Rental Family – 18 Feb 2026, JioHotstar

Rental Family (2025) arrives on JioHotstar on 18 February 2026, offering a unique and heartfelt exploration of human connection, identity, and belonging. The series blends humor, drama, and cultural insight to tell a story that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Story Overview

Phillip Vanderploeg, an American actor struggling to find purpose, takes an unconventional job with a Japanese agency. The agency specializes in providing “Rental Family” services, where clients hire stand-ins to play roles in their personal lives. At first, Phillip approaches his work with curiosity and caution. However, as he immerses himself in the lives of his clients, he begins to form genuine emotional bonds.

Through these experiences, he confronts the blurred lines between performance and reality. Each assignment challenges him to navigate moral complexities while exploring the depth of human relationships. Gradually, Phillip rediscovers his sense of purpose and learns the quiet beauty of empathy, belonging, and authentic connection.

Cast and Characters

• Brendan Fraser as Phillip Vanderploeg – An American actor navigating life in Japan and discovering connection through his unusual job.
• Takehiro Hira as Shinji – The thoughtful and supportive owner of Rental Family.
• Mari Yamamoto as Aiko – A dedicated Rental Family employee who guides Phillip through his work.
• Shannon Mahina Gorman as Mia Kawasaki – A client whose story deeply impacts Phillip.
• Akira Emoto as Kikuo Hasegawa – A client whose presence challenges Phillip’s understanding of human needs.

The ensemble cast balances emotional depth with subtle humor, creating a series that is both entertaining and moving.

Creative Team

Directed by Hikari, the series blends cultural authenticity with cinematic storytelling. The screenplay, co-written by Hikari and Stephen Blahut, explores identity, morality, and human connection in nuanced ways.

Producers Eddie Vaisman, Julia Lebedev, Hikari, and Shin Yamaguchi oversee the production, ensuring a delicate balance between drama and character-driven humor. The series is produced under Sight Unseen Productions and Domo Arigato Productions, while Searchlight Pictures handles distribution, bringing the story to global audiences.

Why Watch Rental Family

Rental Family examines the human need for connection in unconventional circumstances. While offering moments of humor, the series also reflects on loneliness, empathy, and personal growth. Phillip’s journey is both relatable and inspiring, showing that even in a world of performative roles, authentic bonds can flourish.

The series combines cultural insight, strong character arcs, and emotional storytelling, making it ideal for viewers seeking meaningful drama with a touch of comedy.

Streaming on 18 February 2026

Catch Rental Family on JioHotstar starting 18 February 2026 and follow Phillip as he navigates the challenges of stand-in roles, builds unexpected relationships, and discovers his true purpose.