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Unstable

Unstable

A different kind of succession story.

2023–2024Ended2 seasons16 episodes~25 min/epTV-14Midcredits score: 36th percentile of all shows

He's an eccentric biotech genius. His son's a pragmatist living in his shadow. To save the family business, they'll have to work through some issues.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Unstable?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Unstable streaming on Netflix.

Subscription

Highlights

What stands out about Unstable?

Unstable earns 2 badges, led by Fun and Preferred by US Viewers.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Unstable worth watching?

Unstable's Midcredits score is the 36th percentile of all shows, from 12K ratings across 2 sources. 65% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

36th percentile

Better received than 36% of shows

33rd percentile among Comedy41st percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)34th
Approval (how many liked it)40th

Acclaim

Mixed: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

67 /100

34th percentile of all shows

33rd percentile among Comedy37th percentile among 2020s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.0 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

65% liked it

40th percentile of all shows

35th percentile among Comedy45th percentile among 2020s
65% rated it 7–1035% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

89th percentile

12K ratings across platforms

82nd percentile among Comedy91st percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 18% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

The show is a quirky, fast-paced workplace comedy centered on a father-son relationship, with a tone that blends dry humor and absurdity.

Fans praised

  • witty fast-paced dialogue and banter
  • strong cast chemistry, especially the Lowe father-son duo
  • quirky, offbeat humor reminiscent of Better Off Ted and Parks and Rec

Detractors panned

  • nepotism and weak performance from John Owen Lowe
  • season 2 drop-off in writing and humor
  • forced, over-the-top acting and contrived characters

What stands out

ActingDivisive68

Rob Lowe praised as charming; John Owen Lowe widely panned as wooden

DialogueDivisive65

Fast, witty banter; some find it forced and unnatural

HumorDivisive62

Quirky and dry; many found it unfunny or cringey

CharactersDivisive60

Eccentric and quirky cast; some feel like caricatures

PacingDivisive60

Fast-paced and bingeable; some episodes lag

OriginalityDivisive55

Feels derivative of Better Off Ted and Parks and Rec

Emotional impact55

Tender moments in grief and father-son bond

Plot and storyDivisive50

Thin storyline; season 2 drops plot threads

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 15 points higher than non-US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 7 points apart

Episodes

2 seasons

Season 2 · 2024 · 8 episodes

  • S2E1

    Shanked

    Aug 1, 202422 min
  • S2E2

    Winning Time

    Aug 1, 202423 min
  • S2E3

    Retreat

    Aug 1, 202425 min
  • S2E4

    Mindhunter

    Aug 1, 202423 min
  • S2E5

    MOCAP Man

    Aug 1, 202422 min
  • S2E6

    Dragon Slayer

    Aug 1, 202427 min
  • S2E7

    Ron Tabasco

    Aug 1, 202424 min
  • S2E8

    Ellis U

    Aug 1, 202431 minFinale

Watch experience

What is Unstable like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Ironic, light and gentle — a slow-burn watch that leaves you entertained.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
JoyfulAbsurd
Heaviest: throughout
Absurdist humor: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Register
Deadpan · 1% of shows: Delivered flat and unsmiling, which is the joke.Wry · 7% of shows: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Case of the week plus an arcOne continuous story
ToneThe show plays its absurd premise and characters with a straight-faced, deadpan style, undercutting its own seriousness for comedy.
The rideConsistently light and comedic, with sporadic moments of warm insight; the emotional register does not vary widely.
StructureEpisodes follow a conventional setup-complication-resolution pattern.
Episode formatEach episode appears to focus on a company or family problem, while the series arc concerns the father-son relationship and saving the business.
Season formatThe synopsis indicates a single ongoing story across two seasons about Jackson working at his father's company.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
FunHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe show leaves a light, amusing impression; even with its flaws, it's a pleasant watch.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Comedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12% (this title): Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% (this title) · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Buddy comedy: A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).

12% of shows fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe show is a workplace comedy built around the eccentric father and his socially awkward son; each episode typically follows their chaotic interactions at the biotech company.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31% (this title): Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% (this title) · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsComing of age · 9% of showsPurpose
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe central dynamic is a son navigating his eccentric father's world, exploring family ties and personal growth within a quirky workplace.
StanceThe series humorously observes the father-son dynamic within the business setting without moralizing or satirizing it heavily.

The world

ContemporaryInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalElectronicSupportive music · original score
Settinga biological research company

Content guide

Is Unstable okay for kids?

TV-14

Unstable is rated TV-14. As of August 29, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (17/100), sexual content at mild (22/100), language at moderate (50/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (17/100) and frightening material at mild (15/100). Its violence and drug and alcohol content have too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 12% of TV-14 shows.

Ratings in 29 other countries
  • UK12
  • Canada18+
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • Ireland12
  • New ZealandM
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil12
  • ArgentinaSAM 13
  • Austria14
  • Czechia15+
  • Hungary16
  • IDD
  • IndiaU/A 13+
  • MA16
  • MexicoC
  • MY18
  • Netherlands9
  • Poland16
  • PRTV-MA
  • RO15
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporeM18
  • South Africa13
  • Spain12
  • Switzerland16
  • THน 13+
  • Türkiye18+
  • VITV-MA
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 14% of all showsHeavier than 12% of TV-14 shows
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for a TV-14 show
heavier than 16%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 72%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for a TV-14 show
heavier than 15%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 72% of TV-14 shows.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Unstable have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Unstable?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Rob Lowe
as Ellis Dragon
Established: A standing when this show came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
John Owen Lowe
as Jackson Dragon
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Sian Clifford
as Anna
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Aaron Branch
as Malcolm
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Rachel Marsh
as Luna
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Emma Ferreira
as Ruby
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Fred Armisen
as Leslie
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Lamorne Morris
as Peter
Iris Apatow
as Georgia
Tom Allen
as TJ
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

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What other shows share a tag with Unstable?

394 other shows share the rarest tag below, kind of show: buddy comedy. Each tag opens Browse with the shows that share it.