Netflix’s ‘Unstable’ Interview: Rob Lowe

Premiering on Netflix on March 30th is Unstable, a new workplace comedy created by Victor Fresco, Rob Lowe, and his real-life son John Owen Lowe.

What is the plot of Unstable?

“Unstable” follows socially shy son Jackson (John Owen Lowe) for his successful, admired but eccentric and narcissist-adjacent father Ellis (Rob Lowe). , is a father-son comedy about him starting work at his high-tech bio-research facility. to prevent him from getting worse after his wife’s death.

Who is the cast of Unstable?

In Unstable, Rob Lowe (Wayne’s World, Tommy Boy) as Ellis Dragon, John Owen Lowe (The Grinder) as Jackson Dragon, and Sian Clifford (Free Bag”) as Anna, Fred Armisen (“Wednesday”) as Leslie, and Christina Chang (“Live Free or Die Hard”) as Jean.

Moviefone was recently pleased to speak with Rob Lowe about the origins of the series, his character, his work with his son John Owen Lowe, and his work on ‘Unstable’.

Read the full interview below, or click the video player above to watch an interview with Rob Lowe, John Owen Lowe, and Sian Clifford.

Moviefone: First of all, where did the idea for this series and working with your son come from?

Rob Lowe: So a few years ago he started trolling me on my Instagram and Twitter accounts like my son does. He’s a little mean to be honest. People started to notice and it kind of became a thing. We noticed people like this, wow. Whatever this thing is between us, people are interested in it. So we thought, is there a show, and what would a show that could capture this dynamic look like? And that was the driving force that ultimately led us to ‘Unstable’ .

(Left to right) Rob Lowe as Ellis and John Owen Lowe as Jackson (“Unstable”). Photo: John P. Flener/Netflix © 2023.

MF: Is the relationship between Ellis and Jackson in the series similar to their relationship with their son in real life?

RL: That’s a lot because I know there’s a lot of love and respect underneath. More than just a constant swell, once you get into that mode it’s super authentic. I think that’s why people enjoy it because it’s so meta. You can look at Unstable and think, “How much of this is true and how much isn’t it?” I always find such things very interesting.

Rob Lowe played the role of Elise in “Unstable.” Photo: Netflix © 2023.

Related article: “Wayne’s World” by Penelope Spheeris

MF: In your own words, how would you describe Elise’s personality?

RL: Well, it’s important to establish that Ellis is truly a once-in-a-lifetime thinker. He may also be on the verge of insanity. I think the line between genius and madness is very thin. He’s so smart that over the years he’s had people at his feet and lost a little bit of the plot of how normal life works. It allows the characters to be both wonderful and incredibly crippled.

Rob Lowe played the role of Elise in “Unstable.” Photo: John P. Flener/Netflix © 2023.

MF: Can you talk about why Ellis’ life is spinning out of control?

RL: Well, his beloved wife, Ellis, passed away like six months ago when he appeared on the show in the first episode, but he’s not really done yet. There’s a lot of pressure from the projects he’s working on. But most of all, he longs to be reunited with his estranged son. So there’s a lot of emotional angst that drives us into this first episode, and Ellis’ concept of his dragon-like character spiraling is nothing more than a comedic goldmine. What would Elon Musk look like if he was really spiraling? We kinda know, and it’s kind of hilarious.

Rob Lowe played the role of Elise in “Unstable.” Photo: John P. Flener/Netflix © 2023.

MF: As a parent, what is it like to act towards your son? Do you leave the set as a proud parent after seeing his work?

RL: I am very happy. Because he can continue doing what he loved as a father: teaching, setting an example, supporting his new career and exposing him to new experiences. He’s coming to me for advice on how to navigate this world as a showrunner, screenwriter, and lead actor. You know what I’m talking about, right? I am very happy to help because no one else helped me. I had to make up for it. So this is a truly incredible gift.

(Left to right) John Owen Lowe and Rob Lowe attend the premiere of Netflix’s “Unstable” at the Netflix Tudum Theater in Los Angeles, CA on March 23, 2023. Photo credit: Rich Polk/Getty Images for Netflix.

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