United States of Al is an American television sitcom created by David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari. It stars Adhir Kalyan and Parker Young, with Elizabeth Alderfer, Kelli Goss, Dean Norris, and Farrah Mackenzie in supporting roles. The series follows Al (Kalyan), an interpreter from Afghanistan who moves to Columbus, Ohio, with his friend Riley (Young), a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Executive produced by Chuck Lorre, it is produced and distributed by Warner Bros. Television Studios.
A television pilot for the series was announced in October 2019, with production beginning the following year. CBS gave the project a series order in November 2020, and it aired from April 1, 2021, to May 19, 2022. Released to mixed reviews, United States of Al was criticized for its humor, use of antiquated tropes, and casting of an Indo-South African actor to play an Afghan lead with an inauthentic accent. However, the show was praised by some for its attempts to diversify television, and for the cultural representation of its main character. At the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards, the show's pilot received a nomination for Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Program. In May 2021, the series was renewed for a second and final season which premiered on October 7, 2021. In May 2022, the series was canceled after two seasons.
Premise
The series follows the friendship between Riley, a combat veteran, and Awalmir (Al), an interpreter from Afghanistan who helped the former while he served in the Marines. As they readjust to their normal lives in Columbus, Ohio, Al moves in with Riley and meets his father Art. He later learns Riley is going through a divorce with his wife Vanessa, who has custody of their only daughter Hazel. Trying to help his friend, who is also dealing with PTSD, Al decides to make it his mission to get Riley and Vanessa back together.
Cast and characters
Main
Adhir Kalyan as Awalmir Karimi, an interpreter from Afghanistan (born in Kandahar and moved to Kabul) who also goes by Al Parker Young as Riley Dugan, a Marine combat veteran trying to readjust to civilian life in Ohio Elizabeth Alderfer as Lizzie Dugan, the daughter of Art and the younger sister of Riley Kelli Goss as Vanessa, Riley's estranged wife and the mother of their daughter Dean Norris as Art Dugan, a veteran and the father of Riley and Lizzie Farrah Mackenzie as Hazel Dugan, Riley and Vanessa's daughter She is a tomboy, and rebellious like her father.
Recurring
Brian Thomas Smith as Freddy, Vanessa's Canadian boyfriend
Rachel Bay Jones as Lois, Art's new love interest
Azita Ghanizada as Ariana (season 2; guest season 1), Kasim's daughter and Al's love interest Amanda Payton as Holly, Riley's girlfriend Blake Clark as Wayne (season 2), Riley's therapist John Ross Bowie as Professor Brett Williams (season 2), Al's university professor and Lizzie's love interest Jayma Mays as Cindy (season 2)
Guest
Patrick Cage as Michael, Lizzie's late fiancé
Zarmina Hamidi as Gul Bashra, Al's strict mother
Wali Habib as Zubair, Al's cousin
Sitara Attaie as Hassina, Al's sister
Susan Ruttan as Mrs. Foster, Al's neighbor
Riki Lindhome as Chloe, a car dealership manager who sells Al a car
Zadran Wali as Kasim, the owner of a restaurant Al visits
Nikki Crawford as Barbara, Art's date
Patrick Fischler as Clint, a rude client
Fahim Anwar as Mo (season 2) Clyde Kusatsu as Doctor Tanaka (season 2) Myko Olivier as Todd (season 2) Johnny Ray Gill as Badger (season 2) Cameron Elie as Nate (season 2) Jimmy Walker, Jr. as Walt (season 2) Hermie Castillo as Derek (season 2) Erica Hanrahan as Lyla (season 2) Dayne Jarrah as Danny (season 2) Angel Laketa Moore as Mrs. Ro (season 2) Deniz Akdeniz as Dirk (season 2) Artoun Nazareth as Luke (season 2) Ahan Das Chowdhury as Sanjay (season 2) George Sharperson as Gus (season 2)
Episodes
Season 1 (2021)
Season 2 (2021–22)