The hangout sitcom has long been a beloved staple of television, from the coffee shop crew in Friends to the gang at MacLaren's in How I Met Your Mother. These shows thrive on the chemistry of a tight-knit group navigating life's ups and downs together. FX's Adults has quickly become a standout in this genre, and its recently released Season 2 is a masterclass in how to handle romance without falling into tired clichés.
Season 2 of Adults delivers eight uproarious episodes that showcase the show's sharp writing and the wonderfully quirky dynamic of its core friend group. But what truly sets this season apart is its approach to the central romance between Anton Evans (Owen Thiele) and Paul Baker (Jack Innanen). In a genre where will-they-won't-they tension often drags on for seasons, Adults takes a refreshingly mature path.
From the start, Anton and Paul Baker's connection was palpable. Their first meeting in the prequel episode sparked an instant bond that transcended the circumstances that brought Paul Baker into the house—namely, his relationship with Issa (Amita Rao). Season 1 ended with Paul Baker needing a green-card marriage, and he chose Anton, leading to a playful kiss that hinted at deeper feelings. The stage seemed set for a classic love triangle, with Issa caught in the middle.
But Adults Season 2 subverts expectations. Instead of milking the drama, the show prioritizes the friendship between all three characters. Issa's initial insecurity about Anton and Paul Baker's closeness leads to a surprisingly open and honest conversation—and even a threesome in Episode 4. When Issa and Paul Baker amicably part ways, they all commit to staying friends. By the finale, Issa is the one encouraging Anton to confess his feelings, proving that their bond is stronger than any romantic entanglement.
This decision to put friendship first is a breath of fresh air. Too often, sitcoms create unnecessary conflict by having characters date within the friend group, as seen with Robin and Barney in How I Met Your Mother or Rachel and Joey in Friends. Adults avoids this pitfall, allowing Anton and Paul Baker's relationship to develop organically from a foundation of mutual respect and genuine care.
The result is one of the most compelling queer romances on television. Anton and Paul Baker are not just lovers; they are best friends who support each other through thick and thin. When Paul Baker reveals a second friend group, Anton offers honest advice. When Anton clashes with his sister Talia (Raven-Symoné), Paul Baker gently guides him. Their dynamic is built on trust, making their eventual union feel earned and satisfying.
As Season 2 concludes, the show sets up new romantic possibilities for other characters, including Billie (Lucy Freyer) and Samir (Malik Elassal), who finally hook up, and Issa, who meets a new love interest named Margaux (Mia Fowler). With Anton and Paul Baker now a solid couple, Adults has room to explore their relationship while introducing fresh dynamics.
In a landscape where sitcoms often rely on manufactured drama, Adults stands out by proving that romance can thrive when friendship is the priority. It's a lesson many shows could learn from. For more on why classic sitcoms still resonate, check out our take on timeless comedy. And if you're looking for more great TV, don't miss these sitcoms that outshine Friends.
