Summary
Netflix’s father-son workplace comedy,Unstable, stars Rob Lowe and his son, John Owen Lowe, but the rest of the show’s actors are just as exciting as the leads.Unstablefirst premiered in 2023, whileseason 2 dropped in August 2024. The show follows Jackson, a socially shy young man who must save his narcissistic father from a downward spiral by working at his biotech company.Unstablehas received mostly positive reviews, with many critics praising the series for its sharp humor, quirkiness, and Rob Lowe’s reliable comedic performance.
The cast ofUnstableis a mix of major Hollywood stars and new talent. Though Rob Lowe headlines the series, much of the show’s limelight also shines on John Owen Lowe, who hasn’t done much acting outsideUnstable. This combination works perfectly for the comedyshow streaming on Netflix.Unstablemakes the most of its lead,but it also gives its younger actors time to shine.Unstable’scast is relatively small but very significant to the success of the show.Unstableseason 3is not confirmed yet.
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Rob Lowe As Ellis Dragon
Date Of Birth: August 12, 2025
Actor:Rob Lowe was born in Charlottesville, Virginia. His first on-screen project was the sitcomA New Kind of Family.Though Lowe earned a Golden Globe nomination for his next role inThursday’s Child,his true breakout came in 1983 when he starred as Sodapop inThe Outsiders.From there, Lowe became part of a group of young actors calledthe Brat Pack. He gained popularity for movies such asSt. Elmo’s FireandAbout Last Night…Lowe eventually returned to television, where he appeared in exciting roles likeThe West WingandParks and Recreation.
Parks and Recreation
9-1-1: Lone Star
Owen Strand
Character:InUnstable,Rob Lowe plays Ellis Dragon, a biotech CEOwho is falling apart after the death of his wife. Despite his arrogant and eccentric personality, Ellis finds solace in his son, Jackson. Thus, audiences see Ellis at his best and absolute worst in this series.
John Owen Lowe As Jackson Dragon
Date Of Birth: August 04, 2025
Actor:John Owen Lowe was born in Los Angeles, California. Lowe began his career in his early 20s when he earned a recurring role in the legal sitcom,The Grinder.A couple of years later, Lowe received more traction after appearing inThe Lowe Files,wherein he and his family investigate unsolved mysteries. In 2019, LoweHoliday in the Wildand began writing for9-1-1: Lone Star.Ultimately,Unstablecan be considered Lowe’s breakout, as it is his most popular project to date.
Holiday in the Wild
Unstable
Jackson Dragon
Character:InUnstable,John Owen Lowe plays Jackson Dragon.Jackson is a socially awkward flutistwho must go beyond his comfort zone to help his father recover from his grief. Jackson lacks the outgoing nature that his father has, yet the two make a strong duo. Despite his fears, Jackson succeeds at supporting his father in his time of need.
Sian Clifford As Anna Bennet
Date Of Birth: July 15, 2025
Actor:Sian Clifford was born in London, England. Though her acting career began in the theater in 2006, Clifford’s first screen role happened around years later. Her first TV role, and also her breakout, was Claire inPhoebe Waller-Bridge’sFleabag.Notably,Clifford and Waller-Bridge have been frequent collaboratorsand friends since college. Clifford has continued accumulating film and television roles, including projects likeVanity Fair,Quiz,andTwo Weeks to Live.Most recently, she appeared inChevalier, The Magician’s Elephant,andDoctor Who.
Anna Bennet
Character:Sian Clifford plays Anna inUnstable.Anna is the CFO of Ellis' biotech company. When Ellis breaks down, Anna is the one who keeps the company afloat. She has a serious, stern attitude, but also secretly writes fanfiction in her free time.
Aaron Branch As Malcolm
Date Of Birth: July 31, 2025
Actor:Aaron Branch was born in Kansas City, Missouri. After appearing in a short film calledLost Comfort,Branch attended Columbia College Chicago to earn a degree in comedy writing and performance. From there, Branch took on small roles in TV such asKenanandMillennials. He also continues to appear in short films.Unstableis Branch’s first major role.
Malcolm
Character:Aaron Branch plays Malcolm inUnstable.Malcolm is a childhood friend of Jacksonwho also works at the biotech company. He used to be Ellis' intern, but now he has been promoted to project manager. His relationship with Jackson and Ellis puts him in an interesting predicament between the two men.
Rachel Marsh As Luna
Date Of Birth: July 01, 2025
Actor:Rachel Marsh grew up in Seattle, Washington. She kickstarted her career by appearing in several short films in 2017. Her first big role came in 2018 when she took on a role inThe Kids Table.Since then,Marsh has appeared in notable projects likeBefore We Go, NCIS: Los Angeles,andiCarly.Her role as Luna inUnstableis her biggest role thus far.
iCarly
Luna
Character:InUnstable,Rachel Marsh plays Luna.Luna is a scientistat Ellis' biotech company. She is working on a major project, yet her developing feelings for Jackson begin to get in the way.
Emma Pilar Ferreira As Ruby
Date Of Birth: June 9. 1997
Actor:Emma Pilar Ferreira was born in St. Catharines, Ontario. She began acting in 2019 with a variety of short films. Her first big role came in 2021 when she starred inLearn to Swim.From there,Ferreira has taken on roles in projects likeTransplant, Midnight at the Paradise,andNeon.Like many of her co-stars,Unstableis among the most significant roles of her career at this point.
Midnight at the Paradise
Ruby
Character:Emma Pilar Ferreira plays Ruby inUnstable.Ruby is another scientistand is Luna’s best friend. She also develops feelings for Jackson, leading to conflict between Ruby and Luna.
Unstable Supporting Cast & Characters
Unstable Has A Compelling Supporting Cast
Fred Armisen as Leslie:Fred Armisen plays the therapist Leslie inUnstable.Armisen is a comedianwho is best known for his work onSaturday Night Live, Portlandia,andDocumentary Now!.
Tom Allen as TJ:Tom Allen plays TJ, a board member of Dragon who has a twin named, Chaz.Allen gained fame after winning theSo You Think You’re Funnycontestin 2005. He has also appeared onThe Great British Bake Off: Extra Slice.
JT Parr as Chaz:JT Parr plays Chaz, TJ’s twin.Parr is a comedian and internet personality. He has previously appeared onChad and JT Go Deep.
Christina Chang as Jean:Christina Chang plays Jean, the best friend of Ellis' wife.Chang has developed a strong TV career, appearing in24, The Good Doctor, Nashville, Rizzoli and Isles,andDesperate Housewives.
Lamorne Morris as Peter:Lamorne Morris plays Peter inUnstable.Peter is the founder of a biotech start-up, Magma.Morris is best known for his role as Winston inNew Girl.He has also appeared inFargo, Yesterday,andJumanji: The Next Level.
Iris Apatow as Georgia:Iris Apatow plays Anna’s ex-stepdaughter Georgia inUnstable.Apatow’s career began when she appeared in her father, Judd Apatow’s, movies,This is 40andKnocked Up.
Cast
Unstable is a television comedy centered around Ellis Dragon, an eccentric biotech entrepreneur played by Rob Lowe, and his son, Jackson, portrayed by John Owen Lowe. The series explores the complex relationship between father and son as they navigate the challenges of running a high-stakes company. Both characters grapple with their personal and professional dynamics, creating a blend of humor and family tension.
