Everyone's favourite inverted detective story Poker Face has returned for season 2, and it's bigger, better and with more guest stars that you can count.
Created by Knives Out's writer-director Rian Johnson, the series ditches the whodunit formula and opts for a Columbo-style narrative where the murderer is revealed in the intro.
Lead Natasha Lyonne — who also executive produced, and wrote and co-directed an episode this season — reprises the role of Charlie Cale, a human lie detector who can cut through fake alibis right away.
Season 2 debuted yesterday with the first three episodes, earning a 100% Certified Fresh critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes out of 32 reviews.
Critics' consensus is pretty much unanimous as the second season is hailed as not just the perfect continuation to the first, but also as a season that "confidently surpasses" its debut, as Discussing Film notes in its review.
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Here's what the critics have been saying:
Digital Spy
"It's murder but it's fun. It's serious at times but stops short of becoming too dark. Johnson's writing permits you to feel sympathy for the killers, contempt for some victims, but no one is without understanding. It's all about perspective, which demonstrates Poker Face's ability to be layered."
Mashable
"Poker Face doesn't lose an ounce of variety as it roars through Season 2. That variety extends from its central mysteries to its guest stars... These constant change-ups, even within a set formula, cement Poker Face as one of current TV's most fun, most varied shows."
IndieWire
"When episodes rely on people to bring them to life — be it famous guest stars, well-realized characters, life-affirming arcs, or all of the above — they’re that much easier to enjoy. For the most part, Poker Face season 2 is quite easy to enjoy."
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Discussing Film
"Poker Face season 2 doesn’t just match the first season, it confidently surpasses it. The Peacock series firmly solidifies its own unique rhythm, tone, and even a richer sense of purpose in these next 12 episodes."
TV Guide
"When it comes to case-of-the-week storytelling, this team is at the top of their game, offering something more enriching than typical crime procedurals, with no shortage of imagination and heart."
Poker Face season 2 airs on Sky Atlantic and streams on Sky Go/NOW in the UK. Season 2 is also available on Peacock in the US.
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Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
