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United States of Al 2021
United States of Al is an American television sitcom written by David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari. The show features Adhir Kalyan and Parker Young in leading roles, with Elizabeth Alderfer, Kelli Goss, Dean Norris, and Farrah Mackenzie appearing in supporting capacities. The storyline centers on Al (Kalyan), an Afghan interpreter who relocates to Columbus, Ohio, alongside his companion Riley (Young), a former United States Marine Corps veteran. Chuck Lorre served as executive producer, while Warner Bros. Television handled production and distribution.
A pilot episode for the series was announced in October 2019, with actual filming starting the subsequent year. CBS officially ordered United States of Al into production in November 2020, and the show ran from April 1, 2021 through May 19, 2022. Critics offered varied responses, with some noting weaknesses in comedic execution, outdated character portrayals, and concerns over an Indo-South African actor playing an Afghan role with what many considered a "inauthentic accent." Despite these critiques, others appreciated efforts toward greater television diversity and the authentic depiction of Al's background. The pilot earned a nomination at the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Program. Renewal came in May 2021 for a second and final season, launching on October 7, 2021. After two seasons, the series concluded in May 2022.
Cast
- Adhir KalyanAwalmir Karimi
- Parker YoungRiley Dugan
- Elizabeth AlderferLizzie Dugan
- Kelli GossVanessa
- Dean NorrisArt Dugan
- Farrah MackenzieHazel Dugan
- Brian Thomas SmithFreddy
- Rachel Bay JonesLois
- Azita GhanizadaAriana
- Amanda PaytonHolly
- Blake ClarkWayne
- John Ross BowieProfessor Brett Williams
- Jayma MaysCindy
- Patrick CageMichael
- Zarmina HamidiGul Bashra
- Wali HabibZubair
- Sitara AttaieHassina
- Susan RuttanMrs. Foster
- Riki LindhomeChloe
- Zadran WaliKasim
- Nikki CrawfordBarbara
- Patrick FischlerClint
- Fahim AnwarMo
- Clyde KusatsuDoctor Tanaka
- Myko OlivierTodd
- Johnny Ray GillBadger
- Cameron ElieNate
- Jimmy Walker, Jr.Walt
- Hermie CastilloDerek
- Erica HanrahanLyla
- Dayne JarrahDanny
- Angel Laketa MooreMrs. Ro
- Deniz AkdenizDirk
- Artoun NazarethLuke
- Ahan Das ChowdhurySanjay
- George SharpersonGus
Crew
- Director
- Mark Cendrowski, Nikki Lorre
- Creator
- David Goetsch, Maria Ferrari
- Producer
- Jay O'Connell, Adhir Kalyan, Parker Young
- Executive producer
- David Goetsch, Maria Ferrari, Mark Cendrowski, Reza Aslan, Mahyad Tousi, Chuck Lorre
- Cinematography
- Christian La Fountaine
- Music
- Robert Randolph and the Family Band
Details
- Production
- Chuck Lorre Productions, Warner Bros. Television
- Network
- CBS
