After a hiatus of more than two years, Poker Face is back with a second season on Peacock. The show returns May 8 with an initial drop of three episodes, followed by weekly releases every Thursday until all 12 episodes are available. Natasha Lyonne reprises her role as Charlie Cale, a casino worker gifted with the ability to tell when someone is lying.
A Continuing Howcatchem That Follows Charlie Cale's Cross-Country Run From Danger
Poker Face follows the formula of classic “howcatchem” detective dramas, where the audience knows who committed the crime and watches how the detective solves it. In this tradition, Charlie uses her lie-detection skill to uncover murders and other mysteries around America while remaining on the run from the mob. This season, she’s evading Beatrix Hasp and the "five families," who seek revenge following events from the first season.
Charlie’s journey takes her to new and varied locations — from alligator farms in Florida to sprawling estates up the East Coast — each posing fresh challenges and fresh suspects. Despite the danger, Charlie’s approach remains unsentimental and direct, a point emphasized by Lyonne’s deadpan delivery and understated physicality.
Strong Creative Team and Natasha Lyonne’s Expanded Role Behind the Scenes
The show is the creation of Rian Johnson, known for films like Knives Out and its sequel. Johnson continues to serve as executive producer and director this season. Natasha Lyonne also steps behind the camera as director for two episodes and contributes to the writing team, extending her creative input beyond acting. This creative collaboration shapes the show’s balance of humor, mystery, and character drama.
The tone of the series draws heavily from 1970s detective dramas like Columbo, The Rockford Files, and McCloud. Charlie Cale is a modern twist on this archetype: scrappy, outspoken, and unpredictable. She carries a vape pen where Columbo had his cigar and wears cut-off shorts rather than a trench coat.
Season 2’s Notable Guest Stars and Intricate Storylines
Each episode features standout guest stars who play central roles in the featured murder mysteries. Season 2 includes performances by Cynthia Erivo, Giancarlo Esposito, Katie Holmes, Justin Theroux, Alia Shawkat, John Mulaney, Kumail Nanjiani, Lili Taylor, Margo Martindale, Melanie Lynskey, and Rhea Perlman.
The premiere episode, “The Game Is a Foot,” showcases Cynthia Erivo in multiple diverse roles as several sisters who become embroiled in a deadly inheritance dispute. Erivo’s versatility distinguishes this episode, which mixes family drama with criminal deception. The complex plot involves secret siblings, impersonations, and a chilling final reveal that harks back to classic detective storytelling.
A Character-Driven Series With a Focus on Connection and Survival
Behind the mysteries, the show explores themes of loneliness, survival, and human connection. Charlie’s ability to spot lies isolates her and puts her in danger, but it also compels her toward empathy and relationships, even if fleeting. Natasha Lyonne has said the show reflects a journey away from nihilism toward connection, portraying a protagonist who has already faced dark times and now moves cautiously toward the possibility of having roots, friends, or even love.
Lyonne’s long career — which started as a child actor and later included battles with addiction and a return as a strong presence in television — informs her portrayal of Charlie. The role fits Lyonne’s offbeat persona and flair for mixing vulnerability with toughness.
Where and How to Watch
Poker Face Season 2 streams exclusively on Peacock. The subscription starts at $7.99 a month, with no standalone free trial, but some bundled offers like Instacart+ include limited Peacock access. New episodes drop every Thursday after the initial three-episode premiere on May 8.
Looking Ahead
Given the strong creative leads and the structured yet flexible “mystery-of-the-week” format, Poker Face season 2 looks set to maintain the blend of sharp writing, suspense, and occasional humor that fans expect. The recurring threat from the mob provides a steady thread of tension, though some critics have noted that it occasionally feels like a relied-upon plot point.
What remains clear is that Natasha Lyonne’s Charlie Cale remains a unique detective figure on television. Her mix of street smarts, honesty about human flaws, and dry wit continues to set the tone of the series. For viewers who enjoy procedurals with distinct characters and smart plotting, Poker Face Season 2 promises another engaging ride.