Fresh out of high school with diplomas in one hand and guitars in the other, the members of The Runarounds are hitting the road. This is the story of what happens after the graduation caps are thrown—the cramped vans, the empty gigs, the creative clashes, and the euphoric moments that make it all worth it. It’s a raw, joyful, and heartfelt look at the messy reality of chasing a dream in the modern music industry.

This vibrant ensemble of rising stars brings authentic musical talent and infectious chemistry to the screen. They’re not just playing roles; they’re embodying the spirit of every kid who ever believed a killer chorus could change their life.

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THE CAST: DREAMS, DRAMA, AND HARMONY

1. Lilah Pate as SOPHIA KINNEY

Lilah Pate embodies the heart and soul of The Runarounds as Sophia Kinney, the band’s determined lead vocalist and primary songwriter. She carries the weight of the group’s ambition on her shoulders, her fierce belief in their music serving as the engine that keeps them moving forward despite countless setbacks. Pate portrays Sophia with a captivating blend of unwavering optimism and the palpable stress of a natural leader, making her the emotional anchor for both the band and the audience.

Throughout the series, Pate masterfully charts Sophia’s journey from a hopeful graduate to a weary but resilient artist learning to navigate the cutthroat music business. Her performance shines in moments of quiet determination, whether she’s scribbling lyrics in a battered notebook or pouring her entire being into a heartfelt performance for a sparse crowd. Sophia’s struggle to maintain her artistic integrity while chasing commercial success forms the core thematic conflict of the show.

2. William Lipton as [Character Name – Likely Lead Guitarist]

William Lipton brings his considerable dramatic chops from General Hospital to the role of the band’s intense and brooding lead guitarist. As the musical counterpart to Sophia’s lyrical vision, his character is deeply passionate about the craft, often getting lost in the technicality and emotion of a perfect riff. Lipton excels at portraying an artist who speaks more freely through his instrument than with words, creating a compelling figure of quiet introspection.

Lipton’s character arc explores the tension between raw talent and the compromises of the industry. He likely clashes with other band members over musical direction, representing the pure, sometimes impractical, artistic spirit. His complex, unspoken dynamic with Sophia—a fusion of deep respect, creative friction, and possibly unrequited feelings—adds a rich layer of emotional depth to the band’s internal drama.

3. Marley Aliah as RUTHIE BENDER

Marley Aliah delivers a grounded and warm performance as Ruthie Bender, the band’s reliable bassist and emotional center. While others get swept up in drama or dreams, Ruthie is the pragmatist—the one who manages the budget, calms the nerves, and ensures the van actually makes it to the next gig. Aliah brings a nurturing, steady presence that makes Ruthie the glue holding the fragile group together.

Aliah’s role is crucial in showcasing the unsung hero of every band. Her performance highlights the quiet strength and immense patience required to manage a group of passionate artists. Ruthie’s journey is one of finding her own voice and demanding the recognition she deserves, not just as a background player but as an indispensable pillar of The Runarounds’ foundation.

4. Maximo Salas as PETE ATUNA

Maximo Salas is a burst of infectious energy as Pete Atuna, the band’s charismatic and unpredictable drummer. With a name that suggests rhythm and flair, Pete is the life of the party, the motivator who can hype up any crowd and bring a much-needed spark of fun to the grueling tour life. Salas perfectly captures the wildcard spirit of a musician who lives entirely in the moment.

However, Salas also delves into the pitfalls of such a freewheeling personality. Pete’s spontaneity often translates into recklessness, creating both the band’s most memorable adventures and their most costly mistakes. His arc explores the balance between artistic freedom and professional responsibility, making him a constant source of both comedy and tension within the group.

5. Kelley Pereira as [Key Band Member/Support]

Kelley Pereira joins the ensemble in a key role, likely as a multi-instrumentalist or backing vocalist who adds essential texture to the band’s sound. Pereira’s character brings a unique flavor to the group dynamic, perhaps serving as the bridge between the intense lead players and the more grounded members. Their presence is vital in completing the authentic feel of a fully realized musical act.

