NBC Fall TV Spotlight: Season 2 of ‘Found’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

FOUND -- Pictured: "Found" Key Art -- (Photo by: NBCUniversal)

It doesn’t matter how much television you’ve watched throughout the years, and how savvy a viewer you’ve become… when a show reaches its sophomore season, it brings forth a real sense of worry. Simply because year two of a show is more or less a make-or-break moment for a series, for several reasons. Because this is where the show can establish itself as a sustainable series if it can provide the audience with everything, they loved in season one, combined with some growth and a little envelope pushing in a balanced manner. Yet so many shows fail to do that and fall out of balance or just take things in a different direction, wasting potential and that is what creates that nervousness.

Which is why there is likely that touch of worry in everyone’s gut regarding season 2 of Found on NBC, which debuts tonight on the network. Because the season one finale took some big swings and let Sir out of his well-deserved cage, and well, the dynamic between Gabi and Sir was a big selling point for the show. Especially since Sir was forced to atone for his sins by helping Gabi find missing individuals, and that dynamic changing, is one that creates a sense of worry, since that could throw this whole story out of whack. But with the show returning tonight, we thought it best to assuage some of those fears and inform all of you, that the show’s sophomore season is instead, a stellar season of storytelling that uses that twist to its advantage.

Because Sir does not disappear this season, he’s still out there, and still plays a central role to the story and that spoils nothing. Because we won’t discuss the how, of that. Instead, we will talk about the fact that his escape allows for some dynamic adventures to take place. The kind that are grounded in a lot of what made season one so great. With Gabi and her team searching for missing people and searching for the monster as well. Which gives rise to everything we love, with some twists and turns to keep things interesting in season two. And that alone makes this new season worthwhile and fun to watch. But the majesty of this new season of storytelling, doesn’t end with changes to Sir’s standing in the series and his ability to now lurk in the shadows. 

For this change allows for the story to focus a little more on Gabi’s past and the impact that her time with Sir had upon her. Which means we are treated to storylines that explore the importance of the support network she’s created around herself, and that will play into examinations of residual trauma and its impact upon Gabi and others. Which allows for this series to dig into some supremely intelligent concepts, the kind that may offer a guide for those in need of healing and in need of direction when they’re hurting. Because that’s what good television that focuses on the dark, does. It also provides a light in the darkness and it is nice to see that handled in season two in a realistic manner, and there’s still plenty more to be excited about here.

Because this talented cast, are fully aware of who their characters are now, and they truly inhabit them and what they stand for. Which gives rise to some amazing performances, which is saying something. Since Shanola Hampton (Gabi) and Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Sir) were at the top of their game in season one. But that comfort allows for them to try new things with their performances and go to new places and all of these elements combine to bring forth a stellar second season. One that does indeed push the envelope, but never loses sight of what makes this show so great, and we cannot wait to continue the journey with all of you, in the weeks to come.

Nerds That Geek was also able to attend the NBC Segment of the Television Critics Association 2024 Summer Press Tour, where ‘Found’ was showcased and where Showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll, and stars Shanola Hampton (Gabi), Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Sir), and Kelli Williams (Margaret), offered the following thoughts on season two’s design, character arcs and motivations, and Kelli Williams’ time in the director’s chair.

Nkechi Okoro Caroll: “We’re very much similar to season one in that it is, what I like to call, a character-cedural, so we’re still going to have a case of the week. We’re still going to have that engine of sort of completing  -- reaching a point of completion with our cases every week, but its got a significant serialized portion. I mean, Sir’s out on the loose wrecking havoc. Mark-Paul is having way too much fun doing that so that will definitely maintain as part of the show, but we still have our case of the week. We will still have that satisfying puzzle that we want the audience to join us in solving every week.”

Mark-Paul Gosselaar: “My intent is just to have the connection that I have with Gabrielle. That’s basically it. Any sort of connection that I can have with Gabrielle is good enough for Sir, whether that’s in the basement, out in the open, but just to have something that keeps us together, in any capacity.”

Shanola Hampton: “I mean, well, I will say that it's been -- what I love about what NK and Sonay and all of the writers do is -- and what we have the luxury -- thank you to NBC -- of 22 episodes, we don't wrap things up in a little bow in one or two episodes. So the healing process, as in life, takes time.”

Kelli Williams: “Well, I've only acted in one other show as a director at the same time.  I was primarily directing just full-time and not acting, so I'm back to that challenge of sort of splitting my brain.  It'll be interesting to have my castmates, see how they respond to me because it's a strange feeling to be in a scene but also watching but also not watching in that sort of more-like-giving-notes way. So, I might have to check back with you later, and I'm in prep at the moment, so I'm already thinking -- I'm talking about things backstage with NK. I'm pitching her ideas.  I think it's going to be fun because our group, we get along so well, and I think that everyone is excited and supportive.  And, of course, I'm going to mess with them a little bit, right?”

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