Inside ‘Settle Down’: The Cast Reflects on the Series
Published on: Mar 24, 2025
Written by: Joey Hodgson
With the season finale of Settle Down now behind us, fans are left with lingering emotions, unforgettable moments, and plenty to discuss. To celebrate the journey, we caught up with the cast to hear their thoughts on their favorite scenes, the show’s impact, and what they’ll take away from their time in Settle Down.
What was your favorite scene in Settle Down and why?
Alexander Nunez (Mason): “My favorite scene after writing the scripts was the dinner fight in Episode 2 during Ben’s birthday dinner. It was fun to write and really fun to act out with Leighton, Izad, and Vasilios. But after finishing the entire shoot, I’d have to say Mason’s big finale moment was the most fun! I don’t want to give too much away, but I really got to let loose on that one.”
Leighton Williams (Jarod): “My favorite scene in the Settle Down script would be the one where Mason and Jarod get high together and play a card game that allows them to connect in a real way. Black queer love isn’t often showcased in the media, so it was heartwarming to read this scene and imagine these two men sharing space for each other in a loving way. A close second? Definitely the threesome scene… Poor Ben. Omg.”
Tymika Tafari (Georgia): “My favorite scene has to be the one where Mason throws up. There’s something so liberating about that moment, like a free throat chakra after holding everything in for so long. The emotional release in that scene is something I think everyone can relate to, and it adds a raw, real layer to the story.”
In one sentence, how would you describe Settle Down to a friend?
Alexander: “The most hypocritical love expert on the planet is miraculously good at his job.”
Leighton: “Settle Down is a hilarious series that investigates the many complications of queer dating.”
Tymika: “Put your triggers to the side so you can free your mind when you watch it.”
What do you enjoy doing when you're not acting?
Alexander: “I’m a closeted gamer, I think! I rarely tell people how much I love video games, but I’m COMIN’ OUT.”
Leighton: “Ever since the pandemic, I’ve developed a love for fitness. Weight training specifically; I’m a healthier, happier, and more disciplined person because of it.”
Tymika: “Watercolor painting, watching anime, and playing board games with my siblings. Painting allows me to express myself creatively, anime provides a great escape into different worlds, and board games are a fun way to bond with my family.”
What’s your go-to ritual or habit to get into character before a scene?
Alexander: “I’ll do different things depending on the character or show, but my jaw is tight, so I always massage it and do some vocal warmups on the car ride to set. Mason is particularly tightly wound, so I tend to pace around and do a lot of finger-pointing before getting into a scene, ha ha ha.”
Leighton: “I have a background in theatre, and a tool that I’ve always used is connecting to my breath and body before any performance. Once I reach a place of groundedness as an actor, I’m then ready to drop into the state of being that my character needs to be in just before the start of the scene.”
Tymika: “Music is a huge part of my process. I create a playlist right after my second read of the script. The right music helps me shift into a different mindset, and I’m very selective about the lyrics, imagining them as the character’s inner dialogue. I also do animal work—Georgia is modeled after an otter in terms of light energy and gentleness, especially when you can finally pin her down.”
Do you see any of yourself in the character you play on the show?
Alexander: “Mason’s romantic mistakes remind me a lot of who I was in the early days of my relationship (now marriage). I hated being wrong! I still do, but I’m better at acknowledging my screw-ups nowadays. I’m definitely way less uptight than he is and a lot more careful with how I speak to people. Mason says some real cutting stuff that I never could in real life!”
Leighton: “I certainly recognize aspects of my own personality within Jarod. We’re both emotionally intelligent men who are incredibly caring when it comes to our romantic partners. Throughout this series, Jarod just wants to feel seen; I’ve spent a long time as an actor feeling invisible and overlooked—so I definitely know what it feels like to want nothing more than to be made visible.”
Tymika: “Before I started my healing journey, I shared a lot of quirks with Georgia. I used to make assumptions based on things I’d conjured up in my head, interpret someone’s blasé behavior as an invitation to lean in more, and even messed around with people I worked with. All the light stuff, you know? It’s been interesting to reflect on those experiences and bring that authenticity to Georgia’s character.”
Where can fans find you online if they want to connect?
Alexander: “I’m on Instagram and TikTok @alexjonunez! Come say hi!”
Leighton: “They can find me on my social media vice of choice: Instagram! @livingwithlaw”
Tymika: “You can find me on Instagram at @_tymikatafari. I love connecting with fans and sharing bits of my journey there.”
As Settle Down comes to an end, the cast’s thoughts remind us why this show has touched so many people. From heartfelt moments to hilarious scenes, it’s been a journey worth watching—and rewatching. Will there be more? We’ll have to wait and see, but for now, we celebrate a season that brought love, laughter, and honesty to the screen.