Coming-of-age comedies have become a staple of modern television, with shows like Overcompensating and Mindy Kaling's Not Suitable for Work exploring the messy, hilarious realities of young adulthood. Among the freshest voices in this crowded genre is Adults, an FX and Hulu series executive produced by Nick Kroll that debuted on May 28, 2025. The show follows a tight-knit group of friends as they stumble through careers, relationships, and the chaos of being in your twenties.
Now, ahead of its highly anticipated second season (premiering August 27), Adults has thrown fans a curveball: a 20-minute prequel episode titled "Marathon Day," released on July 31. This one-off installment serves as an origin story, revealing how the final member of the friend group, Paul Baker (Jack Innanen), first joined the crew. Creators Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw teased the episode in a press release, saying, "We love a good origin story, and we can't wait for you to see where the radioactive spider bit Paul Baker." The episode not only delights fans but also demonstrates that the series can thrive when it deviates from its established formula.
What Happens in 'Marathon Day'?
"Marathon Day" kicks off with Anton (Owen Thiele) in a bind after his coworkers catch him in a lie. Months earlier, he claimed to be a runner during a workplace icebreaker, and now his colleagues are cheering him on at the New York City Marathon. Rather than confess, Anton doubles down, enlisting Samir (Malik Elassal), Issa (Amita Rao), and Billie (Lucy Freyer) to help him fake completing the race.
Meanwhile, Issa and Samir grab coffee, where Samir warns Issa about her habit of falling for "strays"—men who inevitably disappoint her. Just as Issa vows to change her ways, Paul Baker, having actually finished the marathon, stumbles in and collapses at their feet. While the marathon lie spirals into absurdity, Paul ends up on Samir's rooftop, where Anton tries to steal his foil blanket. In a final twist, Paul joins the lie and officially becomes part of the group.
Breaking the Formula Works
By stepping outside its usual timeline, Adults proves it can experiment with structure without losing its comedic edge or emotional resonance. The prequel pauses the forward momentum of Season 2 to offer a glimpse into Paul's backstory, and it pays off. The episode is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, including a killer final line from Paul, and deepens our affection for the character. It's a smart move that highlights the group's chaotic chemistry while delivering the character development fans crave.
The decision to center the prequel on Paul Baker is particularly savvy. Innanen, relatively new to acting, made Paul an instant fan favorite in Season 1 with his easygoing, naive charm. As one Rotten Tomatoes review noted, "In Innanen's hands, he's the everyman you didn't realize you needed." By putting Paul front and center, the episode showcases the show's secret weapon and gives viewers a reason to be even more invested in his journey.
This willingness to play with format is a trend we're seeing across the streaming landscape. For instance, Blade Runner 2099's miniseries format proves that breaking traditional structures can breathe new life into a franchise. Similarly, Gen V's departure from its source material made it more relatable, and the best action comedies often thrive on unexpected twists. Adults is now joining that ranks, showing that a prequel episode can be just as hilarious and impactful as the main series.
As fans eagerly await Season 2, "Marathon Day" serves as a perfect appetizer—funny, unpredictable, and full of heart. It's a testament to the show's versatility and a clear sign that Adults isn't afraid to take risks. If this prequel is any indication, the upcoming season is going to be even more exciting. And who knows? Maybe we'll see more one-off episodes in the future, because when Adults breaks its own rules, it finds comedy gold.
