Premiered: June 19, 2020

On: Netflix

Starring: Ben Platt, Judith Light, Lucy Boynton, Julia Schlaepfer, Zoey Deutch, Laura Dreyfuss, Theo Germaine, Rahne Jones, Bette Midler, Gwyneth Paltrow, David Corenswet, Sam Jaeger, Joe Morton, Teddy Sears, Jackie Hoffman, Ryan J. Haddad, Trevor Mahlon Eason & Trey Eason

Bringing in strong female characters and taking some of the focus away from the egotistical Payton (Ben Platt), The Politician’s second season ends up being much stronger than its first.

Now finishing his time at New York University, Payton is running against longstanding incumbent Dede Standish (Judith Light) for a seat in the New York State Senate. He utilizes his former classmates and friends to help run his campaign, while Dede is advised by her loyal campaign manager Hadassah Gold (Bette Midler).

The women flourish this season. Georgina (Gwyneth Paltrow) hilariously runs for Governor of California, Alice’s (Julia Schlaepfer) character development is through the roof and allows her to be more than a token side character and Dede and Hadassah’s relationship shows how friends stand side-by-side through thick and thin.

Final say: Getting better as its term continues. ★★★★☆