From Friends in the 1990s and How I Met Your Mother in the 2000s to New Girl in the 2010s, a group of friends in their late 20s to early 30s living together as they navigate their lives has always been a recipe for a successful sitcom. Now, in the 2020s, Adults Season 2 is primed to carry the mantle as one of the most hilarious shows on television, adapting the same types of stories as its predecessors in a much more modern fashion.
The first season had some hilarious moments but took a few episodes to find its footing, but the second installment is non-stop laughs from beginning to end. Adults now focuses far more on Paul Baker (Jack Innanen), as his incredible performance fuels the main storylines of the sophomore season. While the plot points are fresh and relevant, the incredible chemistry and banter between the cast make Adults Season 2 one of the best comedy series on television.
Paul Baker Takes Center Stage in ‘Adults’ Season 2
After remaking the pilot episode of the series to feature a new backstory for Paul Baker, series creators Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw double down by featuring him far more in Adults Season 2 than in the previous season. He’s arguably the series lead throughout the second installment, and the show benefits from Innanen’s charm in the role.
In addition to hilarious side stories in typical Paul Baker fashion, the season also has to pick up the pieces from the emotional Season 1 finale, when Paul Baker and Anton (Owen Thiele) shared their first kiss, which clearly meant something to both of them. This leaves Anton, Paul Baker, and Issa (Amita Rao) in a precarious position in Season 2, and all three actors deliver expert performances as they navigate the romantic chaos between them.
Although Anton, Paul Baker, and Issa are certainly the emotional linchpin of the season, Samir (Malik Elassal) is also heavily featured in his own story, which is less connected to the gang. However, he’s as funny as ever and provides the most laughs in a show that’s filled with hilarious moments. Despite how great all of these characters are individually, they’re always at their best when they’re all together.
More Episodes Would Make ‘Adults’ Even Better
Unfortunately, like many shows in the streaming era, Adults Season 2 suffers from the eight-episode format and would be far better suited to a classic 20+ episode sitcom style. Billie (Lucy Freyer) was a big part of the first season’s story, but in Season 2, she takes a back seat as a participant in other characters’ stories but doesn’t really have her own arc.
The highlight of Adults isn’t the overarching story, it’s the incredible banter and chemistry between the cast, so more time for them to spend together would only enhance the series. While the format isn’t suited for the show, it doesn’t sink the series, but it’s more like a quick taste of a food that you’d like seconds for, but instead you have to wait until next year’s event.
‘Adults’ Season 2 Is One of the Best Comedies out There
Although it doesn’t have the critical acclaim of a series like The Studio or Hacks, Adults is a riot that is filled with laugh out loud moments throughout the series. The chemistry between the cast is so strong that eight episodes isn’t enough to truly explore their found family dynamic to the fullest, but regardless, Season 2 is sure to be one of the funniest projects of 2026.
FX’s Adults Season 2 premieres with two episodes on Friday, August 28, on Hulu and Disney+ in Canada. Follow Agents of Fandom socials for all the latest entertainment news and reviews.
'Adults' Season 2 Review
'Adults' Season 2 ReviewThe Good
- The banter between the characters is top tier, with 'New Girl' level chemistry between the cast.
- Paul Baker's extended role is a welcome addition to Season 2.
- The emotional focal point of Paul Baker, Issa, and Anton works incredibly well.
The Bad
- Billie takes a back seat to the other characters.
- Eight episodes isn't enough, this series would benefit from the old school sitcom style of 20+ episodes.
