Going Dutch is back with big changes for season two. According to Deadline, Fox has tapped seasoned comedy writer Hilary Winston to step in as co-showrunner, joining series creator Joel Church-Cooper.
So why this shake up? The answer is simple: Winston's track record with sharp, character driven comedy is exactly what the series needs as it heads into its next chapter. Production is already underway, and the excitement is building.
A fresh new season for Going Dutch
When Fox launched Going Dutch, the comedy instantly stood out for its wild premise.
Colonel Patrick Quinn, played by Denis Leary, finds himself exiled to the quirkiest army base in the Netherlands after one too many unfiltered outbursts. It's not a combat zone at all-it's a luxury-filled outpost with fine dining, a bowling alley, lavender laundry, and even the only fromagerie in the U.S. Armed Forces.
That offbeat setup created a setting for the bigger story: The clashing of Colonel Quinn and his daughter Maggie, a dynamic powered by tension, stubbornness, and a lot of reluctant teamwork.
Season one delivered plenty of laughs, but like many comedies, it took time to find its rhythm. Viewership numbers dipped as the season went on, yet the show earned praise for originality and heart. Fox clearly saw potential and gave it another shot.
This is where Hilary Winston enters the picture. With her arrival as co-showrunner, Going Dutch is being set up for growth. Winston, Joel Church-Cooper, Denis Leary, and Jack Leary will all share producing duties, ensuring the sophomore season gets a strong creative backbone.
Why Hilary Winston is the right fit
Adding Hilary Winston isn't just a behind-the-scenes decision—it signals confidence in the show's future. Winston's résumé spans some of TV comedy's most memorable projects.
She's written and produced for Community, Happy Endings, and My Name is Earl, all known for their unique voices and quirky ensemble casts. More recently, she ran the two-season Goosebumps series for Disney+ and even developed Bad Teacher for CBS.
She's also written features like The Lego Ninjago Movie and The Bad Guys. Therefore, her television and film experience makes her an apt creative outlet - someone who knows how to balance humor with something that is also heartfelt at the same time.
For Going Dutch, Winston's gift for character driven humor feels like the missing piece.
Season one sure did have a strong base, but sometimes the show leaned heavily on the premise. With Winston helping to jump into the sophomore season, season two can look further and deeper into the father/daughter conflict at hand while still producing comedy from the absurd setting of Stroopsdorf.
The cast that features Taylor Misiak, Danny Pudi, Laci Mosley, and Hal Cumpston already have chemistry from their time in season 1, and Winston's guidance could only help sharpen their arcs and stories further.
For fans, it means a chance to see the show lean into its quirks while also finding a rhythm that can carry it forward.
Adding Hilary Winston to the mix marks an important moment for Going Dutch going forward. Fox's decision to double down on the show, despite its uneven first season, shows belief in its potential.
With Winston's experience paired with Church-Cooper's original vision, season two is shaping up to be more confident, more focused, and hopefully, more hilarious. For fans, it feels like the perfect chance for the series to truly hit its stride.
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