Pereira’s performance will explore what it means to be a team player in a world that often only celebrates the frontperson. Their character’s journey involves stepping out of the background, advocating for their creative ideas, and solidifying their own identity within the chaotic and collaborative family that is The Runarounds.

6. Axel Ellis as [Band Member]

Axel Ellis rounds out the band’s lineup, contributing his musical talent as a dedicated guitarist, keyboardist, or vocalist. Ellis embodies the spirit of a young artist fully committed to the collective dream, his character serving as a loyal and enthusiastic supporter of the band’s mission. His genuine passion is a constant reminder of why they started this journey in the first place.

Ellis’s role, while potentially more secondary, is no less important. He represents the hundreds of talented musicians who pour their hearts into every performance, driven by a pure love for the art rather than a desire for the spotlight. His character provides a sense of stable camaraderie and unwavering belief in the group’s potential.

7. Jesse Golliher as [Band Member]

Jesse Golliher brings his energy to the stage as another essential member of The Runarounds’ musical backbone. Whether on rhythm guitar, keyboards, or harmonies, Golliher’s character is a tireless workhorse, dedicated to perfecting the band’s live sound and studio recordings. His commitment to the craft is a driving force behind their technical improvement.

Golliher’s performance highlights the less glamorous, grind-it-out aspect of a musician’s life. His character likely struggles with the monotony of practice and the frustration of missed opportunities, providing a relatable counterpoint to the more overtly ambitious or flamboyant personalities in the band.

8. Jeremy Yun as [Band Member]

Jeremy Yun completes the on-stage chemistry as a key contributor to the band’s sonic identity. Yun’s character is the thoughtful arranger or the production-savvy member who understands how to shape their raw sound into something more polished and marketable. He brings a modern, technical edge to the group’s classic rock-and-roll aspirations.

Yun’s arc may involve navigating the conflict between analog authenticity and digital innovation. His ideas could be crucial for the band’s evolution, pushing them to adapt to current trends while potentially creating rifts with members who are purists at heart. He represents the new school of musician.

9. Zendé Murdock as [Band Member]

Zendé Murdock energizes the ensemble with what is likely a dynamic and physical role, perhaps as an energetic percussionist or a hype man who interacts directly with the audience. Murdock’s character is the embodiment of the band’s live performance energy, feeding off the crowd and transferring that excitement back to his bandmates on stage.

Murdock’s performance is crucial in selling the authenticity of The Runarounds as a compelling live act. His character’s journey involves mastering the art of performance, learning to connect with an audience, and discovering the specific role he plays in the overall alchemy of the group’s success.

10. Darin Heames as DUSTY CROSBY

Darin Heames brings a grizzled, world-weary charm to Dusty Crosby, a washed-up music manager or venue owner who has seen countless bands like The Runarounds flame out. Initially cynical and dismissive, Dusty serves as a harsh dose of reality, delivering hard truths about the near-impossibility of making it in the industry.

Heames’s performance allows for a fantastic redemption arc. As Dusty witnesses the band’s raw talent and unwavering determination, his jaded exterior begins to crack, revealing a buried passion for music that he thought he’d lost. He may evolve from an obstacle into their most unlikely and valuable mentor, guiding them with hard-won wisdom.

11. Shea Pritchard as GEORGE BENSON

Shea Pritchard is perfectly cast as George Benson, a slick and sophisticated A&R representative or talent manager from a major label. Pritchard embodies the seductive allure of the industry, offering the band the glamorous future they’ve always dreamed of, but with strings attached that could compromise their artistic souls.

Pritchard’s performance is a masterclass in charming ambiguity. Is George a genuine believer in their talent or simply a businessman looking for the next profitable product? His negotiations with the band create the season’s central moral dilemma, forcing each member to confront what they are truly willing to sacrifice for fame and success.

The road to fame is full of detours. Follow the journey on Prime Video, September 1, 2025.