Naturally, Shapiro and the writers arent taking the shows sophomore season lightly.
When the series returns, itlltackle issues like race and feature new cast members.
And [in] the second season, were really exploring race and masculinity.
Credit: Joseph Viles/Lifetime; Todd Williamson/Getty Images
And that is a big shift for us.
And so its seeing the intersection of the mens rights movement and feminism.
But the job descriptions have changed.
Rachel is sort of doing Quinns job, and Quinn is doing Chets job because Chet has disappeared.
All of that is a power struggle for the whole season.
Will Jeremy still be around?
Last we saw, he went to see Rachels family.
Yes, Jeremy will be around.
He has really turned a corner, too.
Is there a chance of seeing Rachels other first-season suitor, Adam?
There is a really good chance of seeing Adam in the second season.
… We dont feel like thats done.
Any other familiar faces?
Jay is coming back, and Dr. Wagerstein will be there, and Madison will be there.
I think those are all the regulars.
Where are we picking up with Quinn and Rachels dynamic?
And shes going to be the master of the universe.
… Just imagine Rachel with a lot more money and a lot of power.
She grabs for power, and Rachel goes up a rung.
So, theyre back in cahoots, because they need each other to f over Chet.
You know what, I think thats just part of their relationship.
And there is some truth to that.
I think in the sober light of day, it probably wouldnt have worked out between Rachel and Adam.
What are the big questions for Rachel going into this season?
I think its the questions for everybody.
They were just projections of ideas for her.
What happens to a person when theyre faced with the potential of a real relationship?
What can you tell me about this producer?
Hes slumming it in the business for a minute.
Hes been sent by the internet to babysit this show, but he actually produces shows like Frontline.
… Hes, like, the classiest person thats ever been on that set.
With season 1, you guys already delved into so many of the tropes seen on reality TV.
How do you top that?
I think race is a big way to top that.
Its the elephant in the room … the fact that those shows have never had an African-American lead.
Was there anything that Lifetime told you went too far and wanted to hold back?
But it turned out to be great.
[Lifetime] was like, It feels a littlefar.
It feels like we havent really established her as a sex addict.
And I was like, Why is she a sex addict?
I had this whole thing where I was like, If I was on HBO!
I love the masturbation scene.
Psychedelically happy, like next-level happy.
UnREALhas been praised for the way it portrayed women.
Its sort of my mission in life.
Its why Ive fed my whole life and been a workaholic to get here.
One last question: What should we be most worried about this season?
[Laughs] Everything.
Breaking this story is so scary.
Im a Jewish white girl breaking a story about race.
UnREALis expected to return this summer on Lifetime.
Additional reporting byNatalie Abrams.
