Poker Face Season 2: Every guest star set to appear in the show

Poker Face season 2 has officially returned, and this time around, the mystery isn't just in the story—it's also in the cast. Rian Johnson's crime drama-with-a-twist has again pulled off the trick of taking the procedural format and turning it on its head. But what really makes this new season stand out isn't Charlie Cale's quick wits. It's the impressive roll call of guest stars who flesh out each self-contained episode.

Following the anthology-style storytelling of season one, this next installment expands the universe. Still, it retains its fundamental essence: one case per episode, one large lie, and plenty of familiar faces playing unfamiliar roles. With an Emmy-nominated first season to its credit, season 2 has obviously upped the stakes, not with plot twists but with a formidable list of names from comedy, drama, and all points in between.

Here's the official trailer for your reference:

Familiar faces in Poker Face Season 2

Season 2 of Poker Face reunites an eclectically talented ensemble from throughout the genres. From Broadway sophistication to the smartest minds in comedy, the series covers a wide emotional spectrum with its rotating guest cast. Cynthia Erivo infuses a memorable presence on-screen, while John Mulaney contributes a healthy injection of signature snappy unpredictability. Katie Holmes and Justin Theroux's inclusion provides a retro yet earthed quality, looking back at classics but firmly planted in the contemporary.

Giancarlo Esposito returns from his season one finale appearance, grounding the continuity with a familiar bite. Melanie Lynskey, who already gave a standout performance in season one, reappears this time joined by real-life partner Jason Ritter—giving Poker Face Season 2 clear confirmation that it isn't afraid of complicated dynamics, even in its one-off capacity.

Comedians, character actors, and career firsts in Poker Face Season 2

This season masterfully marries its dramatic undertones to satirical moments, aided in significant part by its comedic guest cast. B.J. Novak, Ego Nwodim, Natasha Leggero, and Sam Richardson play into roles that subvert typecasting while leaving space for surprising humor. The transition from sketch to suspense is effortless—another testament to the show's hybrid status.

Alia Shawkat and Awkwafina join the roster as well, demonstrating just how much the lines between drama and deadpan can get blurred in the world of Poker Face. With Rian Johnson's directorial imprints all over the show, every episode is like a short film with its own texture, supported by actors who can adjust and lead with subtlety, even in 40 minutes or less.

A platform for powerhouse performances in Poker Face Season 2

Taylor Schilling, Method Man, David Krumholtz, and Lili Taylor promise to bring even more depth to the cast, each bringing their own tonal change based on the arc of each episode. Their guest spots are less cameo-esque and more about building character in a condensed format. The format is such that each guest star can be seen in a surprising new light—oftentimes against type or in circumstances that provide greater latitude to take risks.

While actors such as Kumail Nanjiani and Richard Kind bring to the season a quirky beat, it is ultimately through dark comedy or subtle danger that these actors prop up the show's base structure while keeping it on the edge.

Each episode of Poker Face Season 2 has a movie feeling

The structure of Poker Face season 2 is such that every guest star has a complete story arc, which is not typical of most ensemble shows. Rather than recurring characters or filler cameos, every appearance is crafted to advance one story, and that's what makes them stick. Margo Martindale, Corey Hawkins, and Simon Rex all deliver performances that linger, even if they appear only once.

Even with a stacked lineup, the show stays underway, avoiding overcrowding. The story doesn't conform to suit the stars—rather, the stars are integrated into a plot already constructed in meticulous detail. That's the equilibrium that prevents the show from becoming a celebrity merry-go-round.

A multi-talented structure designed for major stars

There is a freedom to Poker Face season 2 that results from not being tied to one location or an extended cast. Actors such as Rhea Perlman, Haley Joel Osment, Adrienne C. Moore, and Geraldine Viswanathan are afforded creative freedom to play unusual characters that don't have to be repeated but still feel resolved.

It's this versatility that keeps bringing the best talent to the show. Each actor enters a complete world, does their job, and departs without dangling threads. Because of this, the series has a feeling of close storytelling but still leaves room for rich performances.

No repeats—Just high-caliber variety

Throughout the season, there's no "formula" for the guest stars. Some are villains. Others are victims. A few blur the lines completely. That diversity is what keeps audiences guessing, not only in terms of plot but also in who might appear next. It's that unpredictable casting that makes Poker Face season 2 energetic, episode after episode.

From indie favorites to Emmy winners, from dramatic veterans to sketch comedians, the guest stars this season comprise a broad sampling of Hollywood. And yet the show never plays too hard with any one name. The ratio remains consistent: character-driven episodes, led by Natasha Lyonne, buoyed by clever performances.