Fleishman Is In Trouble is a comedy-drama miniseries that premiered on FX on Hulu on November 17, 2022. The show is based on the 2019 novel of the same name by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, who also serves as the creator, writer, and executive producer of the series. The show follows Toby Fleishman, a recently divorced liver doctor who finds himself in a midlife crisis as he juggles his career, his kids, and his dating life after his ex-wife Rachel disappears. The show stars Jesse Eisenberg, Claire Danes, Lizzy Caplan, and Adam Brody in the main roles.
The show received critical acclaim and positive reviews from viewers, who praised its witty and insightful exploration of marriage, divorce, gender, and class in modern society. The show also earned several award nominations, including seven Primetime Emmy Awards. However, despite its popularity and success, the show has not been renewed for a second season yet. So, will Fleishman Is In Trouble have a season 2? The answer is most likely no.
Behind the Scenes of Fleishman Is In Trouble
Fleishman Is In Trouble was developed by Brodesser-Akner after her debut novel became a bestseller and received rave reviews from critics and readers. She wrote seven out of the eight episodes of the show, while Mike Goldbach wrote the sixth episode. The show was directed by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton, Alice Wu, and Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini. The show was produced by AknerCorp, Timberman/Beverly Productions, and ABC Signature.
The cast of the show delivered stellar performances that brought the complex and flawed characters to life. Eisenberg portrayed Toby Fleishman, a neurotic and insecure doctor who struggles to cope with his divorce and his new-found freedom. Danes played Rachel Fleishman, a successful and ambitious agent who leaves her family without explanation. Caplan played Libby Epstein, Toby’s college friend and former journalist who narrates the story. Brody played Seth Morris, Toby’s other college friend and a successful entrepreneur who helps Toby navigate the dating scene.
The show received widespread praise from critics and viewers alike, who appreciated its humor, honesty, and depth. The show has an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 46 reviews, with an average rating of 8.1/10. The website’s critics consensus reads: “Smart, sharp-witted, and insightful, Fleishman Is in Trouble is a hilarious and heartbreaking adaptation that more than lives up to its source material.” The show also has a 7.7/10 rating on IMDb, based on 14,000 user ratings.
The show also garnered several accolades and nominations for its writing, directing, acting, and production. The show was nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Brodesser-Akner), Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Eisenberg), Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Danes), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Caplan), Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Faris and Dayton), and Outstanding Casting for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. The show won one Emmy Award for Outstanding Casting for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.
Possibility of a Second Season
Despite the first season’s success and its effect on the second season, various considerations make a second season of Fleishman Is In Trouble doubtful. The project was touted as a limited series, meaning it would have one season to cover the full book. In a Sioux City Journal interview, Brodesser-Akner said, “It’s a limited series. I think this narrative represents the book’s breadth and complete.” She said, “You never know. I’m also persuaded to keep these characters.”
Second, cast and crew availability for a second season is unknown. A superb ensemble cast with demanding schedules and other commitments starred in the performance. In 2023, Eisenberg will feature in Resistance, Zombieland: Double Tap, Vivarium, Wild Indian, When You Finish Saving the World, Lou, Rio 3, Now You See Me 3, and The Social Network 2. Danes will feature in A Mouthful of Air, The Essex Serpent, and As Cool as I Am 2 in 2023. Caplan and Brody also work on Castle Rock and The Kid Detective.
Third, the network decides whether to renew or cancel the program based on ratings, viewership, budget, and critical reaction. Even if the program did well, the network may not renew it for a second season. The show’s fate has not been confirmed by FX on Hulu, suggesting they don’t care. The network also boasts popular and successful series including American Horror Story, Fargo, Atlanta, and The Handmaid’s Tale.
Fan Reactions and Speculations
Despite the low chances of a second season of Fleishman Is In Trouble, fans of the show have not given up hope and have expressed their desire and curiosity for more episodes on social media and online platforms. Many fans have praised the show for its witty and insightful portrayal of modern relationships and have expressed their admiration for the cast and crew. Some fans have also shared their theories and speculations about what happened to Rachel and what would happen to Toby and his family if the show continued.
Some of the fan reactions and speculations are:
- “Fleishman Is In Trouble is one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. It’s so funny, smart, and heartbreaking. I need a season 2 ASAP!”
- “I loved Fleishman Is In Trouble so much. The writing, the acting, the directing, everything was perfect. I hope they make a season 2 because I need to know what happened to Rachel and how Toby will deal with it.”
- “Fleishman Is In Trouble was amazing. It made me laugh, cry, and think. I think Rachel left because she was unhappy with her life and wanted to find herself. Maybe she had a mental breakdown or an affair. I hope she comes back and reconciles with Toby in season 2.”
- “Fleishman Is In Trouble was brilliant. It was so realistic and relatable. I think Rachel was kidnapped or murdered by someone from her work or her clients. Maybe Toby will find out the truth and seek justice in season 2.”
- “Fleishman Is In Trouble was incredible. It was so clever and profound. I think Rachel left because she wanted to start a new life somewhere else. Maybe she met someone new or found a new passion. I hope she stays in touch with Toby and their kids in season 2.”
Some fans have also started petitions and campaigns to urge the network to renew the show for a second season.
For example, one fan created a petition on Change.org that has gathered over 1,000 signatures so far.
The petition reads: “We, the fans of Fleishman Is In Trouble, demand that FX on Hulu renew the show for a second season. The show is a masterpiece of comedy-drama that deserves more recognition and appreciation. The show has a loyal fan base that wants to see more of Toby Fleishman’s adventures in dating, parenting, and finding himself. The show also has an amazing cast that deserves more awards and opportunities. The show also has an unresolved cliffhanger that needs closure. Please don’t let this show end after one season. Please give us Fleishman Is In Trouble Season 2!”
