Hulu's new anthology series The Premise explores topical issues in an unforgettable way. Created by former star of The Office, BJ Novak, the show features a star-studded cast portraying intricately crafted characters that represent the general population of today.
From pop icon Jesse Wheeler to former bully Eli Spector, these characters are unique and raw yet universally relatable. Their distinct personalities line them all up with a particular astrological sign, both in terms of positive and negative traits — and the characters certainly have the latter in spades.
Aries - Jesse Wheeler
Aries is the most youthful zodiac sign, resulting in optimistic yet reactionary people who act with extreme spontaneity. This is especially true for Jesse Wheeler, the titular pop star of episode three, "The Ballad Of Jesse Wheeler," when he enthusiastically makes the promise to have sex with the next valedictorian of his former high school.
Played by Lucas Hedges, one of the few actors under 30 with an Oscar nomination under his belt, Jesse Wheeler seems shallow on the surface, but it turns out that he is actually very passionate about his endeavors like a fire sign would also be.
Taurus - Chase Milbrandt
Perhaps the most intense episode of The Premise is episode two, "Moment of Silence." It follows Chase Milbrandt, the father of a young girl lost to gun violence, as he starts a new job at the National Gun Lobby, a clear play on the NRA. Although he is deeply troubled, Chase Milbrandt doesn't let himself show his true feelings and appears super tough on the surface, much like a Taurus.
What's more, Chase, played with nuance by Jon Bernthal, is dedicated to his job, and Taureans also have the tendency to become overly passionate about their endeavors no matter what they may be. While working for the National Gun Lobby, Chase has a secret, calculated, and even deadly plan to make a statement about gun violence in America.
Gemini - Abbi Miller
Geminis are the signs of duality. They often have diverse personalities and quick adaptability, just like that of Abbi Miller in episode three of The Premise. At first, Abbi is a total slacker in school, but after being motivated by the possibility of spending a night with Jesse Wheeler, Abbi showcases her dualistic Gemini traits. She goes from nearly dropping out of school to becoming her class's valedictorian.
Geminis are also great communicators. This is especially evident when Abbi delivers her articulate monologues. Played by Kaitlyn Dever, Abbi Miller is somewhat similar to her funny Booksmart character in that she is both a smart and hilarious high school senior.
Cancer - Aaron
Aaron becomes Chase's best co-worker friend in episode two of The Premise. When viewers first meet Aaron, he is super friendly right away and keeps it real with Chase. Aaron's personality is like that of a Cancer, some of the most devoted friends of the zodiac. Cancers are deeply in touch with their own feelings as well as those around them.
Played by Boyd Holbrook, Aaron makes it clear that he genuinely cares about Chase's wellbeing as a grieving parent. He becomes very perceptive of Chase and seems to be one of the only characters who can sense that something might be wrong with his friend.
Leo - Caleb Rose
Caleb Rose is Abbi Miller's best friend in episode three of The Premise. He too becomes motivated by the possibility of sleeping with Jesse Wheeler, even though Jesse is straight. This makes the competition all the more intriguing when Jesse realizes he didn't specify that he'd prefer to sleep with a female valedictorian, but he commits to the promise anyway.
Like a Leo who loves to be the center of attention, Caleb becomes incredibly competitive against Abbi for the valedictorian spot. He has major drive, determination, and is often quite headstrong and overly confident while fighting to win Jesse's competition. Brendan Scannell imbues Caleb with the quintessential charismatic Leo personality.
Virgo - Rayna Bradshaw
Played by TV and movie actress Tracee Ellis Ross, Rayna Bradshaw is the owner of the law firm that takes the topical case in episode one, "Social Justice Sex Tape."
Like a Virgo, the best communicator of the zodiac, Rayna is great with her words throughout the episode. She offers a plethora of wise advice to both Eve, the main lawyer of the episode, and Ethan, the main witness of the case. Rayna even is able to convince Ethan to stay with the trial despite him wanting to back out.
Libra - Ethan Streiber
Libras are known for being the people-pleasers of the zodiac, but because of their ability to adapt to the likes of any group of people, Libras can also be a bit wishy-washy at times. This is definitely the case of Ethan Streiber, played by Ben Platt, in "Social Justice Sex Tape."
Ethan is the most essential witness to the case of Darren Williams, a Black man wrongly accused of assaulting a police officer. Darren is seen to be innocent of his accused crime in the background of a sex tape that Ethan filmed, and at first, Ethan wants to help clear Darren's name. But as the case unravels and Ethan faces more and more scrutiny, it becomes clear that he is quite unreliable and only cares for his own self-interest.
Scorpio - Daniel Jung
Episode five of The Premise, "Butt Plug," partly follows the former bullied child Daniel Jung, played by Daniel Dae Kim, who ended up as one of the richest men in the world. When Eli, his childhood bully, asks Daniel for both money and forgiveness, Daniel decides to get a lifetime of revenge.
Scorpios often represent the darker side of life, which is fitting for the vengeful Daniel. Like a mysterious Scorpio, he doesn't ever tell Eli that his butt plug project is simply a ploy to get back at him. Plus, when Daniel's collection of butt plugs are revealed in the final moments of the episode, it becomes clear that he has done this plenty of times before, making him a total hell-bent Scorpio.
Sagittarius - Allegra
Played by Lola Kirke, Allegra is the main focus of episode four, "The Commenter." In her work life as a motivational speaker, Allegra appears to be easy-going and free-spirited like that of a Sagittarius. In her personal life, however, she is easily bothered by the negative comments on her Instagram posts and becomes very reactionary in response.
Being a fire sign, those who are Sagittarius can easily go with the flow until something triggers them into an obsession, as the commenter did with Allegra. Of all the zodiac signs, the adventurous Sagittarius is the most likely to spontaneously drop everything and drive miles to confront someone who, they don't even know, which is exactly what Allegra does.
Capricorn - Eve Stone
Eve Stone, played by Ayo Edebiri, is Darren Williams's lawyer in "Social Justice Sex Tape." Like a Capricorn, she is incredibly devoted to her career. She consistently makes it clear that she is determined to win Darren's case, and although she loses faith at one point, she still remains confident like a Capricorn would.
Even though Eve takes her work seriously, she is still a totally hilarious TV lawyer at times given the absurd circumstances. Like the earth sign of Capricorn, Eve is both stern and down-to-earth, making it easy for the other characters to connect with and listen to her.
Aquarius - Susie Xu
In "The Ballad of Jesse Wheeler," Susie, played by Grace Song, was originally the shoo-in for the valedictorian spot. Once the entire school becomes competitive after Jesse's promise, Susie starts to lose her motivation to hold the title and falls into an existential crisis.
Ultimately, Susie ends up losing the valedictorian spot on purpose. This is because she wants to determine her own future instead of having others, like her mom and Principal Wallace, choose for her. For this reason, Susie is a great representation of Aquarius, a sign that loves to deviate from the norm. Plus, nobody knows an Aquarius better than themselves.
Pisces - Eli Spector
Pisces is the oldest sign in the zodiac, therefore the wisest. After Daniel tasks Eli Spector, Daniel's former bully in "Butt Plug," with creating the best butt plug the world has ever seen, Eli goes on quite the emotional journey. This is fitting for Pisces, an emotional water sign, as Eli shows lots of growth throughout the episode. Actor Eric Lange delivers a spectacular performance.
Because of their deep emotional personalities, Pisces are often great creative problem solvers, which is the entire crux of Eli's character. He also is motivated by providing for his family like a caring Pisces would be.