Netflix's Unstable Cast & Character Guide

Summary The cast of Unstable, including Rob Lowe and his son John Owen Lowe, combines Hollywood stars with emerging talent in a successful mix.

Unstable shines a light on the comedic talents of its supporting cast, giving smaller actors a chance to shine alongside the leads.

With positive reviews for its sharp humor and quirky characters, Unstable's unique cast plays a significant role in the show's success.

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. Unstable first premiered in 2023, while season 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. Unstable has received mostly positive reviews, with many critics praising the series for its sharp humor, quirkiness, and Rob Lowe's reliable comedic performance.

The cast of Unstable is 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 outside Unstable. This combination works perfectly for the comedy show streaming on Netflix. Unstable makes the most of its lead, but it also gives its younger actors time to shine. Unstable's cast is relatively small but very significant to the success of the show. Unstable season 3 is not confirmed yet.

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Rob Lowe As Ellis Dragon

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Active Since: 1979

Actor: Rob Lowe was born in Charlottesville, Virginia. His first on-screen project was the sitcom A New Kind of Family. Though Lowe earned a Golden Globe nomination for his next role in Thursday's Child, his true breakout came in 1983 when he starred as Sodapop in The Outsiders. From there, Lowe became part of a group of young actors called the Brat Pack. He gained popularity for movies such as St. Elmo's Fire and About Last Night... Lowe eventually returned to television, where he appeared in exciting roles like The West Wing and Parks and Recreation.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Rob Lowe's Notable Movies & TV Shows Character The Outsiders Sodapop St. Elmo's Fire Billy Hicks The West Wing Sam Seaborn Parks and Recreation Chris Traeger 9-1-1: Lone Star Owen Strand

Character: In Unstable, Rob Lowe plays Ellis Dragon, a biotech CEO who 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

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Active Since: 2015

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 in The Lowe Files, wherein he and his family investigate unsolved mysteries. In 2019, Lowe Holiday in the Wild and began writing for 9-1-1: Lone Star. Ultimately, Unstable can be considered Lowe's breakout, as it is his most popular project to date.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

John Owen Lowe's Notable Movies & TV Shows Character The Grinder Joel Zadack The Lowe Files Himself Holiday in the Wild Luke Conrad 9-1-1: Lone Star Writer Unstable Jackson Dragon

Character: In Unstable, John Owen Lowe plays Jackson Dragon. Jackson is a socially awkward flutist who 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

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Active Since: 2006

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 in Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag. Notably, Clifford and Waller-Bridge have been frequent collaborators and friends since college. Clifford has continued accumulating film and television roles, including projects like Vanity Fair, Quiz, and Two Weeks to Live. Most recently, she appeared in Chevalier, The Magician's Elephant, and Doctor Who.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Sian Clifford's Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Fleabag Claire Quiz Diana Ingram Star Wars: The Bad Batch GS-8 Chevalier Madame de Genlis Unstable Anna Bennet

Character: Sian Clifford plays Anna in Unstable. 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

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Active Since: 2014

Actor: Aaron Branch was born in Kansas City, Missouri. After appearing in a short film called Lost 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 as Kenan and Millennials. He also continues to appear in short films. Unstable is Branch's first major role.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Aaron Branch's Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Lost Comfort Ethan Christmas At the Ranch Steve Kenan DJ Millennials Youngblood Felon Unstable Malcolm

Character: Aaron Branch plays Malcolm in Unstable. Malcolm is a childhood friend of Jackson who 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

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Active Since: 2017

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 in The Kids Table. Since then, Marsh has appeared in notable projects like Before We Go, NCIS: Los Angeles, and iCarly. Her role as Luna in Unstable is her biggest role thus far.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Rachel Marsh's Notable Movies & TV Shows Character The Kids Table Chloe Marsh Before We Go Charlie NCIS: Los Angeles Lily Chen iCarly Toji Unstable Luna

Character: In Unstable, Rachel Marsh plays Luna. Luna is a scientist at 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

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Active Since: 2019

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 in Learn to Swim. From there, Ferreira has taken on roles in projects like Transplant, Midnight at the Paradise, and Neon. Like many of her co-stars, Unstable is among the most significant roles of her career at this point.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Emma Pilar Ferreira's Notable Movies & TV Shows Character Learn to Swim Selma Transplant Alyssa Midnight at the Paradise Anthea Neon Ness Unstable Ruby

Character: Emma Pilar Ferreira plays Ruby in Unstable. Ruby is another scientist and 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

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Fred Armisen as Leslie: Fred Armisen plays the therapist Leslie in Unstable. Armisen is a comedian who is best known for his work on Saturday Night Live, Portlandia, and Documentary 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 the So You Think You're Funny contest in 2005. He has also appeared on The 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 on Chad 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 in 24, The Good Doctor, Nashville, Rizzoli and Isles, and Desperate Housewives.

Lamorne Morris as Peter: Lamorne Morris plays Peter in Unstable. Peter is the founder of a biotech start-up, Magma. Morris is best known for his role as Winston in New Girl. He has also appeared in Fargo, Yesterday, and Jumanji: The Next Level.

Iris Apatow as Georgia: Iris Apatow plays Anna's ex-stepdaughter Georgia in Unstable. Apatow's career began when she appeared in her father, Judd Apatow's, movies, This is 40 and Knocked Up.