alison Stewart]

Amita, you come from improvisation, Second City in Chicago. What is something that you learned from.

[Unknown]

Your time in improvisation that really helps you on adults?

[Amita Rao]

I mean, I think improv. I think the core of improv was so, so deeply helpful for an ensemble comedy. Like, as to what Stephanie is saying, it's like, I do think, like, the X factor is the love underneath, and I think improv teaches you how to love your scene partner in a way and really take care of them. Like, the philosophy of improv is, I am because you are great, and I can be great because you are great. And so it's like being able to lift up each other in scenes, I think has being taught that has given me everything in regards to what I can give to a scene and also in regards to sketch. I feel like in regards to playing out a sketch, it's so important to know your role and know your role in the rhythm of the scene and kind of what your purpose is to serve the scene. And I feel like learning that, too, was very helpful in an ensemble comedy because we're often in service to other people's storylines and plots. And so, like, yeah, both of those were helpful, but I think, like, improv truly taught me how to be a good scene partner.

[Unknown]

Stephanie, from your experience working on Atlanta and what we do in the shadows, what did you learn from those experiences that has helped you as a showrunner to help your talent thrive?

[Stephanie Robinson]

Yeah, I think that those shows are all so completely different. Like, that's sort of what I've learned. But I think, like. Like Atlanta is incredibly different from what we do in the shadows. And what we do in the shadows is incredibly different from adults and. And any configuration of how you want to, you know, compare those television shows. But I think, like that because they're so different, what I've learned that each show just needs a different. It has a different set of needs, I imagine. I don't have children, but I'm sure that's how like to parent. But I think that that's the truth of it is that, like, you kind of need to come into a series with almost no expectations because it's a different ecosystem each time and requires different levels of care, different levels of, you know, like, comedic timing. And like, all of those are ensembles, but they're such completely different ensembles. So I think, like, the thing that I've learned is, like, you know, listen to the needs and the wants of each individual television show, and those needs and wants become incredibly clear once you make space to let that actually happen.

[Alison Stewart]

Amit, I'm gonna ask you to tell us about a scene that was a bit hard for you, bit harder for the cast that they couldn't quite get right but ended up working out.

[Unknown]

Oh.

[Amita Rao]

Oh, you're good. I thought you were. I thought you would tell. Describe.

[Alison Stewart]

No, I want you to. I want you to tell us about one. Like, we've heard, like, this is a really good cast. Everybody cares about each other. But there must have been a. When it was just like, this isn't quite working out.

[Amita Rao]

Oh, of course. I mean, there were so many times it wasn't working out. I feel like that how many times it wasn't working out was probably most helpful to getting the rhythm of it. I feel like. I feel like what the thing I remember most struggling with sometimes, especially when we would do late night scenes, is like sometimes we just wouldn't get the rhythm of the scene right. And we just like, we weren't able to get. Cause you know, there's usually a game in every scene that you're kind of trying to accomplish. And like, Stephanie can speak better to this because I feel like she really had this zoomed out perspective and was kind of giving us notes to make sure that the game was identifiable and legible. And so. And I remember there were multiple scenes. Like the one that comes most clearly to mind was the coat scene with Anton, you remember, at the end of episode three or. Yeah. And I remember like we just like weren't injecting it with enough momentum and it just, and honestly that would happen. I feel like that was, was actually a problem that would pop up with scenes frequently where it's like it just didn't have the momentum the scene needed to actually go all the way through and get to the emotional height it needed to get to. So it's long days on set. I think people's energy can really flag and if you're not pinpoint precision on what kind of needs to be accomplished by the end of the scene, it can just kind of get lost. But Stephanie again, really had that zoomed out perspective of that. So you might be able to speak to that better.

[Unknown]

Yeah. I was going to ask you about pacing.

[Stephanie Robinson]

Yeah, I think that, I mean, Amita is exactly right. Like, I think that, you know, it's the pacing in scenes, it's all about a rhythm and all about listening to your scene partners. And I think with the sort of really long hours and you know, jamming a lot of scenes into different blocks, there are inevitably those times where, you know, half of the cast is exhausted based on the schedule that you know that they've had the day or the week prior. Half of the cast isn't because of just how that works out. And so it's all about sort of like celebrating that rhythm and sort of figuring it out. And sometimes it is just kind of like, guys just wake up, you know, I mean the amount of times that I have to walk on, just wake up. Like just like pretend, pretend if you have to, like, but just like find some way to inject yourself with energy and like, just get through it and let's jam through it and it's gonna be okay. And I think like at the end of the day it's like reminding these guys, Amita, like, like it's gonna be okay because you're incredible performers. But you know, like it's just dialing in and focusing and that's not a normal. Like that's part of the process. And that's part of any process really.

[Amita Rao]

I would say they're also such tight episodes, 22 minutes. So it's like the scenes really do have to be tight in a rhythmic sense.

[Unknown]

The name of the show is Adults. It's streaming now on Hulu. My guests have been showrunner Stephanie Robinson and actor Amita Rao. Thanks for making time with us today.

[Amita Rao]

Thanks for having us.

[Stephanie Robinson]

Yes. Love this.

[Amita Rao]

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[Progressive Insurance]

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