Los Angeles, California — After a two-year hiatus, the second season of Poker Face has officially debuted on Peacock, reigniting excitement among fans and critics alike. The season opened May 8 with three episodes, followed by weekly releases leading to the finale on July 10. With the Emmy cutoff set for May 31, half of the season’s twelve episodes are now eligible for the prestigious awards in 2025.
Natasha Lyonne returns as Charlie Cale, a captivating wanderer blessed with an extraordinary talent for detecting deception. As she journeys across the United States in her beloved Plymouth Barracuda, Charlie encounters a range of mysteries, evading pursuers while unraveling various intrigues. Current critical reception is overwhelmingly positive, with the season holding a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 32 reviews.
Creator Rian Johnson expressed his intentions for this season during the premiere at PaleyFest, emphasizing his desire to build on the successful formula established in Season 1. "The goal was to create episodes that are engaging and thrilling without leaning too heavily on overarching story arcs," he stated. The season’s early buzz hints that Poker Face is well-positioned to exceed its four Emmy nominations from the previous year.
Speculation regarding Emmy nominations has intensified, particularly for Best Comedy Series. Though currently ranked as an underdog, the show’s unique blend of mystery and humor is generating strong word-of-mouth recommendations. It is currently positioned 11th in Gold Derby’s predictions, buoyed by a stellar lineup of guest stars. Johnson, a two-time Oscar nominee known for Knives Out and Glass Onion, along with Lyonne, who received acclaim for her previous series Russian Doll, add credibility to the show’s award potential.
In the acting categories, Lyonne, who has previously earned three Emmy nominations, is once again in contention for Best Comedy Actress. She currently ranks fifth, trailing frontrunners such as Jean Smart and Ayo Edebiri. However, she remains competitive, surrounded by past nominees and winners, signaling a strong chance for recognition.
The episodic format of Poker Face allows for a rich pool of guest stars, each contributing to the narrative in unique ways. This season, 13 actors are in the mix for Emmy consideration, including three-time Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo, who showcases her versatility by portraying multiple characters in the premiere. Last season, Judith Light made history by winning the first Emmy for a guest role on Peacock, raising the stakes for this year’s guest categories.
While discussions about writing and directing nominations may be less prominent, Poker Face has a history of recognition in these areas. The show’s first season earned two Writers Guild Award nominations, and Lyonne has co-writing credits for the second episode of the new season. High-energy sequences paired with engaging scripts set a solid foundation for potential awards in both writing and direction.
As Poker Face continues its run, the nominations may extend beyond the central categories. Strong prospects in Best Production Design have been noted, thanks to the show’s meticulous setpieces, ranging from luxurious estates to humble trailer parks. Stunt coordination is another category where the series could see success, having been nominated for its dynamic action sequences previously.
As the season unfolds, all eyes are on Poker Face to see if it can elevate its profile among Emmy voters and further establish itself as a compelling contender in an increasingly competitive landscape.