TV Review: ‘Adults’ Season Two Continues to Be Good Hangout Television

In a world of heavy, deep, and award-hopeful television, good “hangout” TV can be difficult to find. Shows like FX’s Adults hold a special place in my television-watching heart for that very reason. While there is a plot, the real joy of the series resides in these wonderful characters. Adults season two picks up with Samir (Malik Elassal), Billie (Lucy Freyer), Paul Baker (Jack Innanen), Issa (Amita Rao), and Anton (Owen Thiele). Over this second season, the group of mid-20-somethings navigates numerous life challenges. That includes their various life ambitions, with a central focus of this second season being relationships. In the wrong hands, that can lead to a very melodramatic finished product, which isn’t the case thanks to this cast.

Being in my mid-to late twenties, there’s something in Adults characters that’s incredibly easy to connect with. The situations are always heightened, but the mid-twenties angst at making a life for yourself feels resonant. That sentiment is evident in how the performers showcase a longevity in their friendship. Visiting them all again simply feels like no time has passed since season one premiered in 2025. There’s a comfort level the cast has with one another, translating into getting together with old friends. The high points in this season easily have to go to the cast simply being together. That is not just in the hijinks that ensue, but the simple conversations.

In most television sitcoms, shows would focus on pairings between our central characters. This can include dividing the group in different comedic situations. Adults does this, yet changes out the grouping of characters. Henceforth allowing characters that did not have much solo time together in season one, like Billie (Freyer), and Paul Baker (Innanen), to have more time on screen together. These variations on a typical sitcom trope are effective, yet never bog the shows narrative rhythms. The results of which make the brisk 20-25 minutes per-episode quite enjoyable.

It is also best to note that the cast themselves feel fully ingratiated as these characters. Lucy Freyer makes Billie likable, emotionally grounded, yet entirely insecure. It’s an interesting balance, allowing her to ride a line of charm and emotional honesty. Malik Elassal crafts Samir as a high-strung, anxious, yet emotionally loyal support system. While the most straight-laced, Elassal gives the character moments of infectious levity. Amita Rao has one of the series tricky roles as Issa, the outspoken and independent member of the friend group. While exuding a palpable confidence, she imbues the character with relatable insecurities.

Jack Innanen’s Paul Baker is basically the equivalent of a ray of sunshine. His upbeat, consistently positive attitude is difficult to not be charmed by. Yet in season two, Innanen shows subtle humane cracks in the facade. He never loses sight of Paul Baker’s positivity, creating a character that viewers love being around and want to help when he’s hurting. A similar sentiment could be said for Owen Thiele’s Anton, the most outspoken in the group. He is undoubtedly the social butterfly, but also the voice of honesty for his friend group. Whereas outside of that, he is force to deal with his own emotional immaturity. The dueling qualities of these characters are struck into perfect harmony with the cast.

Besides the effectiveness of the cast, a large credit has to be given to creators Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw. Kronengold and Shaw have such a clear understanding of the voice of Gen-Z, which made it quite easy to connect with. They clearly understand the effectiveness of the cast, maximizing on the chemistry formed since season one. Even with those strengths, Adults season two is not without flaws as a whole. That is not even in the plot points the characters are thrown into, but the shows cameos.

There will be no spoilers here, so it can be best described in one sentence. Anytime without this cast simply being together felt wasted. While the surprise appearances are comical, they don’t carry the same appeal as watching this cast be together. Some are arguably more effective than others, yet as a whole are not as fun. Granted in the grand scheme of a television series, qualms like that should be considered the smallest of nitpicks.

In a time of so much television content, shows like Adults season two are a breath of fresh air. Even if the hijinks are silly and some appearances are forced, the core essence of the show stays the same. This cast is so likable, funny and just a pleasure to be around. Over eight episodes, that can be more than enough for a pleasent and entertaining television series.