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TV REVIEW
'Ted - Season 2' Is Just As Funny, Raunchy And Heartfelt - If Not Quite As Fresh - As The Previous Season
By Sal LoCicero | March 10, 2026
Ted is BACK!!! Two years after the (unexpected) surprise hit of the first season that hit Peacock in January, Seth MacFarlane has returned with the foul mouthed, pot smoking - yet (semi-derangely) loveable - teddy bear in this long awaited second season.
John Bennett is a Senior in High School, and is preparing for graduation, although he is coming to realize that during all four years he never had a girlfriend, or changed in any way shape or form. He continues to indulge himself in madness that always revolves around sex and/or drugs, even if it nearly costs him at school. Meanwhile, the rest of the Bennett family continue on with their shenanigans.
As for the story, Season 2 doesn’t really add a whole lot of growth to these characters. Every member of the Bennett family continues on with their (hilarious) flaws that were introduced in the previous season. It still works, although it would’ve been fitting to see them (mostly Ted and John) improve in some way.
One thing that Seth MacFarlane (and his team) have always been known for is their unique sense of humor, and Ted - Season 2 is no exception. While this time the humor can grow a little stale in certain episodes, most of the time it’s bonkers. Both Ep. 2 “Mrs. Robichek” and Ep. 8 “Fraudcast News” delivers some of the best work of MacFarlane’s career. Ep. 2 may be his dirtiest work, and yet it is guaranteed to have you wheezing of laughter throughout. The majority of Ep. 8 contains a laugh a minute gag with its dialogue. But what is most impressive about “Fraudcast News” is its ability to be outrageously funny, as well as timeless with its commentary about America’s division.
Beside the writing, the cast remains the strongest aspect. Max Burkholder is great as John Bennett. He adds an original likeability to the character, and stands on his own to Mark Wahlberg’s portrayal (still great). The show comments on the (eventual) transformation from the show's version to the movies. Alanna Ubach and Scott Grimes are actually the two standouts here; especially Ubach (Emmy Nominee Worthy!!) As a matter of fact, the parents outshine John and Ted - which helps and hurts the show. They are extremely entertaining. Ubach’s warm and loving portrayal of Susan Bennett allows her to be the show’s bright and shining star. Scott Grimes' Matty Bennett is just as - if not even more - crude and unfiltered than ever, and it only makes for some of the most funniest dinner table discussions - and season finale - imaginable. Even though Matty and Susan take the spotlight, John and Ted receive a lesser focus than what’s acceptable. Usually, their scenes consist of non-stop buffoonery, but ultimately that doesn’t provide much weight to both of them (although the movies clearly show how nothing has changed in nearly 20 years). Giorgia Whigham as Blaire (John’s cousin) actually has more to do here, and the writers provide her character with an episode (and a half) dedicated to her family life, and a political decision regarding her body.
Ep. 3 "Dungeons & Dealers” is impressive. It’s more entertaining than funny (the jokes never go anywhere) which is perfectly fine, as matter of fact, that only allows for the series to expand its creativity, even if that only makes this a more costly Peacock original - and it’s worth it.
As far as episodes that miss more than they hit, a good few fall victim. Ep. 4 “The Mom’s Bombed Rom-Com” so much happens within the first 10-15 minutes until each sub-plot dies out…fast. Ep. 5 “The Sword in the Stoned” further explores John’s High School experience, much like Ep. 1 “Talk Dirty To Me” which is an equal - if not slightly uneven - mix of raunchy and sincere, he decides to join his school’s play but certainly not without many hysterical hiccups along the way. The problem is that some jokes do not land, including an extended bit involving the High School jocks that collapsed way before takeover, and a Dunkin Donuts subplot featuring an AI cameo (take it or leave it) whose potential is semi-wasted. Ep. 7 “Susan Is The New Black” is unfortunately the weakest of them all. Susan Bennett is arrested and is sent to jail. The humor is both cringe and weak. The episode acts as if it’s providing even more benefits to the character, but it barely does anything other than (comedically) attempting to show that her presence in her household is very much needed.
For the most part, this season does its job by continuing to provide fans with as much juvenile humor necessary. It’s funny, heartfelt, and vulgar, even if it loses some steam along the way. This is worth checking out, and hopefully, one day, ‘Ted’ gets renewed for a third season.
Grade: B
What are your thoughts?
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