'Love Life' season 2 is finally here and Marcus Watkins is about to be your new crush

Searching for lasting romance in New York is not without its challenges, as Love Life season 2—and its HBO predecessors—can attest. The rom-com series is making its way back to screens, and this time it's introducing us to a new face. 

While the show's debut in 2020 focused on Darby (Anna Kendrick) and her relationship trials and tribulations, we're now shifting our focus to newly-divorced Marcus Watkins (William Jackson Harper) who is growing increasingly tired of putting up a front on the best dating apps. (Aren't we all?) 

Co-showrunner and executive producer Bridget Bedard revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that its main character is going to be put through the wringer, so we're eagerly anticipating one hell of a journey. Expect a few tears, some laughs and much more as the quest for lasting love gets underway—even as Marcus moves into his very "divorcey" new apartment.

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'Love Life' season 2: how to watch

Beginning October 28, 2021, viewers will be able to tune in to season 2 on HBO Max. The streaming service costs $9.99 per month, but the impatient folks who want to opt for an ad-free experience will have to shell out $14.99 per month. 

Fans can expect the first three episodes to debut on the 28th, followed by the second three on November 4 and the final four on November 11. Plan those marathons accordingly, friends. 

'Love Life' season 2 trailer

Meet Marcus: newly single and ready to mingle...sort of. The search for something "real" is certainly tiring for the 30-something, and we can relate. Watch as he moves into a solo apartment, finds a date with foul-smelling feet and seeks the advice of his all-knowing sister, the hilarious Ida (Punkie Johnson) and his best friend, Yogi (Chris “Comedian CP” Powell). 

'Love Life' season 2 cast

We're being treated to a slew of new and familiar faces this go-around. Here's who's joining the cast: 

• Marcus Watkins, played by William Jackson Harper
• Keith David, series narrator
• Jessica Williams
• Punkie Johnson 
• Chris "Comedian CP" Powell
• Janet Hubet
• Jordan Rock
• Maya Kaza 
• Kimberly Elise
• Ego Nwodim 
• Blair Underwood
• Arian Moayed
• Leslie Bibb
•  John Earl Jelks

So... is Darby in 'Love Life' season 2 at all?

Although Darby does make an appearance in this season, she's obviously not the focus. Allegedly, we begin season 2 at her wedding, and she makes a few cameos throughout Marcus' story. Essentially, it seems as if she is passing the baton over to our new protagonist. 

Additionally, Kendrick will be executive producing this season, so perhaps she's stepping into a different type of role on the show. As for Marcus, we're anxious to meet this adorable new lead. 

“You don’t have to put your romantic lead in a box,” co-showrunner and EP Rachelle Williams told THR. “They don’t have to look a certain way … if the story’s there, you’re gonna connect with whoever the person is. I think that’s why Will [Jackson Harper] is so fantastic this season, that you just instantly lock in with him, and then hopefully people start to think outside the box in all love stories.”