‘Sugar’ Season 2 Rotten Tomatoes Score Update — What Critics Are Saying

Apple TV+’s Sugar has made its return for a second season, and initial reviews indicate that the neo-noir mystery remains compelling, albeit not flawless.

As per critics and review aggregators, the new season boasts a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on early reviews, although the total number of reviews is still limited.

Created by Mark Protosevich and featuring Colin Farrell, the series follows private investigator John Sugar, a detective in Los Angeles with a significant secret: he is an alien. Sugar, who has a passion for classic Hollywood films, always dresses sharply and shares a unique yet gentle bond with humans, particularly dogs. His quest for a missing woman in the first season intertwined with a deeper personal mission regarding his own missing sister from his home planet.

Season 2 picks up directly from those narrative threads. John Sugar remains in Los Angeles, tackling a new case involving a missing brother linked to the city’s criminal underbelly. Simultaneously, he continues his search for answers about his sister while grappling with feelings of isolation after other aliens departed from Earth. His attempts to reach out to his species have been unsuccessful, leaving him caught between two worlds.

Critics note that this season broadens the story in a more expansive and emotional direction. M.N. Miller from FandomWire described it as “smoky sci-fi noir [that] deepens its mystery, expands its mythology, and keeps its cool cinematic soul.” Jared Mobarak of Hey, Have You Seen …? remarked that the shift in focus enhances the story, asserting that it is more effective when Sugar balances his hidden identity with his detective work rather than concealing it entirely.

However, not all reviews are entirely positive. Nate Richard from Collider rated the season a 6/10, stating “It’s watchable, but it isn’t as confident as Sugar’s bold premise demands.” Some critics believe the show’s style still outshines its storytelling, even though the visual direction and tone are consistently strong.

Other reviewers have mixed feelings but remain supportive. Greg MacArthur from Screen Rant commended the series’ aesthetics and cast, noting it builds upon the first season’s concepts with a more refined feel. Giovanni Lago of Next Best Picture acknowledged that while it may not be top-tier television, it still captivates audiences with its performances and atmosphere. Jeanine T. Abraham praised Colin Farrell’s portrayal, stating, “You immediately love this man. His level of empathy is unparalleled.”

The series continues to merge crime drama with science fiction and classic noir aesthetics, emphasizing mood, mystery, and character over action-heavy narratives.

Season 2 of Sugar premiered on June 19 on Apple TV+, following the first season’s debut in 2024 and its subsequent renewal that same year.

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