Fairfax Season 2 Review: A Delightful, Colorful Homage to Fairfax Ave

Prime Video’s Fairfax Season 2 captures the spirit of the first season with its irreverent humor and punchy satire while paying homage to Fairfax Ave. 

Season 2 keeps its finger on the pulse of social satire, much like LA keeps its finger on the pulse of social trends and fashion. While the show continues to hone in on Fairfax Ave, Angelenos will tell you that some (not all) of what Fairfax addresses, i.e., the obsession with trends and personal branding, encompasses Los Angeles. 

BENNY: Can’t fight nature, brah. I’ve taken a wife. I’ve made a home. We already have a baby that’s actually cake. 

The Powers That Be find innovative ways to address vital issues such as “sneaky racism,” as Benny and Derica call it in “Career Day.” We see it through the lens of a film set, as Derica’s Girlbossier shoot is full of people of color while an entirely white production team runs the show. 

It’s proof positive that white supremacy still reigns supreme, and performative activism, i.e., Girlbossier’s “Div-HER-sity” initiative, doesn’t enact effective change as it’s only surface level. 

Fairfax continues to satirize the transience of trends and our collective obsession with social media. However, it never dives into “cruel” territory. Instead, it takes a milder, more lighthearted approach, reminding us that we can criticize the things we love. 

BRIAN: Was there ‘nana in there? You know I’m a “Never ‘Nana”!

Of course, this series isn’t for everyone. It might be more challenging to follow if you’re not keeping abreast of current trends and social media jargon or aware of how Gen Z speaks/operates. At face value, Fairfax is for a niche audience. 

Additionally, it helps if you have an in-depth knowledge of the entertainment industry, pop culture, and even LA culture. This might deter potential viewers. However, there’s something for everyone here, and Season 2 is evidence of that. 

DERICA: Truth is power, even when it’s uncomfortable. 

Angelenos or anyone familiar with Fairfax Ave will enjoy the Easter eggs and intricate references (of which there are many). In contrast, outsiders will enjoy watching the gang gang navigate the minefield of adolescence. Speaking of, the gang gang goes through the wringer this season, from finding love to Cerise driving a wedge between them so she can have Truman to herself. It’s fun to watch the writers expand this show’s horizons. 

The humor is on another level in Season 2, with artful gags like Clout Nine in “Clout Nine,” the celebrity spa for “clout fatigue and cringiness.” It brilliantly spoofs our addiction to social media and status. Phantom finger swiping is a real affliction. 

Another standout parody is the Shakespearean war between Hiroki and Brian in “Fashion War,” à la Romeo and Juliet, with those who support Latrine and Off-Brian spoofing the Montagues and Capulets. Dale and Lily take on the roles of the show’s version of Romeo and Juliet. “Fashion War” even morphs into a metaphor for fascism while paying homage to anime fight sequences. It’s brilliant madness. 

The vocal performances are top-tier, with the main cast — Skyler Gisondo, Kiersey Clemons, Peter S. Kim, and Jaboukie Young-White — mastering multiple roles that showcase their versatility. Even in animation, having the entire primary cast voice several parts is sometimes a rarity. 

Fairfax Season 2 is charming, vibrant, delightfully cheeky, and brimming with love for Fairfax Ave and Los Angeles. It deftly satirizes our societal obsession with meticulously curating how we present ourselves to the world through the lens of the pitfalls and triumphs of adolescence. It’s a damn good time. 

Stray Observations: 

• Schwimmer’s being a tribute to Canter’s Deli in every way save the name will always be a bright spot on this show’s animated landscape. 
• “Circle of Hype” is the “Circle of Life” parody we never knew we needed. 
• The “dark side” of the Fairfax flea market brilliantly parodies The Lion King and Star Wars. On that note, nobody ever goes to the “dark side” of the flea market unless they desperately need shade. It’s usually a wasteland. 
• “Impractical Ghosters” is the obvious supernatural spin-off from Impractical Jokers featuring ghosts pranking unsuspecting strangers. Somebody greenlight this!
• Girlbossier is like if Glossier and Goop had a baby — especially the prevalence of decorative vaginas. 
• Everyone in LA is somehow connected to someone in the entertainment industry, directly or indirectly. It’s a requirement for living there. 
• Fun fact: Oy Vape, Schwimmer’s neighbor, is where Dolls Kill is in real life — right next to Canter’s Deli. 

What did you think of this season of Fairfax? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Fairfax Seasons 1-2 are now streaming on Prime Video.

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