Will Looking hang on for a third season on HBO? We examine what works in the show’s favor and how it can make a case for season 3.
Looking season 2 arrived on HBO on the heels of a moderately successful first season following Girls‘ time slot. The show that treats San Francisco as a character, not a setting, follows three friends as they live out their everyday lives looking for love, happiness, and fulfillment (in more ways than one).
The show was heralded for its portrayal of gay men in their early to late 30s, the sex scenes were widely discussed, the characters had interesting conflicts to focus on. But what happened in season 2? Radio silence befell the internet as Looking season 2 came and went without so much as stirring a few whispers.
Related: Looking for something to happen in Looking season 2
While the network may be content to keep the show behind Girls and insert new material in between, it may not live on to serve as a bookend any longer. This season’s test run of the new original comedy, Togetherness, exceeded expectations and the Duplass brothers found themselves with a second season before its run was over. Girls got the green light for season 5 at its premiere party. So what do you do with a show like Looking? Make the case for it to stay.
Find where is it working
An incredible secondary cast pumped some life into the series. With Eddie, the HIV positive friend turned love interest for Agustîn, new issues were brought into discussion and a 180 degree turn for Agustîn’s life took place. Doris, the powerhouse best friend of Dom, stole the show in “Looking for a Plot.” Her relationship with Dom is worthy of its own half hour comedy block, but her presence helped advance not only her and Doms’ stories, but Patrick’s as well. Speaking of, Kevin, Patrick’s fling-turned-serious-relationship, has taken Richie as a potential love interest off the table. But Richie’s presence still ignites those butterflies that keep viewers wondering if their friendship is really all either party wants.
Related: Looking season 2 needs a strong dose of Doris
The strong cast of characters proved that the lives of Patrick, Dom, and Agustîn are far more interesting when other people are pushing and pulling them apart from one another. But when those moments occur between the core trio, the show hits another cord. Season 2 certainly had more scenes featuring Patrick, Dom, and Agustîn together, and if not all three at least scenes between two of them. It was a nice reminder that they are not in San Francisco alone. Surrogate families are a very real and true bond. The opening of season 2, the trip to Lynn’s cabin, reminded us of the benefits of having those friends you can fall back on even after your lives put you through the ringer and suck you dry.
Analyze solutions
Would a move to Netflix help the series? Not necessarily. For all that Looking has to offer, it has a lot to lose as well should a transfer to a streaming only service take place. The episodes seem binge worthy on the surface. In fact, there is typically no pull to need next week to take place any faster than seven days. But if audiences take some time to consider the episode, maybe watch it one more time, the heart can be uncovered. On a streaming service Looking is reduced to one late evening and a pint of ice cream.
But what about the series itself needs a boost? Keeping the balance it accomplished in season 2. Season 1 felt very much about Patrick and his life in and out of love. While Looking season 2 seamlessly brought that conflict back into the mold, the show felt less about Patrick and more about everyone as equals. Keeping this balance and supporting cast makes a season 3 much more appealing. Especially if everyone leaves off the second season without wrapping up their stories, giving fans a reason to demand more.
Watch Looking season 2, episode 10, “Looking for Home,” Sunday, Match 22 at 10:00 p.m. ET on HBO.