‘United States of Al’: Show Will Address Current World Events
CBS‘ fall season is in full force, with many fan favorites returning. One of the TV shows coming back for another season is United States of Al. The series premiered in April 2021 to mixed reactions; however, that didn’t stop network executives from seeing its potential. Season 2 of the show underwent some last-minute changes, including rewriting storylines to focus on the recent events.
‘United States of Al’ to address current situation in Afghanistan
The sitcom follows the lives of Afghanistan interpreter Awalmir “Al” Karimi (Adhir Kalyan), who moves to Ohio. Al reconnects with his friend Riley (Parker Young), who helps him adjust to life in the United States. Al becomes part of Riley’s family yet misses his relatives, who he connects with via video messages.
The Season 2 premiere begins with the show addressing the current situation of the Taliban taking over Afghanistan and the US withdrawing troops. In a preview for the Oct. 7 premiere, Al becomes concerned about his family’s safety after hearing the news. He’s later on the phone trying to calm his sister Hassina (Sitara Attai), who is fleeing to the airport.
Rewrites to the Season 2 premiere
United States of Al producers already had another story planned for the Season 2 premiere. But the current situation in Afghanistan caused them to rewrite the script. With many of the writing staff consisting of Afghan Americans and veterans, the recent events hit home for them.
Although the producers felt the story needed to be addressed, there were some concerns. In an interview with TheHollywoodReporter.com, executive producer Mahyad Tousi revealed a meeting took place to decide how to move forward with the storyline. “It forced us, the writers and the rest of the staff, especially the Afghans, to figure out, ‘All right, how do we do this? How do we respond?”
Fan reaction to the Afghanistan storyline
The show had a challenge with writing current events in the script. However, CBS Entertainment chief Kelly Kahl revealed the Oct. 7 premiere “will be a very powerful, moving episode of television.” United States of Al fans are already expecting a dramatic episode.
On Twitter, viewers were chatting about the preview for Season 2. “Omg, I know I’ll be needing tissues to get through this season,” wrote one fan. Another commenter chimed in with, “I’m feeling emotional already with this small preview clip.” If the Season 2 premiere is any indication, there will be many tears shed with the characters and the fans.
