Review | ‘Adults’ season 2 is bigger, louder and messier

Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures

If adulthood had an instruction manual, the cast of “Adults” definitely lost theirs. With horrible decisions, workplace turmoil and messy relationships, season 2 of “Adults” has taken the absurdity of adulting to the next level.

The comedy follows a group of 20-something-year-olds trying to navigate the responsibilities of adulthood while living together in New York City in one of their childhood homes. After season one was released and was filled with unconventional friend dynamics and frequently questionable choices, this new season introduces a new set of growing pains as the five — the reckless Billie (Lucy Frayer), unconfrontational Samir (Malik Elassal), unserious Anton (Owen Thiele), independent Issa (Amita Rao) and overly confident Paul Baker (Jack Innanen) — try and usually fail to get their lives together and acclimate to adulthood. 

Between raccoons and possums breaking into their home, awkward interpersonal relationships that sometimes end a little odd and lead to a carbon monoxide leak, the group of five act as relatable characters for their viewers. Their messiness encourages the audience to realize it’s normal to struggle to find their way but there is beauty in that experience. 

“Adults” is a coming-of-age story for people who have already technically come of age. It was a nice reminder that growing doesn’t magically end when you enter adulthood. Adulthood is chaotic, uncomfortable and constantly in a state of change. Sometimes dealing with that change together is what makes it tolerable. 

There are a whole lot of laughs in season two, with every character having such a unique personality. Anton, in particular, brings a whole new flavor from episode to episode, while Issa’s unpredictability and nonconformity to those around her make the viewer always wonder what will happen next. Just like the other characters, their completely different brands of humor bounce perfectly off one another. 

The show's clever writing and perfectly-timed editing make even the small awkward moments, the exchanged looks or delayed responses, land. Writers Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw have really captured the disorder of young adulthood and channeled that into the characters, because the dilemmas the characters overcome are typically not over-the-top, bizarre issues (minus the possum — if you know you know); they are real issues that young adults face. Insecurity at work, failed romance, the desire to be younger and older at the same time and feeling stuck in the awkward space in between. 

The characters' personalities are highly theatrical, sometimes to the point where the exaggeration takes away the sincerity from moments that could be more impactful with grounded, natural and realistic reactions. However, there is also a power within the theatricality; it feels as if the characters are written with no filter, to openly express their internal thoughts and reactions that most people suppress or are taught to water down in real life. 

The episodes are each in the 20-minute range and are all lighthearted, bingeable watches. There are eight episodes per season, so add this to the list of quick shows for busy college kids to watch on the side. 

Overall, “Adults” continues to be a lighthearted, down-to-earth show following the crazy day-to-day of five friends trying to ground themselves through the support of one another. College students and beyond can find comfort in their disarray as a reminder that it’s okay not to have life figured out, but to enjoy the little laughs, challenges and steps forward along the way.