10 TV Shows That Took Season 2 to the Next Level, Including How I Met Your Father

How I Met Your Father's second season improvement places it among classic TV shows that also faced initial struggles but swiftly improved. While some shows make a strong impression with exceptional debut seasons, it is not uncommon for a series to require time to establish its identity. Occasionally, a show needs to lay the foundation of its world before delving into deeper character and thematic explorations. In some cases, writers need time to grasp the series' tone or introduce a new character to enhance the show's dynamics.

Regardless of the reason, some of the most impressive television offerings arise from imperfect initial seasons. Unfortunately, in the streaming era, securing a second season is less likely, as a show without immediate success is often deemed a failure and canceled. Streaming platforms prioritize an array of new content over commissioning additional seasons of existing series, making longer TV runs more exceptional. While a vast content library certainly aids in attracting new subscribers, there have been numerous exceptional television works that only exist because they were given the opportunity to improve upon their first seasons.

10 How I Met Your Father (2022-Present)

9 Parks And Recreation (2009-2015)

: How I Met Your Father tells the story of the protagonist recounting her youth and experiences with a close-knit group of friends to her son. According to reviews of How I Met Your Father season 2, the second season surpasses the first in terms of quality. This improvement can be attributed in part to the fact that season 2 consists of 20 episodes, whereas season 1 only had 10 episodes. It is a challenging task for any ensemble sitcom to introduce characters, establish their dynamics, develop plotlines, and incorporate humor within just 10 episodes. However, with the expanded duration of season 2, the budding series has more room to breathe and showcase its comedic talents.

The comedy series Parks and Recreation, which revolves around a lively group of government employees in a small town in the Midwest, undergoes a significant transformation in its first season. Initially, the show paints its characters in a more cynical light, portraying them as largely unsympathetic or bothersome. However, the tone takes a turn towards sincerity in the second season as the surly and detached Mark Brendanawicz (Paul Schneider) is replaced by Chris Traeger (Robe Lowe) and Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott). These two new characters bring a likability and warmth that aligns more closely with the upbeat and positive outlook that the show later becomes known for.

8 Community (2009-2015)

7 Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

The fame of Community's six seasons lies in its oscillating quality. The sitcom chronicles a group of outcasts who come together to form a study group at an unconventional community college. While Season 1 of the series is not necessarily subpar, it falls short of the absurd heights reached in later seasons. Nevertheless, the show already showcases its sharp sense of humor and ability to evoke deep emotions. Some characters undergo growing pains as they transform into their charming, final versions. Season 2 acknowledges the need for change, with Abed (Danny Pudi) explicitly expressing a desire to move away from relationship-based storylines and towards fast-paced escapades.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer follows the journey of a young girl who tries to live a double life as a normal high school student and a renowned slayer of monsters and demons. Although the series later gained recognition for its clever writing, skillfully blending campy horror elements with ironic commentary and clever subversion, the first season grapples with striking this delicate balance. The excessive campiness, coupled with a lower standard of fight choreography and monster makeup, hinder the season's ability to captivate viewers. However, the introduction of Spike (James Marsters) in season 2 swiftly redirects Buffy towards the right path.

6 The Office (2005-2013)

The Office is a sitcom set in the Pennsylvania branch of a poorly managed paper supply company. When adapting the original UK Office, the writers faced the challenge of blending its cynical tone with the story and characters they wanted to explore. The most significant change between the first and second seasons of The Office lies in the transformation of manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell). Initially portrayed as an antagonist, Michael gradually became a character that viewers began to root for. Creator Greg Daniels explained that this shift was a wise decision, considering how beloved Michael Scott would eventually become (via Cheatsheet).

5 The Simpsons (1989-Present)

The Simpsons holds a significant place in the television industry due to its cultural influence. Although the satirical sitcom, which revolves around a dysfunctional family, would eventually set records as the longest-running scripted series in primetime, its first season faced some challenges. The creator, Matt Groening, brought his background in underground comedy to the early episodes, resulting in a more cynical tone. In these initial episodes, Homer appeared as a vindictive authority figure rather than the lovable goofball we are familiar with. However, the show underwent a transformation in Season 2, adopting a softer tone and a more exaggerated animation style that most people consider to be the "Golden Age" of The Simpsons.

4 Inside Job (2021-2022)

3 Blackadder (1982-1989)

Inside Job is a workplace sitcom with an animated twist, delving into the lives of employees working for a mysterious corporation that manages the world's true conspiracy theories. Despite its untimely cancellation on Netflix, Inside Job showed promise on the brink of greatness. In just 10 episodes, Season 1 swiftly immerses viewers in its intricate world, while striving to distance itself from being dismissed as a mere Rick and Morty imitation. Season 2 takes the time to develop its ensemble cast, delving into their internal struggles and captivating audiences with genuinely compelling psychological profiles that counterbalance the absurdity of the show's premise. The potential of Inside Job remains unknown, leaving us to ponder what could have been.

Starring Rowan Atkinson in the lead role, Blackadder is a beloved BBC comedy series that takes viewers on a hilarious journey through different time periods in British history. The show follows the adventures and misadventures of the cunning and quick-witted Blackadder and his loyal sidekick Bordrick, played by Tony Robinson. Spanning from The Middle Ages to World War I, the series showcases Blackadder's clever schemes to elevate his social status.

While seasons 2-4 of the show brilliantly explore Blackadder's attempts to manipulate and deceive his way to greatness, season 1 presents a different side of the character. Here, Blackadder is depicted as rather dim-witted, relying on the support of those around him. Despite this variation, the first season still delivers the sharp writing that is characteristic of the entire series. However, fans of Rowan Atkinson's remarkable performance as the cunning and sarcastic manipulator might feel his absence in this initial installment.

2 It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia (2005-Present)

1 Bojack Horseman (2014-2020)

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It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia centers around a group of five truly terrible individuals who run a bar in the city with the same name, constantly wreaking havoc on each other's lives. This dark, twisted, and uproarious series initially faced challenges in gaining a dedicated audience. However, the first season of the show already showcases the perfect blend of black comedy and well-developed characters that contributed to its success. But it is in the second season when Danny DeVito joins the ensemble cast that the series truly flourishes. Originally a requirement from the network, DeVito's character Frank Reynolds brings a compelling dynamic to the already dysfunctional group, further amplifying the show's central joke with his repugnant greed and lack of morals.

The TV show Bojack Horseman tells the story of a former TV star who faces various challenges in Hollywood and in his personal life. This show is a powerful portrayal of addiction, trauma, and healing. While it successfully balances serious emotional themes with a touch of humor, the first season of Bojack Horseman occasionally struggles to find the right mix. The writers may have been cautious about potentially alienating new viewers with the heavier elements. However, like How I Met Your Father, the second season of Bojack Horseman demonstrates a significant improvement in quality.