Space Force is getting a second chance on Netflix. The Hollywood Reporter confirms that filming will begin next year, but no return date has been announced.
The Steve Carell-led comedy series, which is inspired by President Donald Trump's order to establish the space force as the sixth military branch, premiered last year on Netflix. It was co-created by Carell and his former The Office showrunner Greg Daniels.
Such high expectations clashed with unenthusiastic response from critics. It scored just a 38% on Rotten Tomatoes with the Critics Consensus claiming that the "all-star cast and blockbuster-worthy special effects aren't enough to keep Space Force's uneven blend of earnestness and satire from spinning quickly out of comedic orbit."
Space Force did fair somewhat better with actual Netflix viewers. It has a much more favorable audience score of 75%.
Netflix is reportedly making some changes to the series for the second season, including a change in filming location from Los Angeles to Vancouver in an effort to reduce the show's budget. Writer and producer Norm Hiscock (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Parks and Recreation, King of the Hill) has also joined the show and will serve as co-showrunner alongside Daniels.
Despite a talented cast that includes co-stars John Malkovich, Ben Schwartz, Tawny Newsome, Diana Silvers and Jimmy O. Yang, a lot of the humor in Space Force fell flat for many -- especially those who went into the show expecting something more akin to The Office. Netflix is hoping a second season will "allow Space Force the runway to grow creatively and better connect with viewers and critics alike much in the same way The Office broke out in its subsequent seasons," according to sources. Yang has also reportedly joined the Space Force writing staff.
Space Force may not have hit on every single episode in its first season, but there were certainly funny and even heartwarming moments. The series has promise and hopefully it can find its footing in its sophomore season, especially since all of the characters are now established.