It’s been over a decade since we first met the Adams Foster family on ABC Family (now Freeform), and honestly, the landscape of teen dramas hasn't been the same since. When the show premiered in 2013, it was a massive risk. A multi-ethnic family headed by a lesbian couple? People had opinions. But what kept viewers glued to their screens for five seasons wasn't just the "groundbreaking" premise—it was the chemistry. The cast of the Fosters felt like a real family, messy mistakes and all.
You probably remember the heartbreak of Callie’s endless legal battles or the "will they, won't they" tension that honestly got a little weird between her and Brandon. But where did everyone go after the cameras stopped rolling at the beach house? Some stayed in the family business with the spinoff Good Trouble, while others took massive swings at indie films, Broadway, and even superhero blockbusters.
The Anchor: Teri Polo and Sherri Saum
Stef and Lena were the glue. Period. Teri Polo, who played the tough-as-nails cop Stef Adams Foster, was already a household name from Meet the Parents before the show started. Since the series wrapped, she’s stayed busy, appearing in shows like NCIS and The Big Leap. There was some personal drama in the headlines regarding her finances a few years back, which reminded everyone that Hollywood isn't always as glamorous as it looks on Instagram.
Sherri Saum, our beloved Lena, has basically become the queen of guest spots. You’ve likely spotted her in Power Book II: Ghost, Grey's Anatomy, or Locke & Key. She also popped up frequently in Good Trouble, because let’s be real, the fans would have rioted if the moms didn't show up to check on Callie and Mariana in Los Angeles.
The Transformation of Maia Mitchell and Cierra Ramirez
If you followed the cast of the Fosters into their adult years, you know that Maia Mitchell (Callie) and Cierra Ramirez (Mariana) carried the torch the longest. For years, they anchored Good Trouble, navigating the brutal world of twenty-something adulthood.
Maia Mitchell's departure from the spinoff in 2022 was a huge shock to the system. She actually moved back home to Australia to be with her family during the pandemic, citing a need for personal growth and a break from the relentless grind of US television. It was a brave move. Most actors are terrified to walk away from a lead role, but Maia has always been a bit different. She recently starred in the film Sitting in Bars with Cake, showing a much softer, more comedic side than the perpetually brooding Callie Quinn Adams Foster.
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Cierra Ramirez, meanwhile, has leaned hard into her executive producer role. She didn't just act in the spinoff; she helped shape it. She’s also been pushing her music career, releasing tracks like "Over Your Head." She is the definition of a multi-hyphenate.
The Jesus Recast: A Weird Piece of TV History
We have to talk about it. The "New Jesus."
Jake T. Austin played Jesus Adams Foster for the first two seasons. He was a Disney alum from Wizards of Waverly Place, and his departure was... let's call it "abrupt." There were rumors of behind-the-scenes friction, and Austin eventually tweeted that he wanted to play roles with more "substance."
Enter Noah Centineo.
Before he was the internet’s boyfriend in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Noah was the guy who had the impossible task of stepping into an established family dynamic in Season 3. He nailed it. He brought a certain "golden retriever energy" to Jesus that changed the character's vibe entirely. Since then, he’s gone on to star in Black Adam and The Recruit on Netflix. He’s arguably the biggest breakout star from the bunch.
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David Lambert and the Brandon Problem
Brandon was a polarizing character. There. I said it.
The piano prodigy with a penchant for falling in love with his foster sisters (it was technically legal, but still!) was played by David Lambert. David was one of the few cast members who stayed for the entire duration of the original series. Unlike his co-stars who jumped into massive franchises, David has kept a lower profile. He’s done some theater, some voice work, and appeared in the film The House on the Hill. He seems to enjoy the quieter side of the industry, which is a vibe we can all respect.
Hayden Byerly and the Impact of Jude
Jude Adams Foster was one of the most important characters on television. When Hayden Byerly portrayed Jude’s journey with his sexuality—including the youngest same-sex kiss in US TV history at the time—it changed lives.
Hayden has grown up quite a bit. He’s stayed active in the advocacy space, working closely with organizations like "Be A Friend Project." While he hasn't been in the spotlight as much as Cierra or Noah, his legacy as Jude remains a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ representation. He recently made appearances in The Good Doctor and continues to be a favorite at fan conventions.
The Supporting Players Who Stole the Show
You can't talk about the cast of the Fosters without mentioning the extended family.
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- Danny Nucci (Mike Foster): The veteran actor has been working non-stop, including a stint on 9-1-1. He’s a pro’s pro.
- Amanda Leighton (Emma): She’s become a voice-acting powerhouse, voicing Blossom in the Powerpuff Girls reboot and appearing in This Is Us.
- Jordan Rodrigues (Mat): After playing Mariana's soulmate, he landed a lead role in the National Treasure: Edge of History series.
Why This Group Stuck Together
Most TV casts claim they are a "family." Usually, that’s just PR talk. With this group, it actually feels true. You can still see them commenting on each other's Instagram posts or showing up for weddings. When Good Trouble ended its run in 2024, the original cast members gathered for a final goodbye that felt like a genuine funeral for a chapter of their lives.
They survived the transition from ABC Family to Freeform. They survived a massive recast. They survived the jump to a spinoff.
The show worked because the actors treated the heavy subject matter—foster care, systemic racism, LGBTQ+ rights—with actual respect. They weren't just reading lines; they were advocates.
How to Revisit the Adams Foster Universe
If you’re looking to catch up with the cast or dive back into the drama, here is how you should actually do it:
- Watch the "Mother's Day" Episode first: If you're doing a rewatch, skip the pilot and go straight to the episodes that highlight the Stef/Lena dynamic. It reminds you why the show had heart.
- Follow the "Good Trouble" Crossovers: Don't watch the spinoff chronologically if you only care about the original cast. Look for the holiday specials (the Christmas episodes are top-tier) where the whole family reunites.
- Check out the Indie Projects: Support the cast's smaller work. Watch Maia Mitchell in Never Goin' Back or Noah Centineo in The Stand-In. It shows their range beyond the suburban drama of San Diego.
- Listen to the Music: A lot of the cast, including Cierra Ramirez and David Lambert, are musicians. Their Spotify profiles give a much deeper look into who they are outside of their characters.
The reality is that The Fosters ended, but the impact of that specific group of actors hasn't faded. They proved that "chosen family" isn't just a tagline—it's a way of moving through the world. Whether they are winning awards or just living quiet lives away from the paparazzi, they'll always be the kids from 1337 Adams Foster Lane.