Luke Macfarlane returns as Charlie Greeves in Platonic Season 2, bringing new layers to his character. Charlie, the husband of Sylvia (Rose Byrne), evolves from a supportive partner to a man grappling with personal and professional challenges. The Apple TV+ comedy, created by Francesca Delbanco and Nicholas Stoller, explores midlife friendships and growth, with Charlie’s arc taking center stage this season.
Charlie Greeves in Platonic Season 2: A Shift in Dynamics
In Season 1, Charlie was the steady, reliable husband who supported Sylvia’s rekindled friendship with Will (Seth Rogen). However, Season 2 shows Charlie facing his own struggles. He deals with career uncertainty, co-parenting stress, and a midlife crisis, making him more vulnerable and complex.
“This season, Charlie is definitely the character that is, oof, a little bit lost. Lost in the weeds. So it was fun to explore this other side of him where he’s floundering in the universe,” Macfarlane shared in an interview.
His jealousy surfaces as Sylvia helps plan Will’s wedding, adding tension to their marriage. Charlie’s journey becomes about self-discovery, moving beyond being just the “rock” of the family.
Luke Macfarlane on Playing Charlie: Growth and Challenges
Macfarlane, known for his roles in Bros and Hallmark films, brings depth to Charlie. He highlights how the character’s Jeopardy! appearance triggers his midlife crisis, a key subplot in Season 2.
“I don’t want to give too much away about what happens on Jeopardy!, but it leads to a midlife crisis,” Macfarlane teased.
The actor also relates to Charlie’s fatherhood role, as he recently became a dad in real life. This personal connection adds authenticity to his performance.
Charlie’s Relationships: Sylvia, Will, and New Dynamics
While Sylvia and Will’s friendship remains the show’s core, Charlie’s interactions with Will take a surprising turn. He starts bonding with Will, easing past his initial insecurities.
“The anxiety and angst and insecurity has mostly been alleviated. He doesn’t have to worry about them getting together, so that gave Charlie more room to actually try to get to know Will,” Macfarlane explained.
Charlie’s growth includes embracing his quirks, making him more relatable. A friend even told Macfarlane that Charlie seemed “weird but lovable,” which the actor embraced.
Behind the Scenes: Seth Rogen’s Support and On-Set Fun
Macfarlane praised co-star Seth Rogen for standing up for him on set. When a crew member criticized Macfarlane’s acting choice, Rogen defended him, saying, “Don’t tell an actor what to do. That’s not your job.”
Working with Rose Byrne was another highlight. Macfarlane recalled a funny scene where he kept missing his cue, making them both laugh.
Platonic Season 2: What Critics and Fans Are Saying
The season has been well-received, with critics praising Macfarlane’s performance. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 100% fresh rating, calling it a mix of humor and heartfelt storytelling.
New cast members like Aidy Bryant and Beck Bennett add fresh energy, while returning actors like Carla Gallo (Katie) and Tre Hale (Andy) keep the dynamics engaging.
Credits: NY Post
