United States of Al Rewrites Season 2 Premiere to Offer 'Powerful, Moving' Reaction to Situation in Afghanistan

Matt Webb Mitovich
·1 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

CBS’ United States of Al sitcom will open its sophomore run with a “powerful” reaction to the unfolding events in Afghanistan, where in the wake of U.S. troop withdrawals the Taliban military organization has taken over.

United States of Al, which bowed in April, focuses on the friendship between Riley (played by Enlisted‘s Parker Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir aka “Al” (Rules of Engagement‘s Adhir Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.

More from TVLine

Speaking at the Television Critics Association summer press tour on Thursday, CBS Entertainment chief Kelly Kahl said that sitcom’s writers are “working hard to find the appropriate tone as the show moves forward.” Most immediately, “the team penned an entirely new first episode that will address current events,” and is taping this week to air Thursday, Oct. 7.

“We’ve read the script and seen the table read, and I believe it will be a very powerful, moving episode of television,” Kahl said, “of which I expect everyone involved will be very proud.”

Afghan recurring players appearing in the Season 2 premiere include Sitara Attaie, Wali Habib and Zarmina Hamidi, reprising their roles as Hassina, Zubair and Gul Bashra.

Launch Gallery: Fall TV 2021: Your Handy Calendar of 100+ Season and Series Premiere Dates

Best of TVLine

Get more from TVLine.com: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter