Paul Baker's Double Life: Inside Adults Season 2's Delightfully Dark Comedy

Paul Baker: The Boy Who Wasn't Quite Himself

Let me tell you something about Adults, the FX show that somehow managed to feel both like a throwback classic sitcom and a modern masterpiece. In only eight episodes, the second season has done what few shows can do—captured the spirit of a bygone era while still feeling fresh.

"It's Season 2, Paul Baker; we're doing a classic sitcom."

This line from Issa, delivered with the meta wink that only happens in a great show like this, is the perfect encapsulation of what Adults does best. It doesn't pretend to be anything other than exactly what it is—funny, messy, and absolutely true to its characters' flawed but lovable nature.

Jack Innanen on Paul Baker's Inner Conflict

As Paul Baker himself, Jack Innanen has a unique perspective on how complex this character really is. The season kicked off with a scene that perfectly encapsulated the show's meta-approach: Paul walks through the Queens house with his camera, just as if we're watching him do it. It's a wink to viewers who understand what they're seeing.

But the heart of this season is how deeply Adults explores its characters' inner lives. For Innanen, Paul Baker's journey is about confronting parts of himself he's ashamed of. "It weirdly paired a complex I have within myself where I was like there are different sides of me," he says. "There's this shameful side of him, but I was scared people were gonna be like, 'Oh, is he a total frat bro? Can he still be Paul Baker with this Baker side of him?'"

And that's exactly what makes the character so relatable. We all have parts of ourselves we'd rather not share—Paul's alter ego is a perfect mirror to his own internal struggles.

The Paul-Baker & Anton Dynamic

Paul and Anton's relationship has always been one of the most interesting elements in Adults. Their slow-burn romance is beautifully played out, and season two takes it even further. We get to see how much Paul's hidden self affects his relationship with Anton. The moment where Paul asks if he's a piece of shit because of his alter ego, and Anton replies, "No, parts of you are shitty," is one of the most honest moments in the show.

"I think what everyone wants... is to open your chest up and be like, 'This is who I am, completion. Yes or no? Do you still love me in spite or even because of these things?'"

Innanen explains how the two characters serve each other beautifully, with Anton's character offering a kind of emotional anchor when Paul feels lost in his own duality.

From Queer to Charming: A New Kind of Sitcom

Adults is not your typical sitcom. It's bold and unapologetic, tackling issues like identity, sexuality, and family dynamics in ways that are both hilarious and deeply human. When we see Paul and Anton finally get their happy ending in the finale—balloon-covered and full of hope—it's a moment that feels earned and emotionally satisfying.

But let's not forget how much fun it is to watch these characters navigate their lives in a single house. The way they interact, the humor, and even the way the set becomes a character itself—like when Paul discovers he's been added to the chore chart on the fridge—these are details that show how invested the team is in crafting a lived-in world.

Season 3 Dreams: Halloween, Bottle Episodes, and More

Innanen's excitement for Season 3 is palpable. He wants to see more of the group's dynamic, especially now that Paul and Anton have found stability. "Malik had said something really beautiful, where he said that there's a finite amount of love in the house, and it just transmutes different ways," he says.

And yes, he wants a Halloween episode. A classic sitcom staple that would be perfect for this show. He even shares a pitch: "Group costume gone wrong. Think The Beatles, but John Lennon is shot—or Billie insists on being Yoko Ono."

The bottle episode concept is another favorite of his. "That's the highlight of my year, every year, is the two weeks when we do the bottle episode," he says. Whether it's the chicken dinner or raccoon episodes, these scenes are where the cast gets to shine in a contained environment, and that's something he genuinely cherishes.

Behind the Scenes: A Home Away From Home

When we talk about the house, we're not just talking about set design. This place is where Innanen has spent countless hours of his life. It's become his second home, and he's intimately familiar with every nook and cranny.

"It feels almost like my childhood home where I can tell you where everything is, because there's been so much time in there,"

The house is filled with Easter eggs—baby photos of Malik, podcast equipment, and even hidden snacks that Innanen keeps around for the long days on set. One scene, where Paul Baker and Anton have to kiss a possum to keep it from leaving the room, took over 12 hours to film. It's a testament to how dedicated the cast is to their craft.

But beyond all the behind-the-scenes stories, what keeps Adults relevant and entertaining is its commitment to exploring the messy, beautiful complexity of growing up. It's a show that doesn't shy away from difficult truths while still managing to make us laugh—and sometimes cry.

A Show That Gets It Right

In a time when classic sitcoms feel like relics of the past, Adults proves they're not just alive—they're thriving. And with Innanen's passionate performance and the rich character development throughout Season 2, we can't wait to see what happens next.

Season 3 might be a dream, but with the right direction and a few more episodes of Paul Baker's inner turmoil, this show could become a true modern classic. We'll be right there cheering from the sidelines.