Review: Platonic Season Two - Joyful TV Or Forced Humor?

James

3 min read

Post on Aug 07, 2025

5.0

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Review: Platonic Season Two - Joyful TV or Forced Humor?

Platonic's second season arrived on Apple TV+ with a promise of deepened friendships, hilarious mishaps, and maybe, just maybe, a little less awkwardness than its predecessor. But did it deliver on that promise, or did the laughs fall flatter than a week-old pancake? Let's dive into a comprehensive review exploring whether season two successfully navigated the tricky waters of maintaining comedic timing while developing complex character arcs.

A Quick Recap for the Uninitiated: For those unfamiliar, Platonic stars Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen as Sylvia and Will, childhood best friends whose once-close bond fractured over the years. Season one saw their reconnection, navigating the ups and downs of rekindling a friendship after significant time apart.

Season Two: Higher Stakes, Higher Expectations: This season throws a considerable curveball. While the core dynamic between Sylvia and Will remains central, the narrative expands, exploring their individual lives and the ripple effects of their rekindled friendship on those around them. We see Sylvia grapple with professional challenges and personal insecurities, while Will navigates his own evolving family life. This broadened scope, while ambitious, unfortunately, isn't always executed smoothly.

The Hits: Season two boasts some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments. The chemistry between Byrne and Rogen remains undeniable, their comedic timing perfectly complementing each other's strengths. Certain storylines, particularly those exploring the complexities of adult friendships and the challenges of balancing personal and professional aspirations, resonated deeply. The supporting cast also shines, contributing to the overall comedic energy of the show.

The Misses: However, not every joke lands. There are instances where the humor feels forced, relying on predictable tropes rather than genuine wit. The show occasionally struggles to maintain a consistent comedic tone, shifting unexpectedly between heartfelt moments and slapstick gags. This tonal inconsistency can disrupt the narrative flow and leave the viewer slightly disoriented. Moreover, certain plot points feel underdeveloped, leaving unanswered questions and a sense of incompletion.

Is It Joyful TV or Forced Humor? The Verdict: Platonic season two is a mixed bag. While it delivers moments of genuine joy and insightful character exploration, it also suffers from inconsistent comedic timing and underdeveloped plotlines. The undeniable chemistry between Byrne and Rogen carries much of the show, but it’s not enough to overcome the occasional narrative stumbles.

Ultimately, whether you find it "joyful TV" or "forced humor" depends largely on your tolerance for uneven pacing and the occasional reliance on tired comedic devices. If you enjoyed season one, there’s enough familiar charm to keep you invested. However, those seeking a consistently hilarious and flawlessly executed comedy might find themselves slightly disappointed.

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

What to Watch Next: If you enjoyed Platonic, you might also appreciate shows like Friends From College (Netflix), Insecure (HBO Max), or Better Off Ted (Hulu), all of which explore the complexities of adult friendships and relationships with a blend of humor and heart.

Call to Action: Have you seen Platonic season two? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's discuss whether you think the show successfully balanced humor and heart this season.