Apple TV+’s latest adaptation, Lessons in Chemistry, is a fifties-set period drama from Lee Eisenberg (Jury Duty), based on the hugely popular novel of the same name, written by Bonnie Garmus. The show’s first season has been extremely successful for Apple, but will they be interested in renewing the series for Season 2 or will it remain as a standalone miniseries? Let’s explore the renewal possibilities for Lessons in Chemistry.
Table of Contents
What is the renewal status of Lessons in Chemistry on Apple TV+?
Official Renewal Status: TBC
Apple TV+ is yet to renew Lessons in Chemistry for a second season, but it is highly doubtful that they will in the future. The show has been advertised as a miniseries. Rarely do these types of shows get renewed for another follow-up season, as they are seen to tell a full story in the first. Lessons in Chemistry may just be another series from Apple to last just the one season, working as a limited, standalone series.
I think this works in the show’s favor though, as there might not be any need for a follow-up season. If the story is concluded satisfactorily, then there shouldn’t be a reason to continue the series just for the sake of it.
Showrunner Lee Eisenberg told The Wrap:
We tried to tell as complete a story as we could, not that everything was wrapped up in the sense that we know exactly where Elizabeth’s gonna be tomorrow, or where Harriet is going to be. But it felt like emotionally, things ended, for us at least, on a satisfying note. I’m completely open to the idea of going beyond another season if we have the right idea. I think that when these things come from a place of cynicism, and it’s like, “Oh, well, ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ is doing well, let’s just keep the train going.” The result for that will never yield anything positive, but I think if we have the right idea, nothing would make me happier. I loved every single person on the show. They’ve become close friends and collaborators that I’ll work with for the rest of my career. So from a selfish perspective about who I want to spend my days with, the answer would be a resounding yes. From a creative perspective, we haven’t landed on anything that makes me think we’re ready to do that.
How has Lessons in Chemistry performed?
Lessons in Chemistry has been a huge success for the streaming service though, which may make Apple TV+ change its mind. The original series currently sits in fourth place in the charts, just behind The Morning Show, Ted Lasso, and Invasion. It would take something truly exceptional to beat those three shows at this point, so Lessons in Chemistry has done extremely well.
It was also well-received by critics. The series currently holds a certified fresh score of 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and is rated at 8.0 out of 10 on IMDb. These statistics prove just how successful and revered the show has become. This makes a renewal seem more likely, even if the source material has been completely used up.
What is Lessons in Chemistry about?
The series itself focuses on lab technician Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson), who goes on to become a famous TV host in the late 1950s. This odd transformation from lowly chemist to TV personality is explored through intertwining timelines.
Early on in the 1950s timeline, Elizabeth befriends co-worker Calvin Evans (Lewis Pullman), a famous chemist, who hopes to one day earn a Nobel Prize. Calvin is quite the prodigy at Hastings, but he can also be arrogant and self-centered. The couple start on the wrong foot, but quickly become lovers, in a beautifully realized romance.
This intercuts with Elizabeth’s rise to fame in the late fifties as she navigates her way through the strange world of television. The show explores issues of sexism and racism, as well as addressing feminism in an empowering and inspirational way.
Do we think there will be Lessons in Chemistry Season 2?
The show captures the period stunningly and includes a superb performance from Brie Larson, but will Apple TV+ be renewing the show for a second outing?
I’m going to predict that the series won’t be renewed for a second season, although I may be proven wrong in the long term. I thought that Bad Sisters ended its first season perfectly and that ended up being renewed. So, who knows at this point? As always, we will keep you posted on any updates in the pending renewal of Lessons in Chemistry.
