Lessons in Chemistry Creator Eisenberg Talks about a Potential Season 2

Summary

• Eisenberg would consider a second season of Lessons in Chemistry if they find a good idea, but he admits that it is hard to extend the story without a book to follow.
• Harriet Sloane’s story could be the focus of a second season, but this might confuse the viewers or make the plot too thin. The show’s popularity shows the demand for more stories that center on women in the industry.

A possibility of a season 2 has been thrown into the mix by Lessons in Chemistry creator Lee Eisenberg. Even after the wrapping up of season 1, the show has held on to its #1 spot on Apple TV+.

Based on the novel of the same name by Bonnie Garmus, the series has garnered praise from audiences and critics alike. Moreover, the show won the prestigious Seal of Female Empowerment in Entertainment honor from the Critics’ Choice Association for its modern and positive outlook toward female representation. 

Talking with The Wrap, creator Eisenberg opens up on the possibility of the show being renewed for season 2. Although she acknowledges the few loose ends after the season 1 finale, she thinks the story ends for the crew. Read her words below: 

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.

Lessons in Chemistry season 1 fully adopted Garmus’ book and left no plot unexplored. Therefore, Eisenberg’s dilemma regarding the necessity of a sequel seems legitimate. For a sequel to happen, Garmus must write a new novel or the makers will need to get extra creative. 

There have been instances in the past where makers have come up with original content when the source material has run out. However, they will run the risk of season 2 feeling artificial and out of place. After all, we have seen how terrible a half-baked story can be when makers try to get too creative (cries in High Valyrian).

Moreover, the ending of season 1 doesn’t leave any loose ends or pave the way for a new story to branch out. 

As Eisenberg points out, there is a scope for exploring Zott’s future and what happens to Harriet Sloane. However, at this point, we are just trying to look for needles in a haystack.

Although Zott’s future can be a potential plot for season 2, stretching it too much might bore the audience. Similarly, Harriet Sloane’s fight against Santa Monica Freeway doesn’t need much to be told after what is already shown in the season 1 finale.

Perhaps the Lessons in Chemistry shouldn’t be dragged unnecessarily, but the studio should focus on making beautiful shows with brilliantly written female characters.

About Lessons in Chemistry

Lessons in Chemistry is a drama television series based on the novel of the same name by Bonnie Garmus. It is due to debut in 2023 on Apple TV+.

A female scientist in the 1960s begins using a cooking show she is hired to host to educate housewives on scientific topics after she is fired from her own lab.

The show stars Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott, Lewis Pullman as Calvin Evans, Aja Naomi King as Harriet Slone, Stephanie Koenig as Fran Frask and Patrick Walker as Wakely in lead roles.