Stef, Lena, and their five kids are coming back to our screens!
The Fosters, Freeform’s drama that aired from 2013 to 2018, revolved around the two-mom couple and their mix of adopted, biological, and foster children. It was notable not only for centering on a multiracial two-mom family, but also for creating positive roles for young trans and gay characters and exploring many issues of social justice—an approach continued by its spinoff, Good Trouble. While Stef, Lena, and their son Jude made guest appearances on Good Trouble, the entire Fosters cast has not reunited until now.
Next Thursday, however, they’re coming together for a special one-night-only event to benefit The Actors Fund, which supports performers and entertainment professionals in need and has been vital in helping those out of work because of COVID-19.
The event will be a recorded Zoom table read of the pilot script by actors Teri Polo (Stef), Sherri Saum (Lena), Hayden Byerly (Jude), David Lambert (Brandon), Maia Mitchell (Callie), Cierra Ramirez (Mariana), Danny Nucci (Mike), and Noah Centineo (Jesus), who took over the role from Jake T. Austin midway through the show’s run. Co-creator and executive producer Peter Paige will read the stage directions, with co-creator and executive producer Bradley Bredeweg and executive producer Joanna Johnson (a real-life lesbian mom!) offering an introduction. Kari Kimmel, who composed the theme song, “Where You Belong,” will sing it live.
Other special guests include Jay Ali, Alexandra Barreto, Madisen Beaty, Daffany Mcgaray Clark, Colby French, April Parker Jones, Adam Kang, and David Sullivan, with special appearances by Annie Potts, Lorraine Toussaint, Bailee Madison, Alex Saxon, Amanda Leighton, Tom Williamson, Rosie O’Donnell and Ashley Argota, who all had recurring roles in the show.
The event is using a “pay what you can” model, so you can donate to The Actors Fund in whatever amount you choose. Tune in Thursday, July 16, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT exclusively on People.com and EW.com.
