Adult Beginners

When thirty-something Jake Thompson’s life unravels after a spectacular failure in his start-up venture, he finds himself moving back to his childhood home in suburban New Jersey. With his ambitions crushed and his bank account dwindling, Jake reluctantly becomes an adult beginner—navigating the complexities and absurdities of life in the same town he once yearned to escape.

His unexpected return to his parents’ house throws him back into a quirky family dynamic. His mother, Carla, is a fiercely independent woman juggling a part-time job while attempting to understand her new role as a grandmother to Jake’s sister’s kids. Meanwhile, his father, Jim, is a lovable yet clueless retiree who has taken up a failed attempt at starting a podcast about ‘dad life,’ adding a comedic layer to Jake’s already chaotic return.

As Jake reintegrates into his childhood community, he unexpectedly reconnects with his high school crush, Sarah, who is now a successful yoga instructor navigating her own post-divorce challenges. Their rekindled friendship serves as a comedic backdrop to Jake’s journey of self-discovery. Together, they explore what it means to start anew, supporting each other through their misadventures while challenging the cultural norms of adulthood.

Amidst the chaos, Jake’s younger sister, Emily, becomes an unexpected source of inspiration. A spirited high school senior grappling with her own future and societal pressure, she challenges Jake to confront his lingering insecurities and embrace the unpredictability of life instead of avoiding it.

Adult Beginners weaves humor and sentimentality, exploring themes of failure, resilience, and the realities of growing up that don’t always come with a handbook. With a colorful cast of eccentric neighbors and friends—like the conspiracy theorist barista and the hipster dog trainer—each episode dives into the hilarious and heartwarming moments of taking life one day at a time. As Jake learns to redefine his version of success, it becomes abundantly clear that sometimes being an adult beginner is exactly what one needs to find their true path and purpose.