Story perspectives

FX Launches “Marathon Day” Prequel July 31, 2026.

6/13/2026

Summary

FX Premieres Prequel

FX will debut the prequel “Marathon Day” on July 31, 2026, on FXX and Hulu, revealing Paul Baker’s origin.
Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw wrote the episode, with Jonathan Krisel directing.
It premiered at Tribeca and will preview on Hulu’s YouTube and FX’s TikTok and Instagram on July 31.
Season 2 launches August 27, 2026, with two weekly episodes on FXX, on-demand streaming and Disney+ featuring guest stars Raven-Symoné, Susie Essman, Gaten Matarazzo, Zosia Mamet, Ben Marshall, Jake Shane and Isaac Powell.

Summary

FX Recreates Buzz

Network is modeling Adults flashback on the “Gary” stunt from The Bear to copy its buzz.
Industry observers say FX fears binge releases moments, prompting a flashback to spark a “burst of ‘Oh, yeah, that show’” buzz before the new season.
Tribeca attendees got a screening of “Marathon Day,” which creators Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw said shows the group forming and likens Paul Baker’s origin to a “spider” bite.

Summary

FX Teases Prequel

Executive producers are Ben Kronengold, Rebecca Shaw, Nick Kroll, Sarah Naftalis, Jonathan Krisel, Alicia Van Couvering and Rob Rosell.
Kronengold and Shaw are known for *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*; Kroll for *Big Mouth*; Krisel for *Baskets*.
FX Productions is the studio behind “Adults.”
“Marathon Day” is FX/Hulu’s second surprise prequel of 2026, following “The Bear” episode “Gary” released May 5.
A limited sneak-peek will appear on Hulu’s YouTube and FX’s TikTok and Instagram on July 31.

History

Historical Context

In 2006 ABC launched a free streaming trial and web-based tie-ins for Lost, drawing 1.425 million unique online viewers and sparking an ARG that expanded fan engagement. The success showed networks that multi-platform prequels could lift ratings, a model FX adopted for its 2026 Marathon Day prequel using Hulu, TikTok and Tribeca screenings.

1 of 4

FX Premieres Prequel

FX will debut the prequel “Marathon Day” on July 31, 2026, on FXX and Hulu, revealing Paul Baker’s origin.
Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw wrote the episode, with Jonathan Krisel directing.
It premiered at Tribeca and will preview on Hulu’s YouTube and FX’s TikTok and Instagram on July 31.
Season 2 launches August 27, 2026, with two weekly episodes on FXX, on-demand streaming and Disney+ featuring guest stars Raven-Symoné, Susie Essman, Gaten Matarazzo, Zosia Mamet, Ben Marshall, Jake Shane and Isaac Powell.

1 / 4