2022 MEDIA AWARDS HONOREE | TV SITCOM
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CBS' primetime show United States of Al stars Adhir Kalyan and Parker Young in a comedy about the friendship between Riley, a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (“Al”), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan. The show kicks off as Al arrives to start a new life in America after reluctantly leaving behind his family and country. United States of Al authentically explores the immigrant experience in America and discusses sensitive topics such as Al’s struggle to reconcile between his cultural practices, beliefs and life in America. The show explores Al’s grief of potentially never returning home again and the mental health issues associated with living under Taliban rule.
As the 2021 crisis in Afghanistan unfolded, the United States of Al team pivoted, working diligently to humanize the tragic events. The show returned with a powerful season premiere that was pivotal in depicting the plight of Afghan refugees to millions of Americans.
In the episode, Al works with Riley to evacuate his sister, a UN worker, out of Afghanistan. In a unique series of events as the show’s plot was being developed, some of the show’s writers were simultaneously struggling to ensure their family’s safety in Afghanistan. In response, the show halted production and staff members offered to help each other in any way they could.
During the fall of Afghanistan, the show’s writers didn’t shy away from addressing U.S. motivations in the war and showcasing those truths on-screen. Writers also worked to ensure that diverse perspectives on the war within the Afghan community were reflected.
While tackling sensitive topics such as religious beliefs, United States of Al fully respects Al and his Islamic traditions while navigating his own internal battles. From depicting Al adjusting to women dressing differently in the U.S. to fearing the worst for his family back home, the show leans into taboo topics within Islam, culture, and geopolitical warfare. It engages audiences shedding new light on the immigrant and refugee experience. The show reaffirms the importance of on-screen representation and well rounded narrative building.
PRODUCTION STILLS
Presenting the Award
Accepting the Award
“There are dozens and dozens of Afghan interpreters living with US soldiers. We know cause we actually spoke to them. This is literally their story.”
