Peacemaker season 2 has a tricky place within the new DCU. While it’s a continuation of the story of Christopher Smith and The 11^th Street Kids, it’s also the first live-action TV series in this world, and the third project under CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran after Creature Commandos and Superman. 

So, how does it fare? I’ve seen the first five episodes of season 2 early – keep reading for my spoiler-free review.  

Season 2 of Peacemaker gets straight down to business

On the whole, the first five episodes of Peacemaker season 2 navigate the ‘DCEU problem’ confidently, with a simple explanation, while maintaining the crude humour that fans want. However, there are a few elements left by the wayside, particularly when it comes to character development.  

Character development is not a problem for Christopher Smith (John Cena), of course. While season 2’s anti-hero has learnt a lot about himself since the show started, he’s still far from perfect, and that’s what makes him a compelling protagonist. Peacemaker is still vulgar as hell, and gets himself into horrendous situations that leave you cackling and pitying him in equal measure. 

Gunn has moved away from the Project Butterfly plot entirely, and I think it’s a wise decision. The new source of contention is something that puts Chris’s morals into question. Even three-quarters of the way through the season, I’m still waiting for another twist around the corner – which will arrive soon, if I know James Gunn. There are plenty throughout season 2 that left me reeling.  

Unlike the first two episodes of season 1, the show kicked straight into gear and had me hooked from the beginning. Pacing has been much more dynamic. But that has meant that some of the writing for the OG group has suffered.  

Two season 1 favourites get a demotion

While Steve Agee’s Economos and Jennifer Holland’s Harcourt have a strong return to form, one of my biggest criticisms is the writing of Adebayo, played by Danielle Brooks. In season 1, Brooks demonstrated her capabilities as a conflicted agent. While she was desperate to bring in money for herself and her wife, she did so at the cost of betraying her friends – Chris especially.  

She also didn’t have the same ruthless streak as members such as Harcourt, as she’s a nepo-baby. As the daughter of Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), she was dragged into the world of black ops. Her clumsiness, warmth and likability made it easy to overlook some of the very questionable choices she made.

While yes, Adebayo owned up to her mistakes at the end of season 1, it means there’s little to do with her character and she’s relegated to the role of supportive friend who’s struggling to break out on her own in season 2. She’s largely comic relief, and that’s a shame.  

Freddie Stroma’s Vigilante also still gets his moments to shine, but his part has been cut down to make way for a larger cast. His character writing is more consistent than Adebayo’s, but I do miss his psychopathic antics.

I believe that this has largely been done to pave the way for a more nuanced romance plot between Chris and Harcourt. While the pair have chemistry, it’s annoying that it’s come at the cost of screentime for season 1’s best characters. I’m hoping that the final three episodes will rectify this mistake.  

But as with any show, there are swings and roundabouts. Tim Meadows plays Langston Fleury, one of the newcomers. From his first appearance, he commands the room and puts his comedic background to use, especially when he has a run-in with everyone’s favourite Peacemaker icon, Eagly.  

Meanwhile, Frank Grillo reprises his role as Rick Flag Sr. from Superman. While I have a hard time believing that this man is old enough to be Joel Kinnaman’s (Rick Flag Jr.’s) dad, with only fifteen years separating the pair, his quest for vengeance against Peacemaker both brings the show down to earth and lifts the stakes higher than ever.

Can you watch Peacemaker season 2 without context?

If you’ve only just jumped onto the DCU train with this summer’s blockbuster Superman, you may be wondering whether you can pick up Peacemaker from the start of season 2. While there is a brief recap of the first season, you’ll miss out on the emotional impact of some reveals without the context of what Chris has gone through so far, especially with his dad.

And if you’re wondering whether the shift from the DCEU to the DCU will be a problem, it’s not. Season 1’s events and character arcs are (as far as I’m aware at the time of writing) still entirely relevant – it’s only the set dressing and universe that have been swapped out.  

I do believe that you can watch Peacemaker season 1 and 2 without having to see The Suicide Squad, as the biggest plot point from this film is well explained. Superman is also a ‘nice to have’, but (as far as the episodes I’ve watched), it isn’t required viewing.

Should you watch Peacemaker season 2?

With a similar vibe to Amazon Prime Video’s The Boys (albeit less gross and shocking), Peacemaker season 2 has a better flow and a more compelling story than season 1, challenging Christopher Smith more than before.  

It has managed to port over from another universe relatively smoothly, although to get the most from the show, I wouldn’t advise jumping in without watching Peacemaker season 1 first.  

My biggest criticisms so far are that two of the original gang have been sidelined. But will that stop me from binging the last three episodes of this bloody, ridiculous show? Absolutely not. The opening dance sequence alone is worth coming back for, week after week.  

Peacemaker season 2 drops on HBO and HBO Max on Thursday, 21 August 2025 in the US, and on Sky and Now on Friday, 22 August 2025. New episodes will drop weekly.