Source: Apple TV
If you’ve been watching Apple TV’s Platonic, starring Seth Rogan and Rose Byrne, then you have likely heard the term “ADU” a number of times. While this Midwest urban planner was very excited to hear a timely reference to accessory dwelling units, I recognize that others may be wondering where exactly Rogan is living when Byrne offers to let him stay in her ADU.
The series is set in Los Angeles where accessory dwelling units or “ADUs” are becoming increasingly common. An ADU is a small housing unit that can be freestanding, attached to the main house, or above a garage. Also called backyard cottages, carriage houses, or granny flats, these units are a historically familiar type of housing attracting renewed interest around the country for their potential to address housing shortages. They can be easily incorporated within existing neighborhoods without changing the neighborhood fabric or giving the feel of being “too dense.”
ADUs are well-suited for addressing changing housing needs throughout many phases of a person’s life: they can serve as small affordable apartments for young people (or a platonic best friend, like Seth Rogan’s character), or meet the needs of aging seniors, just to name a few.
Platonic is not the first series to show alternative housing types (though it is the first I have heard use the term ADU). The Fonz lived in a garage apartment in Happy Days and Joey moved into a remodeled garage unit on Full House. References to these alternative housing types on T.V. shows and in other media helps to expose people to the terms and chip away at the uneasiness that comes with new ideas.
Above the garage ADU in Columbus, Ohio. Source: Kathy Green
Wondering If We Have ADUs in Ohio?
Ohio is well-positioned to benefit from more available ADUs, as 25% of our population will be aged 60+ by 2030 and in need of options that allow for aging in place. Several Ohio cities have recently passed ordinances allowing for the construction of ADUs, including Cincinnati, Westerville, Cleveland Heights, and Dayton.
Backyard ADU in Dayton, Ohio. Source: City of Dayton
The City of Columbus conducted an ADU Sprint in March 2025 which explored policies, financing tools, and design considerations around ADU development.
Whether it’s a home for an aging parent, rental unit for extra income, or crash pad for a best friend, ADUs can address a housing need. We at GOPC will be on the lookout for these and other housing types in our favorite T.V. shows moving forward!
Other Examples of ADUs
ADU in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Source: Greater Ohio Policy Center
ADU in Yountville, California. Source: Napa Sonoma ADU Center
