Lessons In Chemistry Season 2 Gets An Update From Creator

Lessons in Chemistry creator Lee Eisenberg addresses the possibility of a season 2. Although the first season wrapped recently, Lessons in Chemistry has maintained its spot as the #1 TV show on Apple TV+. The series, which is based on the novel of the same name by Bonnie Garmus, has earned high praise from critics, as well as the prestigious Seal of Female Empowerment in Entertainment honor from the Critics Choice Association for its positive female representation. Given its success, the question remains whether audiences will receive another season of the show.

In an interview with The Wrap, Eisenberg weighed in on the chances of a Lessons in Chemistry season 2. Eisenberg acknowledges that the show has a few minor loose ends by the time season 1 concludes. However, she felt that Lessons in Chemistry ended in a satisfying way “emotionally” for the crew. Check out her statement below:

We tried to tell as complete a story as we could, not that everything was wrapped up in the sense that we know exactly where Elizabeth’s gonna be tomorrow, or where Harriet is going to be. But it felt like emotionally, things ended, for us at least, on a satisfying note. I’m completely open to the idea of going beyond another season if we have the right idea. I think that when these things come from a place of cynicism, and it’s like, “Oh, well, ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ is doing well, let’s just keep the train going.” The result for that will never yield anything positive, but I think if we have the right idea, nothing would make me happier. I loved every single person on the show. They’ve become close friends and collaborators that I’ll work with for the rest of my career. So from a selfish perspective about who I want to spend my days with, the answer would be a resounding yes. From a creative perspective, we haven’t landed on anything that makes me think we’re ready to do that.

Should Lessons In Chemistry Get A Season 2?

Eisenberg raises an interesting point in questioning the necessity of Lessons in Chemistry season 2. His refusal to shut the door fully and the potential of Apple TV+ wanting to capitalize on the show’s success mean season 2 could still happen. However, it’s unclear if it should happen. After all, Lessons in Chemistry season 1 fully adapted Garmus’ book, meaning there’s no source material left for season 2. Unless Garmus writes a sequel, the show would need to develop an original story.

It’s not unheard of for a show to develop an original story if the source material runs out. The problem is that this route poses the risk of season 2 feeling like an unnatural continuation, especially because Lessons in Chemistry season 1’s ending didn’t set up another story. As Eisenberg mentioned, there is the question of how Zott’s career turns out, and what happens to Harriet Sloane (Aja Naomi King) and her fight against the Santa Monica Freeway. For the most part, though, viewers have closure regarding Zott’s story.

Although Sloane’s story has the most potential to continue, it’s difficult to see how Lessons in Chemistry season 2 could achieve that. A switch wholly to Sloane’s story might disorient audiences, but another season with Zott in a primary role might unnecessarily stretch her story. Fortunately, with Eisenberg’s approach to season 2, there doesn’t seem to be much danger of the show expanding in a way it shouldn’t. Perhaps Lessons in Chemistry‘s success doesn’t mean that a season 2 must happen, but simply that studios should be exploring more female-centered stories in general since this one resonated so well with audiences.

Source: The Wrap