After a pretty crummy 2020, NBC and the creators of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist have decided to give us a present to start off next year right: season 2 of our favorite show will premiere on January 5, 2021. We’re not even there yet, and next year is looking up already. Here’s what we know about season 2 so far:
THE PLOT
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist was a surprising gem of a show, launching early in 2020 as a mid-season replacement with a 12-episode order. The musical comedy-drama stars Jane Levy as Zoey Clarke, a computer programmer who develops the ability to hear people’s innermost thoughts through song. The series also stars Skylar Astin, Alex Newell, John Clarence Stewart, Peter Gallagher, Mary Steenburgen, Lauren Graham, Kapil Talwalkar, Andrew Leeds, Alice Lee, and Michael Thomas Grant. Season 2 will supposedly have a total of 13 episodes.
The first season ended on an emotionally heavy note, as Zoey’s father finally succumbed to his battle with PSP, a rare degenerative neurological disorder (series creator Austin Winsberg lost his father to the same condition). Not much has been revealed about season 2, except that Zoey and her family will be dealing with the aftermath of Mitch’s death. Meanwhile, the show will delve deeper into its other characters, including Zoey’s primary love interest, Max, and her best friend, Mo.
OLD FACES AND NEW
Over the summer, it was announced that Andrew Leeds (Zoey’s brother, David) and and Alice Lee (her sister-in-law Emily) have been promoted to series regular status. Also promoted to series regular status are fellow SPRQ Point employees Kapil Talwalkar (Tobin) and Michael Thomas Grant (Leif). While we don’t know what these characters’ plots will be, it’s fair to say that David and Emily will have to juggle grief over Mitch’s death with the pressures and responsibilities of new parenthood. As for what Tobin and Leif will be up to, it’s anybody’s guess, since everyone involved in the show has been pretty tight-lipped about spoilers. However, with Joan’s season-end promotion, fans have wondered if this will lead to corresponding promotions for both Zoey and Leif. At this point, that remains fan speculation.
The show will also introduce three new characters. Harvey Guillén will play George, a new employee at SPRQ Point, who is looking for Zoey’s approval. Jee Young Han will play Emily’s older sister, Jenna, who will add additional chaos to their already chaotic lives. Finally, Felix Mallard will play Aiden, Zoey’s childhood friend, who will help her embrace her more adventurous side.
#TEAMMAX
Not much has been revealed about the status of Clarkeman in season 2. However, at the end of the first season, Winsberg did indicate that the love triangle would carry into the new year. Exactly how far that plot will go is unclear. However, it appears Max fans have much to anticipate. Not only will we delve more into Max’s back story – including potentially his family, which was only hinted at in the first season – he will get a new job. Fandom detectives (who could probably show a thing or two to the CIA) suspect he’s starting a new business, possibly with Mo. Actor Skylar Astin has indicated on social media that he has more scenes with Mo actor Alex Newell. Astin has also revealed that he’ll have more musical numbers in the second season, and we couldn’t be more excited about it!
FANDOM WISH LIST
That pretty much sums up what we know, but fans have compiled their own wish list of what they’d like to see next year. That list includes possible guest stars (including fancasting of actors Mandy Patinkin and Zachary Levi as Max’s father and brother, respectively, as well as the return of Bernadette Peters as Deb). Fans are also hoping for Simon to get a plot that allows him to start healing from the grief that he struggled with last year. And, of course, fandom has a lot of high hopes for Clarkeman.
Personally, we at Fangirlish are hoping for some Clarkeman wall sex. We came so close to it in the first season, after I predicted it would happen in the finale. I’m hoping we get follow-through next season. I have a reputation to protect, after all!
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist second season premieres Tuesday, January 5 at 8/7c on NBC.
It’s almost 2023 and I still miss this show. I was so looking forward to seeing Zachary Levi as Max’s brother.