Plot Synopsis

Executive produced by series star Rose Byrne and series writer/creator/showrunner Annie Weisman and set in the idyllic but fragile beach paradise of sunny 1980s San Diego, PHYSICAL is a half-hour dark comedy series that follows Sheila Rubin, a quietly tortured, seemingly dutiful housewife supporting her smart but controversial husband's bid for state assembly. But behind closed doors, Sheila has her own darkly funny take on life she rarely lets the world see. She's also battling a complex set of personal demons relating to her self-image.... that is, until she finds release through the unlikeliest source: the world of aerobics. At first hooked on the exercise itself, Sheila's real road to empowerment comes when she discovers a way to merge this newfound passion with the burgeoning technology of videotape to start a revolutionary business. The series tracks her epic journey from a stifled, overlooked enabler to a powerful, confident economic force, as Sheila transforms into someone we take for granted today (but was entirely radical at the time) -- the female lifestyle guru. The first three episodes of PHYSICAL dropped on Friday, June 18, 2021 on Apple TV+.

The sophomore season of PHYSICAL debuted on Friday, June 3, 2022, as Apple TV+ released the first episode. Season 2 finds Sheila Rubin having successfully launched her first fitness video only to encounter some new and bigger obstacles on her path. She is torn between loyalty to her husband and the values he represents, and a dangerous attraction to someone else. And since she's no longer the only game in town, she finds herself having to outrun some fierce new competitors on the road to building a full-fledged fitness empire. Murray Bartlett joins the cast as Vincent 'Vinnie' Green, a charismatic fitness instructor, weight-loss guru, and pioneer of the late-night infomercial.

The 10-episode third and final season of PHYSICAL debuted on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 with two new episodes on Apple TV+. A new installment debuts weekly on Wednesdays through September 27. In her journey, Sheila battled her way out of an unsatisfying marriage to Danny, fostered a dangerous relationship with real-estate mogul John Breem, and confronted the dark voices within her own mind that have shamed and suppressed her for so long. With the help of her loyal friend -- and now business partner -- Greta, Sheila has found confidence and inner-strength though her work as a teacher and entrepreneur with Body by Sheila. In the third and concluding season of the series, Sheila finds her status challenged by rising celebrity exercise goddess Kelly Kilmartin, who becomes not only a professional threat, but manages to get in her head. Will Sheila prevail, or will Kelly's presence in her life undermine the hard-earned healing and stability that Sheila has fought so hard for.
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On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, Apple TV+ released "Like a Prayer," the series finale of PHYSICAL. Sheila uses aerobics to foster connection and healing.