Platonic returns with an amusing and breezy season 2

Platonic‘s title suggests that the main theme it tackles is whether men and women can just be friends. Various characters on the show often broach the subject, too. However, at the heart of Apple TV+’s comedy lies a far more interesting dilemma: Is nostalgia enough to keep a companionship—this one happens to be between a man and a woman—thriving for people in their early forties who yearn for youth and dread growing old? Series co-creators (and husband-wife duo) Nicholas Stoller and Francesca Delbanco have an affinity for this topic, as seen in their previous midlife crisis show, Netflix’s Friends From College. In comparison, Platonic is less prickly and more enjoyable and well-crafted, thanks to a tighter focus on two people (not a group) striving to evolve the unshakable bond they made during their younger days.  

The show centers on Will (Seth Rogen) and Sylvia (Rose Byrne), former besties who reconnected at the start of season one after being estranged for five years. (His ex-wife didn’t gel with her, and as soon as she learned of his divorce via Instagram, she reached out.) This reunion unleashes upheaval in their personal lives and careers because Will and Sylvia indulge in their worst habits together, as if desperately clinging to younger, freer versions of themselves. But they’re also endlessly understanding and honest in a way they can’t be with anyone else. Free of romantic feelings, sexual tension, or family ties, they are goofy and real with each other by choice (one that they make over and over, arguments and ego clashes notwithstanding). Isn’t that how all friendships stay intact, by choosing to spend time with someone simply because you want to and it brings you joy? 

Stoller and Delbanco rely almost exclusively on their Neighbors collaborators to anchor this tale. Without the commitment from Rogen and Byrne—who excel at physical-comedy hijinks, electric banter, and sincere conversations—Platonic wouldn’t make as much of an impact. Their natural chemistry makes it easy to root for Will and Sylvia’s messy dynamic even when they’re being utterly insufferable. And the pair is quite toxic, to be clear. Sylvia, a stay-at-home mom of three who gave up being a lawyer to raise her children, seeks more than her mundane routine. In Will, she unexpectedly finds the opportunity to let loose again. Meanwhile, Will is a brewmaster who doesn’t get along with any of his colleagues at the hip bar he co-owns. In Sylvia, he finds a camaraderie that’s been missing from his life. But is their friendship rooted in “for old time’s sake.” Can it be mature to reflect their age and experiences? 

The ten new amusing but repetitive episodes make it clear the answer is still unknown. Will now lives in San Diego, works a corporate job, and is about to marry his chic boss, Jenna (Rachel Rosenbloom). But he still acts like a 20-year-old trapped in a 40-year-old’s body. His laid-back outfits and attitude are solid proof, as is the way he reacts to getting cold feet during his engagement party in the season premiere. To help him through everything is his pal. Will and Sylvia’s misadventures continue to throw a wrench in their respective romantic relationships. Jenna is as understandably unnerved by their closeness, just like Sylvia’s sweet husband, Charlie (Luke Macfarlane), seemed to be in season one. They aren’t afraid of potential infidelity but of the idea that their partner is more open with another person than with them. No amount of double dates can fix this.