A Strong Second Season Solidifies ‘Physical’ As Another Brilliant Apple TV+ Series

There’s a lot of buzz swirling around Apple TV+ these days. Of course, the streamer has some of the best television series, including Ted Lasso (which just received another 20 Emmy nominations) and the Emmy, SAG and Critics Choice Award-winning series The Morning Show, which also nabbed more Emmy nominations today.

As fans await third seasons for each of the above, another brilliant Apple TV+ series has been largely overlooked. Physical, which has thus far seemed to fly under the radar, is a dark comedy set in 1980s San Diego. The story follows one woman as she aims to change her life and women’s lives everywhere with the power of aerobics. In it, she finds a path to freedom.

The first 10-episode (five-hour) season didn’t get much attention when it premiered in 2021. Of course, not every show will become an immediate worldwide sensation like Squid Game. But the lack of attention Physical received was surprising due to the show’s top-notch writing and acting. In addition, what makes this show so much fun is the eighties fashion and music.

The story revolves around Sheila Rubin (the perfectly cast Rose Byrne), and it’s her inner, and often cruel, voice that narrates and drives the story. Sheila is a wife and mother who is struggling to keep it together. She fights against her demons, haunting childhood trauma and an overall dissatisfaction with her life. However, she soon finds the answer to her woes in aerobics. Some speculate that this series was inspired by the life of Jane Fonda.

Series creator Annie Weisman and her team put together the perfect ensemble cast that includes Rory Scovel as Sheila’s husband, Danny, a man who fumbles to understand his wife and salvage his family. In addition, the Rubins are good friends with the hilarious Ernie Hauser (Ian Gomez) and his wife, Greta (Dierdre Friel). Unfortunately, they’re also frenemies with another couple, Tyler and Bunny (Lou Taylor Pucci and Della Saba), and the hilarity ensues when the pair feel betrayed by Sheila. Rounding out the cast is Paul Sparks as John Breem, a man who challenges and changes Sheila. This season brings Murray Bartlett (Emmy-nominated for White Lotus) as Vinnie Green, a fellow aerobics enthusiast who could be Sheila’s arch-enemy or her best friend. Bartlett is the perfect addition to the cast; fingers crossed he returns for another season.

The writing is sharp, including that harsh voice of Sheila’s, and though it all swirls around her, each character is multi-dimensional and hilarious in their own right. So many women can relate to that relentless inner scathing voice, and though it can be triggering at times, this fan is in it for the long haul. Seeing Sheila fight against her self-doubts and overcome her dark past is inspiring. If she can do it, perhaps we all can.

And for those who grew up in the 1980s, it’s fun to revisit the wild fashion, big hair, and of course, the music. Tights, leotards and leg warmers could even make a comeback.

In total, in its first two seasons, Physical consists of 20 episodes, each roughly 30 minutes, making this the perfect 10-hour weekend binge.

Finally, this deserving series is gaining a following. Because the second season ends with the perfect cliffhanger and set up for a third season, one can only hope TV lovers will binge en masse and ensure Sheila and her inner circle return for more drama, hilarity and fun.