Only four episodes in and Hulu has just announced there will be a second season of their new original series Casual.
The dramedy, which premiered on the streaming service earlier this October, follows two slightly dysfunctional siblings who live together despite being well into adulthood. Michaela Watkins plays Valerie, a psychologist and mother going through a divorce who takes her daughter and moves in with her computer progammer/player brother, Alex, played by Tommy Dewey.
The first season was ordered for 10 half-hour episodes, but Hulu has bumped the episode count up to 13 for the second season.
From Hulu’s press release:
Following its successful series debut on October 7th, the Hulu Original CASUAL has already been picked up for a second season with a 13-episode order, the network announced today. Lionsgate Television’s critically-acclaimed comedy series will return with creator and executive producer Zander Lehmann and executive producers Jason Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air), Helen Estabrook and Liz Tigelaar.
CASUAL has drawn praise for stars Michaela Watkins, Tommy Dewey, Tara Lynne Barr and Nyasha Hatendi, who will all return as series regulars for the second season. Hulu will continue to roll out weekly episodes for its 10-episode straight-to-series order for season one of CASUAL, launching its fourth episode today. All episodes will be available to stream to subscribers in both Hulu’s limited and no commercials plans.
“CASUAL really struck a chord,” said Craig Erwich, SVP, Head of Content, Hulu. “We couldn’t be prouder of the quality, and we’re thrilled to see it be recognized for the success that it is.”
“It’s a rare joy to get to work with the people you love. We’re so fortunate to get to do it again and to have the chance to further explore the world of our unconventional family,” said creator Zander Lehmann.
“We are thrilled that viewers immediately embraced this smart, dysfunctional family comedy, brought to life through Zander Lehmann’s distinct, inventive voice and vision of executive producers Jason Reitman, Helen Estabrook and Liz Tigelaar,” said Kevin Beggs, Chairman, Lionsgate Television Group. “Hulu is a great partner and the perfect home for this series. We look forward to where they take these characters and storylines in season two.”
“The CASUAL family came together quickly and bonded in a very real way both on screen and off. We’re all thrilled to see more of each other and continue building upon the adventures of Alex and Valerie as they attempt real adult relationships,” said executive producer Jason Reitman.
CASUAL follows the story of a dysfunctional family with a bachelor brother and his newly divorced sister. Together, they coach each other through the crazy world of dating (on-line and off), while living under one roof again and raising a teenager. New episodes are available every Wednesday.
In episode four streaming today, Alex (Tommy Dewey) goes back to work for the first time in weeks. Valerie (Michaela Watkins) slips up and breaks one of his cardinal rules of casual sex, while Laura (Tara Lynne Barr) begins to bond with her photography teacher after class.
The second season of CASUAL will join 11.22.63, an event series based upon the best-selling Stephen King novel from J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions; The Path, a drama series from Jason Katims’ True Jack Productions starring Aaron Paul, Michelle Monaghan and Hugh Dancy; The Mindy Project, a comedy series from Mindy Kaling; and comedy series Difficult People produced by Amy Poehler with stars Julie Klausner and Billy Eichner.”
What do you think? Do you watch Casual? What do you think of the series so far?
