Back in 2022, when Peacemaker Season 1 aired on HBO, the superhero landscape was very different. In fact, at the end of that first season, Peacemaker (John Cena) told the Justice League, including Superman, Aquaman, the Flash, and Wonder Woman, that “you’re late, you f*cking d*ckheads!” Jason Momoa and Ezra Miller even appeared as the Flash and Aquaman, because in 2022, that was the established version of the onscreen DC Universe. In fact, Peacemaker himself first appeared on screen in 2021’s The Suicide Squad, directed by James Gunn, which, more or less, followed the rules of the DC continuity of that time.
So, how can Peacemaker Season 2 simply slide into the brand-new DCU canon, and essentially act as a raunchy, very adult sequel to the just-released 2025 Superman? The answer is simple: don’t worry about it too much. Peacemaker is back, he exists in the new DCU, and all the baggage he’s brought over from that era is hilarious. With Peacemaker Season 2, James Gunn has delivered a very fun and surprisingly heartfelt show, which may be even better than Superman. No spoilers ahead.
Related: DC’s Follow-Up to ‘Superman’ Is Streaming Way Sooner Than You Think
What makes Peacemaker Season 2 different
As with Season 1, Peacemaker focuses on the machinations of Chris Smith, the hyperbolic and often absurd hired gun known as the Peacemaker. A part of the DC comics pantheon since 1966, Peacemaker is the kind of vigilante at odds with how most of us think of traditional DC heroes, a bully quick to murder people, and not worry too much about the collateral damage. In Season 1 and The Suicide Squad, Cena played Peacemaker as kind of a meathead version of Deadpool; a likable jerk.
But with Season 2, Gunn’s writing and Cena’s performance reveal something deeper: This show isn’t only about wisecracks and raunchy sexual humor (there’s plenty of that), but also is very plainly a story about self-discovery and redemption. There’s a lot more sci-fi shenanigans in Season 2 than in Season 1 to get these themes across, but the way the show handles its basic premise is not only emotionally compelling but also slick. Even if you’ve not seen Season 1, you’ll be fully immersed and invested in this world and its characters very quickly.
And, in a bit of canon tap-dancing, you’ll also not be too worried about the now-discarded old DC canon versus the new, shiny one ushered in by the 2025 Superman movie. Yes, the events of that movie matter, and yes, the cameos from members of the Justice Gang are a delightful treat. Unlike some Marvel crossovers, this brand synergy feels like it’s designed to be fun, rather than feel like homework. And, just like his work on The Suicide Squad or the various Guardians of the Galaxy films, Gunn’s writing is particularly perfect for stories about imperfect misfits, trying to make themselves and the world a better place.
Peacemaker Season 2 streaming release date
Peacemaker Season 2 is coming to HBO Max very soon. The first episode of the new season starts streaming on HBO on Thursday, August 21. HBO Max shows tend to start streaming at 3:00 a.m. Eastern time, and 12:00 a.m. Pacific time.
Peacemaker Season 2 is dropping just one episode a week for a total of eight episodes.
Related: ‘Superman’ VOD Streaming Date Confirmed Just Days Before Release
