Seth Rogen’s comedy series Platonic recently concluded its second season on Apple TV+, offering a fresh, relatable take on adult friendships that arguably showcases his talents better than The Studio, the show that earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series. Although The Studio captured widespread acclaim and multiple awards, including honors for Rogen’s writing and directing contributions, Platonic’s nuanced humor and grounding in everyday struggles highlight a different facet of his performance deserving of recognition.
Assessing Seth Rogen’s Work Across Two Popular Series
Rogen’s current Emmy win for The Studio contrasts sharply with Platonic’s quieter but compelling presence on Apple TV+. The Studio is a sharp, ambitious satire on Hollywood’s inner workings, co-created by Rogen and his longtime collaborator Evan Goldberg. Its star-studded guest appearances and slick production values helped it rack up numerous awards soon after its debut, ensuring the show will remain prominent on the awards circuit.
Yet, while The Studio’s clever premise earns plenty of “wow” moments, Platonic stands out as a sitcom that more genuinely fits Rogen’s comedic and emotional strengths. Across ten tightly crafted episodes, Platonic delivers relatable laughs tied to the complexities of male friendship and adult growth, blending humor with meaningful character development in a way that resonated with many viewers even without the fanfare The Studio attracted.
From a Limited Series to a Returning Favorite
Originally designed as a limited series, Platonic was not expected to go beyond its initial season. The first installment neatly closed its story, depicting the evolving yet enduring friendship between Will (played by Rogen) and his on-again, off-again best friend Sylvia (Rose Byrne). Their relationship served as a strong emotional core, representing how mutual support helps two adults navigate transitional life phases and emerge more fulfilled.
The unexpected renewal for a second season required unraveling that satisfying ending, with new storylines exploring the strains of adult responsibilities. Will’s attempt to balance a corporate job with his personal life, and Sylvia’s busy party-planning career causing tension with her husband Charlie (Luke Macfarlane), added layers of ongoing drama and comedy. The show’s creators, Nicholas Stoller and Francesca Delbanco, positioned Platonic as an introspective look at the question of whether longtime friends can grow apart, echoing themes from their previous project Friends from College.
Exploring Los Angeles Through a Sitcom Lens
Platonic distinguishes itself by using the streaming format’s flexibility to move beyond the traditional sitcom’s limited settings. Instead of being confined to a few recurring locations, the show showcases a broader range of Los Angeles, lending it a textured and authentic urban backdrop. This approach underscores the series’ blend of sitcom humor with more dramatic, serialized storytelling, exploring romantic entanglements and marital struggles alongside lighter comedic beats.
The narrative balances episodic events with longer arc development, structuring many episodes around specific social gatherings such as parties or community events. This dual approach enriches the series, making it both enjoyable as stand-alone episodes and rewarding for viewers following ongoing character journeys.
Characters Reflecting the Challenges of Adult Life
At its core, Platonic is about two people wrestling with the question of whether they have outgrown the type of sitcom antics typical of younger adult comedies. Sylvia’s character especially embodies this tension, balancing the role of a domestic wife and mother while navigating Los Angeles’s eccentric hipster scene, represented by the unapologetically oddball Will. This duality extends the show’s comedic scope beyond male friendship, presenting a more balanced exploration of gender and adult identity.
Will’s character arc moves away from Rogen’s classic slacker archetype into a man caught between indulgent habits and professional responsibilities, whether as a brewer, a corporate consultant, or a bar owner. This earnest portrayal connects better with viewers compared to his more conceptual role in The Studio, where Rogen plays a high-level executive far removed from everyday realities. Platonic’s grounded setting and relatable characters allow Rogen to display a natural, affable charm that has become his hallmark.
Memorable Moments and Guest Stars Adding Flavor
Season two offers several standout comedic moments, including a running gag featuring Will and his longtime friend Wild Card (Beck Bennett) obsessing over Sydney Sweeney’s appeal. The finale’s quirky bit about Celsius energy drinks has also left a lasting impression on fans. The series regularly features guest appearances by notable actors like SNL alumni Kyle Mooney, Aidy Bryant, and Beck Bennett, who contribute oddball side roles that enrich the show’s quirky atmosphere.
These elements work together to create a progression for Rogen as an actor and comedian, moving toward more nuanced and varied performances. The show’s ensemble cast and creative team, including experienced collaborators like Judd Apatow staffers, lend strong support in sustaining its balance of humor and emotional insight.
The Road Ahead: What Might the Future Hold for Platonic?
Despite the critical praise and audience warmth for Platonic, its future on Apple TV+ is uncertain, especially given the triumph of The Studio. However, the series’ creators and Rogen himself have voiced enthusiasm about continuing the project, which might motivate Apple to greenlight a third season. Such a decision would not only satisfy fans but also provide Rogen with an ongoing platform to further develop the character-driven humor and heartfelt storytelling that set Platonic apart.
In the broader context of Rogen’s career, Platonic represents a hopeful step toward consistently recognizing the full range of his talent beyond awards and industry buzz. The show’s exploration of authentic adult friendships offers a fresh and important contribution to contemporary comedy, one that could inspire future series to blend humor with genuine emotional complexity. Whether or not it receives Emmy attention in the coming years, Platonic has already carved out a unique space that complements Rogen’s evolving creative voice.
