The second season of the dramedy series Like A Loser premiered tonight on ZDFneo, and it picks up right where it left off, showcasing Julian’s never-ending struggles with fatherhood and personal relationships. Julian, played by Ben Münchow, is back and facing another wave of unexpected challenges as he attempts to manage his role as the father of his 16-year-old son, Ernst, portrayed by Diyar Ilhan.
Since the series first aired its inaugural season back in 2023, audiences have been treated to the chaotic but relatable life of Julian, who learns of his fatherhood under dramatic circumstances. The latest season brings new twists, with Marie (played by Tinka Fürst), Julian’s former flame, slated to re-enter his life, but this time the stakes are even higher. Just as Julian is making strides toward proving he can be responsible, he learns of Marie’s pregnancy, leading to fresh chaos.
Viewers are welcomed back to the antics of Julian as he now faces the dual challenge of proving to both Marie and Ernst, now his boss at the supermarket, he can be the dependable man he’s always wanted to be. The humor is sharp, with Julian’s misadventures just the kind of cringe-worthy comedy audiences have come to love. "Es macht so unglaublich viel Spaß, diesen Typen zu spielen, der keinen Filter zu haben scheint..." Muncheow confessed, emphasizing how much fun it is to embody such a flawed but spirited character.
This season dives deep not only through the comical mishaps of Julian but also the emotional growth of Ernst. With new classmate Anna (YouTube star Kayla Shyx) moving next door, Ernst finds himself juggling his own feelings alongside his father's dramatic life. “Die interessanteste Storyline ist die von Ernst, da er seinen Love Interest findet...,” Shyx remarks, hinting at the challenges of growing up and seeking love without the shadow of his father’s example.
With Julian’s comedic attempts to win back Marie, his old high school crush, the season transforms mundane tasks—like arranging family dinners or discussing shared responsibilities—into laugh-out-loud moments. Despite the humor, themes of growth and maturity are evident. The series provides refreshing perspectives on familial relationships, particularly focusing on how Julian’s past decisions shape the realities of the present.
The backdrop of parenting serves not only as the premise but also as the heartbeat of the narrative, portrayed beautifully with the ups and downs of teenage life sprinkled throughout. The chaotic nature of Julian's life is intensified when they learn Marie's boss, Stöfgen, played by Tom Beck, could also be the father of the child, complicate Julian’s attempts at reconciliation.
Julian’s efforts to win Marie back through well-meaning but often misguided actions constantly lead him to hilarious predicaments, such as getting stuck with Stöfgen, or dramatically mishandling family outings, showcasing his personal growth— though often it feels as erratic as his decision-making process.
The show effectively encapsulates the essence of growing pains at any age, as we see Julian grappling with being responsible for his family, all the time embracing the missteps along the way. The potential for comedy arises from Julian often stepping out of line, getting himself and those around him tangled up in precarious yet humorous situations.
Seasoned actress Johanna Gastdorf, who plays Julian’s mother Dagmar, is also back, bringing warmth and humor to her role. She balances encouraging and critiquing her son, embodying the struggles of parenting with grace. The new season showcases her dynamic with Julian, as she finds her own romance, adding another layer to family complexity.
Fans of light-hearted dramas with twists and relatable themes will appreciate the latest offering from Like A Loser, where humor is derived not just from the situations but also from the characters' interactions and personal growth. It’s this unique blend of comedy and family drama coupled with earnest performances from the youthful and talented cast which keeps viewers waiting for more.
With episodes reflecting both heartfelt moments and laugh-inducing situations, this season promises to deliver yet another engaging chapter. Excitingly, it runs every Tuesday, with viewer expectations for how Julian will manage being not just a father but also still being himself. The show captures how adulting can sometimes feel like trying to raise your child through sheer improvisation.
The debut of the second season streamed on March 7, 2025, with ZDFneo beginning its free-TV premiere tonight at 9:45 PM, and the excitement across fans is surreal. This fresh season provides ample evidence as to why Like A Loser resonates so well with audiences: it’s about life, love, fatherhood, and all the messiness they entail.