Peacemaker is returning with explosive momentum as its second season debuts to critical acclaim, earning a perfect 100 percent Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes from 28 reviews. The follow-up to the hit first season, which holds a 93 percent Tomatometer rating based on 90 reviews, arrives as one of the most anticipated entries in the newly launched DC Universe. Audience anticipation is already high, with the original season also boasting an 87 percent audience score from over 2,500 ratings.
On Metacritic, the second season holds a “Generally Favorable” 78 Metascore from eight critic reviews, marking an improvement over the first season’s 71 from 34 reviews. The new season premieres August 21, 2025, and is the second series officially set within the DCU, following the events of James Gunn’s Superman. It continues the story of Chris Smith, also known as Peacemaker, the brash yet conflicted mercenary first introduced in The Suicide Squad (2021).
Created by James Gunn, Peacemaker was originally developed as a spin-off from the DCEU before transitioning into the DCU as part of a soft reboot. John Cena reprises his role alongside returning cast members Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Chukwudi Iwuji, Jennifer Holland, Steve Agee, and Robert Patrick. Gunn, who serves as showrunner, wrote every episode of both seasons and directed multiple installments.
The first season, filmed in Vancouver in 2021, became a breakout hit for HBO Max thanks to its irreverent tone, sharp writing, and an unforgettable opening dance sequence set to Wig Wam’s “Do Ya Wanna Taste It.” Following its February 2022 renewal, production for Season 2 began in April 2024 at Trilith Studios in Georgia and wrapped that November. This new installment is expected to expand the DCU’s interconnected storytelling while retaining the character-driven humor and action that made the original a standout.
With its flawless early critical reception, Peacemaker Season 2 sets a high bar for the DCU’s future television slate. Whether it can sustain that perfect score remains to be seen, but the series is already positioned as one of the strongest critical successes of 2025.
