It’s a challenge to navigate social media without encountering the buzz surrounding FX’s critically acclaimed sitcom, Adults. As the second season unfolds, a combination of innovative promotional strategies and instantly meme-able moments has propelled star Malik Elassal and his co-stars into the digital spotlight, solidifying their presence across various platforms. The show, which returned for its sophomore run last week, continues to deliver sharp humor and relatable character dynamics, a sentiment echoed by Elassal himself in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
"Seeing these people again is exciting," Elassal shared, speaking via Zoom on a Friday afternoon, a welcome respite following a mid-press cycle nap. The 30-year-old actor, who portrays the character Samir, expressed a deep satisfaction with the creative process and the camaraderie on set. "It just feels like we’re doing a good thing," he added, underscoring the cast’s shared commitment to the project’s success.
The Nuances of Samir’s Relationships in Season Two
Throughout the current season of Adults, Elassal’s character, Samir, often embodies the role of the supportive friend to the central ensemble, which includes Lucy Freyer as Billie, Owen Thiele as Anton, Amita Rao as Issa, and Jack Innanen as Paul Baker. Simultaneously, he navigates his role as a devoted boyfriend to Carly, played by Rachel Marsh. However, the narrative takes a compelling turn in the season’s sixth episode, titled "Pop Girlie." Under the influence of questionable advice from Anton, Carly makes the pivotal decision to abandon her dental school aspirations in pursuit of her true passion: becoming a K-pop star.
This storyline presented a significant challenge for Elassal. "That was actually a tough one to play," he admitted. The comedian elaborated on the inherent difficulty of portraying a character who, despite potentially valid concerns, actively discourages his girlfriend’s newfound dream. He noted the audience’s potential aversion to a character attempting to manipulate his partner’s choices, even if he believes he’s acting in her best interest. The episode’s featured song, "Hiccups (Body Go Crazy)," has since become a viral sensation online, humorously suggesting that Samir’s reservations might not have been entirely justified.
Elassal reflected on the comedic potential of such internal conflict. "It was just a very conflicting thing, which is the best thing for a sitcom," he stated. "I think somehow, just because he thinks he’s a good person, that he thinks he can do no wrong. Even if the thing is messy, you see that he feels that way about himself a little bit." He paused, then added with a self-aware chuckle, "I didn’t know that I felt that way until I just said that." This candid admission highlights the organic development of his character and the actors’ deep engagement with their roles.
Behind the Scenes: The Commitment and Camaraderie of Adults
The experience of watching the show unfold, seeing scenes he remembers meticulously shooting reduced to mere seconds on screen, is a peculiar yet familiar sensation for Elassal. Despite the ephemeral nature of some comedic moments, the cast’s dedication to achieving perfection remains unwavering. "It is really odd, but we just all really care about making this thing so much," he emphasized. This shared passion is a driving force behind the show’s consistent quality.
There haven’t been any "phone it in" days on the set of Adults. Instead, the cast and crew often grapple with the challenge of maintaining composure during particularly hilarious moments. A recently released blooper reel serves as testament to the infectious laughter that permeates the production. Elassal singled out a scene featuring Julian Manjerico’s character, Zac Carlos, as the most challenging to navigate without breaking character.
"I cannot convey to you how hard every single person was laughing on that day and how hard it was to do that, to watch Julian Manjerico dance like that," Elassal recounted with a smile. "I was specifically watching Jack [Innanen] try so hard not to laugh, that literally tears were stress falling from his eyes from trying not to ruin the take." This anecdote illustrates the genuine joy and infectious humor that define the show’s production environment.
Navigating the Dramatic Peaks of the Season Finale
Adding another layer to season two’s narrative arc was the introduction of Paul Baker’s "bro" friends, a group of stereotypical yet good-natured "dude bros." Coincidentally, these characters were present during one of Elassal’s most demanding filming days. The dramatic season finale sees Samir and Carly reaching a poignant parting of ways, with Carly preparing to move to Seattle.
The breakup scene was complicated by Samir’s attempt at a grand romantic gesture, an endeavor that involved the aforementioned "bros," a cameo by Julia Fox, and a crucial basketball shot. Elassal revealed the sheer difficulty of executing this particular scene, which required him to make the shot approximately "40 times." He recalled his initial confidence, having successfully made the shot once during rehearsal, only to be confronted with unexpected challenges during the actual take.
"When it came time, I was just fucked," he admitted candidly. "I had to do it 40 times and keep a tear in my eye. I didn’t have any thoughts in my head." Elassal expressed a sense of absurdity and pressure, particularly concerning Julia Fox’s time and the presence of numerous crew members. "It was like being on mushrooms. There was no time or space. There’s a hundred crew members looking at me. There’s just money flying around my head," he described, painting a vivid picture of the high-stakes environment.
The Unexpected Romantic Turn: Samir and Billie’s Future
Following the emotionally charged breakup with Carly, the season finale introduces another significant plot development for Samir: a romantic entanglement with Billie. This is the first time Elassal has discussed this particular storyline with an outsider to the production, and he admitted to a degree of uncertainty about its eventual outcome.
"I’m worried for Billie and Samir," he confessed. "I’ve had that happen in a friend group before, where two people hooked up. They either got to get married or this is bad." As an actor invested in his character’s journey, Elassal harbors a degree of apprehension, fearing that Samir might "fuck this up." The revelation of this plot twist came as a surprise, even though he acknowledged perceiving subtle hints throughout the season. The creative team opted to withhold this information from the actors until closer to filming, a strategic decision designed to prevent them from consciously playing towards the eventual outcome and thus maintaining the natural progression of their performances.
"The fans already think we’re doing that all the time, and we’re really not. We’re just playing the scenes out," Elassal clarified, addressing the perception among viewers that the cast might be subtly hinting at future romantic developments. He humorously recounted encountering numerous TikTok edits featuring him in scenes with prolonged gazes he doesn’t recall performing. "Where did you even get that footage? I didn’t even do that," he quipped.
Personal Reflections and the Demands of Promotion
Amidst the extensive promotional schedule for the new season, Elassal is actively seeking moments of respite. He candidly shared a personal anecdote about his recent attempts to embrace a more structured routine, which inadvertently led to him being late for this interview. His experiment with being a "nap guy" proved less successful than anticipated.
"Can you include this?" he requested, with a playful earnestness. "He took his retainer out and locked in for the interview. This guy needs to be working at Walmart again. I’m too off leash." This self-deprecating humor offers a glimpse into his personality and his ongoing efforts to balance his creative pursuits with personal well-being.
All episodes of Adults season two are currently available for streaming on Hulu. The show also airs weekly on FXX, providing multiple avenues for audiences to engage with the series’ continued success and Elassal’s compelling performance. The show’s ability to blend relatable humor with genuine emotional depth continues to resonate with critics and audiences alike, marking it as a significant player in the contemporary television landscape.
