Not long ago, Allen (Jermaine Fowler, SORRY TO BOTHER YOU) was a struggling science-fiction writer trying to get his work seen and his voice heard. But now he’s living high in the Hollywood Hills in a big mansion with a fountain, a vintage Mustang, and a room devoted to THE NEPTUNE CYCLE, the classic science-fiction novels written by Allen’s hero, S.J. Purcell (Brendan Hunt, TED LASSO). Allen’s friends Maddie (Pauline Chalamet, SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS), Ryan (James Morosini, I LOVE MY DAD) and Vic (Edy Modica, JURY DUTY) have come to visit and celebrate Allen’s big book and movie deal, but they’re quick to believe his out-of-nowhere good fortune may be too good to be true. And Allen’s erratic behaviour isn’t helping matters any; he’s coming across as sad, paranoid, and delusional, not like someone who’s about to hit the big time. Is it writer’s block? Or maybe they picked the wrong time to visit? And maybe they weren’t the only ones?


Lucas (Benjamin Pajak), Brian (Kevin James), Jeff (Alan Ritchson), and CJ (Banks Pierce) in PLAYDATE Photo: Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. © AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES LLC

Director Luke Greenfield and BAnks Pierce on the set of Playdate. Photo Credit: David Bukach

Leslie (Isla Fisher) in PLAYDATE. Photo: Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. © AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES LLC

Brian (Kevin James) and Lucas (Benjamin Pajak) in PLAYDATE Photo: Courtesy of Prime © AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES LLC

Brian (Kevin James), Lucas (Benjamin Pajak), CJ (Banks Pierce), and Jeff (Alan Ritchson) in PLAYDATE Photo: David Bukach © AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES LLC

Brian (Kevin James) and Jeff (Alan Ritchson) in PLAYDATE. Photo Credit: David Bukach

(from left) Finn (Mason Thames) and The Grabber (Ethan Hawke) in Black Phone 2, written and directed by Scott Derrickson.

Ethan Hawke as The Grabber in Black Phone 2, directed by Scott Derrickson.

(from left) Mustang (Arianna Rivas), Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) and Finn (Mason Thames) in Black Phone 2, directed by Scott Derrickson.

(from left) Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) and The Grabber (Ethan Hawke) in Black Phone 2, directed by Scott Derrickson.

(from left) Mustang (Arianna Rivas), Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) and Finn (Mason Thames) in Black Phone 2, directed by Scott Derrickson.

Mason Thames as Finn in Black Phone 2, directed by Scott Derrickson.

Ethan Hawke as the Grabber in Black Phone 2, directed by Scott Derrickson.

(from left) Madeleine McGraw and Mason Thames on the set of Black Phone 2.

Demián Bichir as Mando in Black Phone 2, directed by Scott Derrickson.

(from left) Finn (Mason Thames) and Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) in Black Phone 2, directed by Scott Derrickson.

(from left) Ethan Hawke and director Scott Derrickson on the set of Black Phone 2.

Madeleine McGraw as Gwen in Black Phone 2, directed by Scott Derrickson.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: (C) Designer Lila Nikole and models walk the runway at the Lila Nikole show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: (C) Designer Lila Nikole and models walk the runway at the Lila Nikole show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: (C) Designer Lila Nikole and models walk the runway at the Lila Nikole show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: A Model walks the runway at the Lila Nikole show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Models walk the runway at the Lila Nikole show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Models walk the runway at the Lila Nikole show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Models walk the runway at the Lila Nikole show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Models walk the runway at the Lila Nikole show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Models walk the runway at the Lila Nikole show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Models walk the runway at the Lila Nikole show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Models walk the runway at the Lila Nikole show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Models walk the runway at the Lila Nikole show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Jose Zafra during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Jose Zafra during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Jose Zafra during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Jose Zafra during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Jose Zafra during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Jose Zafra during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Jose Zafra during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Jose Zafra during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Jose Zafra during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Jose Zafra during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Jose Zafra during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Jose Zafra during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Keziah during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Keziah during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Keziah during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Keziah during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Keziah during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Keziah during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Keziah during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Keziah during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Keziah during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Keziah during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Keziah during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A model walks the runway for Keziah during New York Fashion Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Models walk the runway at the Giannina Azar show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Designer Giannina Azar and Madison Anderson Berrios walk the runway at the Giannina Azar show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Models walk the runway at the Giannina Azar show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: A model walks the runway at the Giannina Azar show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Mara Topic Verduga walk the runway at the Giannina Azar show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Models walk the runway at the Giannina Azar show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Mara Topic Verduga, Madison Anderson Berrios, and model walk the runway at the Giannina Azar show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Mara Topic Verduga, Madison Anderson Berrios, and model walk the runway at the Giannina Azar show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Designer Giannina Azar and Madison Anderson Berrios walk the runway at the Giannina Azar show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Designer Giannina Azar and Madison Anderson Berrios walk the runway at the Giannina Azar show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Madison Anderson Berrios walks the runway at the Giannina Azar show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Madison Anderson Berrios walks the runway at the Giannina Azar show during New York Fashion Week at The Angel Orensanz Foundation on September 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)