The suburbs may seem like bright, safe places, but there’s rot under those perfectly manicured lawns. I know, I know, this probably will come as a shock, but it’s true! And Based on a True Story Season 2 is daring to drag it all into the light.

I am, of course, having a bit of fun here. Filmmakers, authors, poets, playwrights, and TV showrunners have been taking shots at the suburbs since the beginning. Maybe your first encounter was the worms in the soil shot in Blue Velvet. Perhaps it was the original Stepford Wives that clued you in. The when of it may be in question, but you’ve been treated to the thesis of darkness behind those bright white picket fences, guaranteed. So, Based on a True Story Season 2’s vision of the upper middle class American suburban life isn’t exactly groundbreaking.

What’s to the series’ credit is that it knows that. Its heart doesn’t lie in pulling back the curtain on middle age (or just before) married with kids and a four-bedroom, two-bath life. Instead, it just uses that oft-played trope to have a blast. That’s not to say it is empty of message or meaning. It still has plenty to say about “life these days”. It just does it without the air of self-congratulatory “Can you believe how transgressive we are!” that one can often detect in similar tales of suburban decay.

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Ava (Kaley Cuoco) and Nathan (Chris Messina) Bartlett’s lives have returned to something of a state of normalcy since their true crime podcast shuttered, their serial killer “friend” Matt (Tom Bateman) fled the country, and they accidentally framed Simon (Aaron Staton) for the murder of his wife Ruby (Priscilla Quintana), a killing they assume Matt is responsible for. The number one difficulties of their lives are breastfeeding and pleasing wealthy clients, not evading arrest and murder.

They are bored, disconnected, and miserable but can’t admit it. For one, that would mean rejecting the “blessing” of being a parent. For another, it would mean confessing they miss the rush of hanging out and chronicling the life of a serial killer. Before they can figure out life post-baby and podcast, though, Matt returns to their lives. However, he’s not back to spill blood and return them to dubious podcast stardom. He’s “sober” (read: no longer killing) and engaged to Ava’s younger sister, Tory (Liana Liberato). The problem is someone is out there killing, and if it isn’t Matt, well, that means double the serial killers now dwell in this small area of Los Angeles.

The show literalizes the growing gap between Ava and Nathan by sending them off on their separate crises. Messina underplays it, unraveling with increasing rapidity under the stress of his forgotten accomplishments and holding onto his one coaching gig in the face of rich person entitlement. Pushing him even further is Matt tapping him as his “sobriety” sponsor. Given the entire show frequently running its engines into the red, the change of pace is noteworthy. Messina’s quiet collapse, punctuated by some significantly over-the-top freakouts, creates great contrast.

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Cuoco, by contrast, drives the show’s energy. Entirely in the new baby “you aren’t doing it right” capitalist complex, she struggles to be the “good” mom, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. Her frustration with herself, her husband, and the world gives the show its open, jittery, angry energy. It emphasizes how much more “functional” Bateman seems in contrast. The not exactly subtle message: you’ve got to be a sociopath to feel ok in today’s world.

As usual, the supporting cast is a delight. June Diane Raphael and Jessica St. Clair are back, albeit in smaller roles, as the Sisters in Crime podcasters, and they make the best of every line. Stephanie Allynne, as Nathan’s rich, arrogant, and adulterous employer, embodies the trope of the worst of the upper crust with just the proper ugly zeal. The supporting MVP, though, is Melissa Fumero as Ava’s new friend, a fellow member of the “just surviving, not thriving” moms’ club.

As a social satire, Based on a True Story Season 2 is far more sledgehammer than scalpel. But that’s the delight of it. It’s blunt and unblinking, far more dedicated to landing the joke than making some delicate point. Like its suburban setting, the show recognizes there the power of being the biggest vs. the most incisive. It’s only when the credits roll and the laughter quiets that how observant it is about the here and now sets in.

Based on a True Story Season 2 is now streaming on Peacock.

Based on a True Story Season 2 Trailer: