A Review of Season 2 of ‘Cooper’s Bar’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Casey Washington as Brandon Washington, Kila Kitu as Mary Marino, Louis Mustillo as Cooper Marino, David Conolly as David Butler, in ‘Cooper's Bar’. (Photo Courtesy of Michael Moriatis/IFC/AMC.)

For the most part, television shows and movies tend to stay away from parodies that lampoon the very industry they represent, and it makes sense as to why. After all, TV and movies are escapist in nature and creating something meta in that manner could alienate an audience easily. Not to mention, parody always runs the risk of becoming mean and no one wants to sit through that. But now and again, we do indeed see creatives take the time to fire a few shots across the bow of the industry and truth be told, when it is done right, it is quite impressive.
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For the right kind of parody can not only make us laugh but teach us a great deal about the industry and some of its unfortunate quirks and proclivities. If anything, the unique nature, and the potential wonder of the Hollywood parody is top of mind today, because we need to take a moment to spotlight one that has managed to impress. For a few years back, Cooper’s Bar, debuted on AMC+, and this delightful series truly pondered upon some of the hard realities of the industry in a lighthearted manner. By having a dream come true for an actor that paid his dues, and battled doubt and fear in the most hilarious ways imaginable. The kind that truly lampooned some of the quirkiest aspects of Hollywood and featured the greatest wing-off in the history of the art form.

But while that made for a satisfying story, one that could have been a perfectly self-encapsulated story… we hoped for more of Cooper’s adventures. Because we wanted to see what would come of his show and what else the series could and would say about the somewhat wild nature of Hollywood and thankfully, we no longer have to wait. For season two this series is available now to watch and we need to talk about how amazing year two of Cooper’s adventures are. Mainly because, Cooper does indeed get to step into the studio life and make the show he’s been dying to make for ages, with his friends at his side to help write it and direct it and well, once Coop and his lads get past security, does this show do what it does best.

Because just like that, we are treated to some powerful parody regarding how some shows and films stray from their core, because of the wrong agents in place and a true lack of collaboration. Which prompts the viewer to wonder if what we are watching reflects how some stories ‘jump the shark’ or if this is why some new shows just seem… off. Granted, it takes that parody to the Nth degree in some spots, but that is welcome as well. Simply because it allows for the show to make us laugh. And the jokes most definitely work here, courtesy of the addition of some stellar guest stars. Including Whitney Cummings and the always enjoyable Patrick Fabian. 

But what matters most, is that we do outright get more of this story. And we get to see what becomes of Cooper and his friends and they are given a new challenge to overcome in this story. All of which makes, for a delightful sophomore season of this incredible show. One that truly understands what it is about and uses that to provide us with one amazing ride. One that feels real because this cast knows how to sell the story, and the guest stars really do elevate the material and the best news of all, is that you can enjoy all of Cooper’s Bar as it currently stands, right now. Because both seasons are available to stream on AMC+, and we certainly hope you give them a look. For this is that rare parody show, that hits all the right notes and puts a smile on your face, courtesy of a story that all of us can relate to in some form or fashion. Until next time.

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