FX's "Adults" returns for its second season, demonstrating significant growth and maturity, akin to its Gen Z protagonists. The show, which premiered on August 27 on Hulu and FXX, continues to follow a group of five friends sharing a house in Bayside, Queens, navigating the complexities of early adulthood. While season one focused on initial struggles with responsibility, season two delves into more intricate interpersonal drama, including a love triangle involving Paul Baker (Jack Innanen), Issa (Amita Rao), and Anton (Owen Thiele), and explores the secrets within the friend group. This season, executive-produced by Nick Kroll, also features a prequel episode that explains how the friends initially came together, addressing a frequent fan question.
Critics highlight the show's ability to tackle universal challenges faced by young adults—such as financial struggles, relationship woes, and health scares—without resorting to whining or clichéd narratives. The show is commended for its relatable and humorous approach, feeling like a modern, diverse evolution of classic hangout sitcoms like "Friends" and "New Girl." Showrunners Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw emphasize that while the first season was about the general experience of growing up, the second season specifically examines what it means to grow up while deeply intertwined with four other individuals, focusing on how the group navigates conflict and maintains their bonds despite evolving relationships.
The second season ramps up its R-rated comedy and emotional depth, with storylines like Billie (Lucy Freyer) tracking down the girl who inherited her fake ID, leading the friends to confront their past and the realization that they are no longer "young adults" but simply "adults." The show maintains its high-caliber guest star tradition, with appearances from Raven-Symoné as Anton's older sister, Susie Essman, Gaten Matarazzo, Zosia Mamet, Ben Marshall, Jake Shane, and Isaac Powell. The creators aim for an empathetic portrayal of characters who are earnestly trying their best but often fall short, inviting viewers to laugh with them while also seeing themselves in their struggles, indicating the show's broad appeal across generations. The season's tagline, "Welcome Home," underscores its inviting and relatable nature for audiences.
