After overcoming the aftermath of their non-profit’s downfall, the memorable trio – Chris Estrada, Frankie Quiñones, and Michael Imperioli – are back, more determined than ever. The curtains have just been lifted on Hulu’s second season of This Fool, the trailer being a teaser of what’s next for our leading men.
In the finale of the previous season, we witnessed the downfall of Hugs Not Thugs, a rehabilitative initiative for ex-gang members, and the consequent disarray in Julio’s (Estrada’s) life. The rehabilitation of Luis (Quiñones), Julio’s cousin, and the spiritual enlightenment of Minister Payne (Imperioli) offer a new opportunity. The trio, amid their struggle for financial stability and normalcy, now have their sights set on the lucrative coffee industry as their next venture, hoping to rekindle the spirit of their erstwhile non-profit.
The second season brings a new dimension to Estrada’s much-praised comedy series. Julio, once the one offering help, now finds himself in need of salvation and rehabilitation. Despite living in his mother’s garage with Luis, he seems to be the only one clinging onto the remnants of Hugs Not Thugs. Luis, now a security guard, and Minister Payne, a desert-dwelling peace seeker creating content for OnlyFans, have seemingly moved on. Still, they have not found their true calling, prompting Julio to rally them for a new initiative – Mugs Not Thugs. This new NGO for ex-convicts is set to be the next big thing, being touted as “Starbucks, but superior.”
However, the journey to establishing Mugs Not Thugs is not smooth. The comical misfortunes continue to haunt the trio, making their goal of successfully running the new cafe a formidable challenge. Coupled with an unfortunate slogan “Mug me,” they must fight against the tide to keep their new enterprise afloat.
This Fool debuted in August last year, garnering immense praise for Estrada’s humorous portrayal of working-class life in South Central Los Angeles. Drawing from Estrada’s own upbringing in L.A. and the broader Latino culture, the show’s unique narrative has helped it carve a niche amongst Hulu’s host of acclaimed comedies. In conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Estrada revealed a shift in the narrative style for Season 2, opting for a more episodic structure as opposed to Season 1’s Coen Brothers-inspired approach.
The Second Season of This Fool Features a Special Guest Star
With the Mugs Not Thugs theme at the heart of the new season, This Fool welcomes back its main cast. Laura Patalano, Michelle Ortiz, Julia Vera, and Jamar Malachi Neighbors are all reprising their roles. But, the big news is the inclusion of the veteran actor Bill Pullman, famous for his performances in Independence Day and Spaceballs. Estrada disclosed to EW that Pullman agreed to guest star as he was a fan and a neighbor to a cast member.
Adding to the already stellar lineup, the original creative team is back too. Pat Bishop, Jake Weisman, Matt Ingebretson, and the influential executive producers Jonathan Groff and Fred Armisen will be behind the scenes, ensuring another successful run. Premiering on July 28, This Fool Season 2 joins the bevy of comedic content lined up by Hulu, including the return of What We Do in the Shadows for Season 5 and the much-anticipated reboot of Futurama.
Don’t miss out on the promising new season. Have a glimpse of what’s to come in the trailer below.
