Years ago, I spoke with a screenwriter who contributed to some of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most legendary films — including *Kindergarten Cop*, which balanced toughness with absurdity. The writer shared that he and his team would, unsurprisingly, craft entire punchlines around Arnold’s distinctive Austrian accent. Memorable lines like, “No more ‘Mr. Kimble, I have to go to the bathroom.’ There is no bathroom!” or the classic “It’s not a too-mah!” were specifically engineered to hit right due to Arnold’s delivery.
I’m unsure how the title of Arnold’s cheesy Netflix action series *FUBAR* came to be — but I believe we can all concur that it was likely no coincidence. The name itself (“foo-bah”) seems like it was designed for the star to shout through a megaphone. And now, *FUBAR* is back (even as I type the word, I can hear Arnold’s voice echoing it in my mind). Season 2 premieres on Netflix this Thursday. And, as per creator Nick Santora, the upcoming season is utterly “bananas.”
That’s what Santora conveyed to Netflix’s Tudum while teasing the next episodes, which, this time, involve more than Arnold’s CIA agent Luke Brunner simply attempting to mend his family life while evading bullets. He’s also squaring off against someone from his past: Carrie-Anne Moss, joining the cast as an East German spy with, let’s say, a unique history.
Moss and Arnold not only share a spy link — they also appear together in what seems to be one of *FUBAR’s* most chaotic partnerships to date. Meanwhile, the rest of the cast is also back on duty: Monica Barbaro as Luke’s daughter Emma, along with Travis Van Winkle, Fortune Feimster, Milan Carter, Jay Baruchel, and others. There’s even a comeback from Tom Arnold, because why not.
On that note, make no mistake; *FUBAR* is not aiming to be taken seriously or earn accolades from the critics who already tore into the first season (which continues to maintain a rather poor 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes). Instead, here’s why a new season is upon us:
To remind you, the show was a Top 10 Netflix series in 90 countries during its launch week in May 2023. It also amassed nearly 90 million hours viewed, according to Netflix. Which shouldn’t be shocking, upon reflection. Schwarzenegger has consistently been a cherished action star, arguably even a genre unto himself. He combines high-octane charisma with a self-aware wink that keeps viewers returning for more.
At its core, *FUBAR* is an unserious spy thriller centered around explosions, witty remarks under duress, and somehow managing to fit in a dysfunctional family therapy session amid global crises. It’s loud, outlandish, and proudly excessive. If you’re okay with that from the start, you’ll have a fantastic time. Pun very much intended.
