On this episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo is joined by comedy icons Seth Rogen & Rose Byrne and creators Nicholas Stoller & Francesca Delbanco to discuss Season 2 of “Platonic.” The hit Apple TV+ comedy series returned August 6th and runs through October with new episodes that double down on codependency, middle-aged mayhem, and Rogen’s uncanny ability to brutalize delivery robots & bird scooters.
The show once again follows Will (Rogen) and Sylvia (Byrne), two long-time friends navigating the messiness of middle age through their unhealthy platonic relationship. Season 2 digs deeper into their toxic but undeniably hilarious bond while delivering the mix of sharp dialogue and outrageous physical gags that made the first season a hit.
‘Platonic’ Season 2 Review: Seth Rogen’s Rom-Com-ish Apple TV+ Show Continues To Be A Good Hang
Before that decision was made, Nicholas Stoller and Francesca Delbanco admitted they had initially pitched “Platonic” as more of an anthology concept that could jump between different pairs of friends. But they pivoted once they saw the chemistry between Rogen and Byrne and realized how much fun they were having. As Delbanco put it, “Once we realized how much fun Seth and Rose were having together, locking into Will and Sylvia gave us a richer canvas to explore middle-aged relationships, jealousy, and dysfunction without losing the comedic spark.”
Rogen admitted that he was “pretty motivated” to return after how much fun they had making Season 1 and how strongly audiences responded. “Many of my friends were like, Seriously, it’s very funny. If you could do more of it, you should,” he said. Byrne echoed the sentiment, adding that she was curious to see where the creators could take the relationship without repeating themselves: “How do you reinvent this show, this friendship again? Where can the conflict come from? And they did a great job.”
Of course, “Platonic” wouldn’t be complete without some wild physical comedy. Season 2 includes a beer-blast stunt that left Byrne “totally waterboarded,” while Rogen explained why those moments are so crucial: “It’s important that it feels viscerally painful. Much of our physical comedy comes from things we see on YouTube. Ring cameras have ushered in a whole new generation of great footage of people falling down.”
The series also finds room for unexpected cameos—like Byrne’s real-life husband Bobby Cannavale showing up for a particularly absurd gag. Byrne laughed, “It took very little convincing. He was happy to come in and get the job done.” Rogen quickly pitched the inevitable spin-off: “Hspin-offstar of our Brett Coyote spin-off serspin-off Masturbating Detective.”
Meanwhile, Stoller and Delbanco unpacked the show’s DNA, from its origins as a potential anthology series to its obsession with music and set pieces. “We try to balance the show with both comedic and emotional songs, half men and half women,” Delbanco explained. Stoller added that physical comedy is baked into the storytelling rather than tacked on: “We never think of the set piece first. Oftentimes, it comes later as a way to turn the story.”
The creative duo also confirmed that Rogen’s now-famous wardrobe choices (yes, including bucket hats and mullets) came straight from him. “I’ve never seen more fashion articles written about anyone for anything I’ve been involved with,” Stoller laughed.
Overall, “Platonic” Season 2 is shaping up to be another winning entry in Apple’s comedy slate – sharp, silly, and sneakily heartfelt. Listen to the full interviews below:
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The Playlist Presents: Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, Nicholas Stoller & Francesca Delbanco’s TV & Movie Recommendation Playlist
Seth Rogen
- Ballard (Bosch spin-off)
- “Faspin-off Four: First Steps”
- “Superman”
- “F1”
Rose Byrne
- “Billy Joel: And So It Goes”
- “Succession”
Nicholas Stoller & Francesca Delbanco
- “Billy Joel: And So It Goes”
- “Wolf Hall”
- “Sorry, Baby”
