Why Apple TV’s ‘Acapulco,’ Now In Its Second Season, Is A Must Watch Comedy

If you haven’t yet seen Acapulco, you’re missing out. The bilingual comedy has returned for a second season and it doesn’t disappoint.

It’s fun, heartwarming, has a great cast, a well-curated 80s soundtrack and a brilliantly executed storyline that leaves you wanting to jump to the next episode. The bilingual comedy flawlessly transitions between English and Spanish in a way that’s not forced or intrusive, but rather, natural.

For newcomers to the show, Acapulco weaves the story of Máximo Gallardo told in two timelines – present day and in the mid-80s. Present day Máximo (Eugenio Derbez) narrates an embellished account of his past to his young nephew Hugo (Raphael Alejandro), sharing how his younger self (Enrique Árrison) landed his dream job as a cabana boy at Las Colinas, the hottest resort in the Mexican seaside city, as his ambition for greater things led him to become a millionaire living in a mansion in Malibu.

In season 1 we learn of Máximo’s big crush on Julia (Camilia Perez), his devotion to his mother Nora (Vanessa Bauche ), sister Sara (Regina Reynoso) and his best friend Memo (Fernando Carsa). We also get introduced to a legion of diverse and comic characters that really complete the show, such as the self-absorbed Las Colinas resort owner Diane Davies (Jessica Collins), her seemingly clueless son Chad (Chord Overstreet) and no-nonsense resort manager Don Pablo (Damián Alcázar), who becomes Máximo’s mentor.

Season 2 is set in 1985. There are lots of changes with the resort on the brink of bankruptcy, a new love story, a breakup and journeys of self-discovery. We also get a chance to learn more about each character’s back story, hopes and dreams. And present day Máximo returns to Acapulco after many years for a funeral, as he keeps his exasperated nephew – and the audience – guessing who is the mysterious person he’s trying to avoid seeing during his visit.

Árrison, who is as cheerful as his young Máximo character, was delighted with the series renewal, getting back to the set and seeing his cast members once again.

“You have no idea how much we grow – our characters and ourselves – when we’re on the set. We got to know each other a lot and we are really good friends,” he says. “I think we’re a great team and the new season is really fantastic.”

During an interview last year, Derbez, who is also a series executive producer, shared his goal was to create a feel-good family friendly show.

“That’s why we went back to the 80s….It’s like hey, remember that time where everyone was happier? I was a kid back then but I felt like it was my happy place and I wanted to portray that.”

The writing and production team have definitely accomplished that goal.

For Árrison, working with Derbez was a dream come true.

“Imagine being the young version of the biggest star in Mexico. It was a huge opportunity. I was very excited because I grew up watching his movies, his series. And it was such a pleasure to get the role. I’m honored to do this, to share this character with him.”

Just like his character Máximo, Árrison, who has been working with a language coach to improve his English, has set out to achieve his goals.

“Like in the series… to dream bigger. And I’m dreaming bigger. I want to reach more audiences, to get Hollywood roles and to keep enjoying what I do. I really love my career. I love my job. And the best way is to share it. So, I’m getting ready to do that.”

Season 2 is now streaming on Apple TV. The finale, set for December 16, ends with a big surprise, leaving you wanting to see more.

The series deserves a renewal. We can only hope Apple TV greenlights a third season soon.