Tost further elaborated that a significant part of his strategy for securing the showrunner position involved identifying the “three key reasons to watch the show” and ensuring their retention in season 2. “First is Natasha as Charlie Cale, a character you look forward to connecting with each week,” Tost articulated. “Second are the impressive guest stars and the diverse worlds they inhabit. And third is the element of unexpected mysteries that keep viewers engaged. These are the core reasons to tune in to Poker Face.“

In addition to preserving these core elements, Tost expressed a desire to introduce influences from “off-the-beaten-path films from the 1970s,” a passion he shares with Johnson and Lyonne as they all identify as film enthusiasts. Tost cited several impactful examples that will shape the narrative this season, such as Smokey and the Bandit, Convoy featuring Kris Kristofferson, and Every Which Way But Loose starring Clint Eastwood, all of which reflect his fondness for “trucker movies from the ’70s“. He humorously recalled suggesting the inclusion of a CB radio during production, stating, “I miss CB radios. They feel more in line with Charlie’s character than a cell phone. Let’s give her a buddy to chat with.“

Tost also highlighted a baseball-themed episode in the upcoming season, where he and Johnson agreed to steer away from the usual baseball films like Bull Durham or Major League, and instead create their own interpretation of Fat City, the 1972 John Huston film adapted from the Leonard Gardner novel. This film featured Stacy Keach as an aging boxer and Jeff Bridges as a young fighter on the rise, a dynamic Tost found intriguing and wanted to explore in the show, focusing on the “individuals who never quite reached their potential”.

There’s a strong desire on my part to ensure we “don’t drop the ball” and discover unique elements that other television shows might overlook. Our goal is not to replicate trends or emulate what’s currently popular on networks like HBO, but rather to pursue the distinctive storytelling that Poker Face embodies.

Unique Casting Process: Blending Writing and Personal Connections

“…A Bit of Chaos, Yet Thrilling Results…”

In addition to Charlie’s exceptional ability to detect lies, Poker Face has distinguished itself with its case-of-the-week structure, featuring a rotating cast of notable guest stars in each episode. Season 2 continues this trend, having already introduced an exciting array of talent in the first three episodes, including Cynthia Erivo from Wicked portraying a set of sextuplets, Giancarlo Esposito as a heartbroken funeral director, and John Mulaney as a corrupt FBI agent, among others. The season will also welcome appearances from Simon Rex, Alia Shawkat, Awkwafina, Kumail Nanjiani, and Melanie Lynskey.

When discussing the casting approach for the show, Tost revealed that it is a blend of personal connections and a dream list of actors they aspire to work with on Poker Face. The writing team often crafts roles with specific actors in mind, and both Johnson and Lyonne contribute their ideas as well. Tost shared an example where, while pitching episode 3, Wyatt Cain suggested starting with an FBI agent and immediately thought of John Mulaney. “Natasha sees that and says, ‘Absolutely, let’s invite John Mulaney to join us.’“

The showrunner highlighted several instances where personal connections helped bring notable stars to the series, noting that Simon Rex is a friend and former collaborator. “Sometimes, it’s as simple as Natasha dining with someone who expresses their enthusiasm for Poker Face and inquiring if there’s a role for them,” Tost shared. “She might come back the next day and say, ‘Hey, let’s get my friend involved.’ And we’re often on board, thinking, ‘Yes, your friend is fantastic, let’s make it happen.’“

While much of the casting relies on these personal ties and the “extensive contact lists” that Johnson and Lyonne possess, Tost credited his “exceptional casting directors, Mary Vernieu and Bret Howe“, who are invaluable in determining actor availability and reviewing audition tapes. “Interestingly, we repeat this process every 10 days,” Tost remarked with a chuckle. “Aside from Natasha, the entire cast changes, and we rebuild from the ground up, which introduces a delightful chaos, yet I’m thrilled with the talent we’ve managed to secure.“

Concluding the Mob Storyline: A Creative Decision by Johnson

“Wouldn’t It Be Exciting to Resolve It Sooner Than Expected…”

While the storyline of Charlie’s nomadic existence initially stemmed from her evasion of the mob, Poker Face season 2 marks a significant turning point by concluding this subplot. In a gripping twist, Charlie is caught by Rhea Perlman’s Beatrix Hasp, who enlists her help to identify a mole within her organization. By the end of episode 3, Hasp, devastated by her husband’s demise and with no options left, agrees to enter Witness Protection, testifying against John Mulaney’s Special Agent Daniel Clyde Otis, thereby lifting the hit order on Charlie’s life.

Tost acknowledged that during the early stages of season 2’s development, there was an assumption that the mob storyline would persist throughout the season. However, Johnson’s instinct was to disrupt this notion with the question, “Wouldn’t it be fun to resolve it suddenly instead?” This creative pivot allowed Charlie to experience a newfound freedom in choosing her own life and exploring various dimensions of her character. Tost shared, “We decided to pursue a different narrative direction, which enabled us to explore storylines that we might not have had the capacity to develop otherwise.“

With this shift in focus, the full-season trailer indicates Charlie contemplating the idea of establishing roots and concluding her travels. When questioned about the potential conclusion of Poker Face, Tost acknowledged he has “thoughts on its direction“, particularly regarding Charlie’s aspirations for a “normal life“, which she is poised to explore. Nevertheless, Tost expressed enthusiasm for the prospect of extending Poker Face for many more seasons beyond the second season finale.

Charlie will likely discover that life on the road has its own set of challenges, and it will be fascinating to observe her journey towards finding balance.

Steve Buscemi’s Role: A Unique Companion for Charlie

“A Positive Presence for Charlie to Engage With…”

Joining the cast of Poker Face season 2 is Steve Buscemi, portraying a trucker known only as “Good Buddy,” with whom Charlie communicates via CB radio in her car. Their interactions reveal a deep connection rooted in their shared philosophical views on life and the road, with Good Buddy often providing valuable insights during Charlie’s challenging moments.

When asked about the significance of Buscemi’s character in the ongoing season, Tost emphasized that the character serves as a “supportive presence for Charlie” rather than a pivotal element in the overarching narrative. Viewers should not anticipate him to play a central role in the main plot. Instead, Tost describes Good Buddy as a character that adds depth to the series, likening him to Norm’s unseen wife from Cheers.

Rather than needing to see him all the time, it’s about imagining him as a quintessential New Yorker, navigating the highways of America in a big rig. That’s the version of him we want to develop throughout the season.

Discover the Intriguing World of Poker Face Season 2