Summary

  • Uncoupled was saved from cancelation by Showtime before being canceled again for the second time.
  • The potential for the return of the main cast like Neil Patrick Harris and Tuc Watkins was high for the now-canceled season 2.
  • Uncoupled season 2 could have explored how Michael's openness to change would affect his relationship with Colin.

The rom-com Uncoupled was saved from cancelation by Showtime, but now the series has once again been canceled before season 2 can air. Uncoupled follows Michael (Neil Patrick Harris), whose partner of 17 years, Colin (Tuc Watkins), unexpectedly breaks up with him. As a 40-something, Michael finds it hard to digest his sudden single status and struggles to navigate the unfamiliar world of dating. Instead of finding absolute answers to his dating dilemmas, Michael only further complicates his life with the string of romantic affairs and potential relationships that arrive.

Uncoupled season 1 was something of a disappointment for Netflix, and the streamer opted not to renew it for a sophomore season. However, the Neil Patrick Harris-led program was saved by Showtime, and the cable brand had big ideas to continue the moderately well-received fledgling series. With a new audience to pull from, the future of Uncoupled seemed bright, but now the romantic dramedy has been given the ax for the second and likely final time.

Related
10 Best Quotes From Netflix's Uncoupled

Uncoupled is a witty look at the love lives of a core group of 40-something gay friends in Manhattan, made bingable by its memorable quotes.

Uncoupled Season 2 Is Canceled

Showtime Cancels The Series Again

Michael looks up expectantly in Uncoupled season 1

Uncoupled was left hanging for nearly a year before Netflix decided to pull the plug after one season, and it faced a similar fate at its new home, Showtime. The cable network scooped up Uncoupled for a second season in February 2023, but the Hollywood strikes of that year put most production on hold, even the Neil Patrick Harris vehicle. However, months after the strikes were resolved, Showtime opted to cancel its plans for Uncoupled and dump the rescued show in March 2024. It's highly unlikely another streamer or network will pick the show up again.

Uncoupled Season 2 Cast

Who Could Have Returned?

Uncoupled season 1's cliffhanger almost guaranteed the return of Neil Patrick Harris as Michael and Tuc Watkins as Colin in season 2. Other than the central couple, Emerson Brooks, Brooks Ashmanskas, and Tisha Campbell could have reprised their roles as Michael's best buds, while Marcia Gay Harden's Claire would add another layer or two of drama to the show's plot. As with any show, season 2 of Uncoupled would likely have added new cast to the mix as well.

Actor

Uncoupled Role

Neil Patrick Harris

Michael

Tuc Watkins

Colin

Emerson Brooks

Billy

Brooks Ashmanskas

Stanley

Tisha Campbell

Suzanne

Marcia Gay Harden

Claire

Uncoupled Season 2 Story

What Might Have Happened?

Neil Patrick Harris as Michael Lawson in episode 103 of Uncoupled.

After staying apart for the entire season, Colin returned home to Neil Patrick Harris' Michael after realizing his decision to leave him was wrong. Michael, too, went through a transformation and learned from his past mistakes while wishing for Colin's happiness even after their tragic breakup. However, the ending also seemed to indicate that their dynamic may never be the same again. Colin had a change of heart, but he could feel bound by Micheal's monotonous routines down the line.

In this way, Uncoupled season 2 could have explored how Michael's newly-discovered openness to change will improve — or further complicate — their relationship. Furthermore, Michael's commitment to Colin never dwindled throughout the season, but staying single was a cathartic experience for him and might have made him second-guess Colin's loyalty. Uncoupled season 2 could have used this as a cue and portrayed how Michael will try getting things right the second time while hoping Colin will stay.