Everything We Know About Rutherford Falls Season 2 So Far
One wouldn't imagine that the intersection of representation and timely ideas about historical monuments in America would be an easy premise to build an entire show around. "Rutherford Falls," however, covers both of those incredibly wide-ranging topics all at once. The Peacock original series premiered earlier in 2021 and comes from the creators of "Parks and Recreation" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," both of which tackled very similarly socially-conscious issues throughout their respective runs. The first season of "Rutherford Falls" debuted to positive reviews and was renewed for a second go-around, proving that these sorts of stories certainly have an audience. For those looking forward to the continuing events of these characters, here is everything we know so far about Season 2 of "Rutherford Falls."
When and Where to Watch Rutherford Falls Season 2
The first season of "Rutherford Falls" premiered on Peacock in April of 2021, leading the charge of new original shows on the streaming service. NBCUniversal Television wasted little time in renewing the series, making the official announcement only a few months after dropping all 10 episodes at once on Peacock. As president of scripted content Lisa Katz put it:
"We are so proud to be a part of 'Rutherford Falls,' a smart comedy and a breakthrough moment for Native representation in comedy both in front of and behind the camera. 'Rutherford Falls' embodies the modern, original, and inclusive storytelling viewers want and we are excited to develop season two alongside [creator Sierra Teller Ornelas], [co-creator Michael Schur], [actor Ed Helms], and the incredible cast."
No release date has been announced, though TVLine reported that production is set to commence "later this year ahead of a 2022 debut." Though the first season was delayed by the pandemic lockdown, the series commenced filming in September of 2020 in time for its April 2021 premiere. It's likely that we can expect a similar timeframe for season 2, putting a possible premiere date roughly around April of 2022.
What We Think Rutherford Falls Season 2 Will Be About
Despite being premised on the idea that Ed Helms' character, Nathan Rutherford, traces back his ancestry to the founder of the town, Big Larry — who is the subject of the monument that was being relocated — season 1 of "Rutherford Falls" ends with the reveal that Nathan was never actually biologically related to the historical figure in the first place. For all the conflict and tension between Nathan and his Indigenous friend Reagan throughout the series, the revelation can't help but make it feel as if it were all for nothing. The season finale concludes with the two making up and reconciling, though it leaves a bit of a blank slate for season 2.
As Reagan actor Jana Schmieding told The Wrap, "...we haven't made any decisions about a Season 2. We don't know, like, is Nathan going to double down yet again? Is he going to freak out? Is he going to be churning butter? What is Nathan's life to look like now that he's had this sort of like identity crisis, this deep, deep identity crisis? How do you come back from that? How will their friendship come back together?"
What We Know About Rutherford Falls Season 2 Cast and Crew
Season 2 of "Rutherford Falls" will see the return of the core group of creatives who developed the series in the first place, which includes co-creators Ed Helms, Michael Schur, and Sierra Teller Ornelas. The main cast is also expected to reprise their roles for another season, featuring Helms and Jana Schmieding as Nathan and Reagan, along with Michael Greyeyes, Jesse Leigh, and Dustin Milligan. The show has received praise for its strong emphasis on diversity both in front of and behind the camera, of which five members of the writers room are primarily of Indigenous descent.