‘Space Force’ Creator Teases New Challenges (and Tim Meadows!) in Season 2

Space Force Season 2 cast Netflix
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Diyah Pera/Netflix

Nearly two years after its launch, Space Force orbits back for more goofy laughs courtesy of four-star general Mark Naird (Steve Carell) and his ragtag team at the sixth branch of the U.S. armed services.

Four months after ignoring an order to attack the Chinese on the moon, Naird and Co. face an inquiry into the events of that day.

Space Force Season 2 Steve Carell

(Credit: Courtesy Of Netflix)

The cringey meeting kicks off with the earnest leader offering way too much detail: “I showered and shaved. I had an English muffin with orange marmalade. No, wait. We had just run out of marmalade….” He squeaks by but soon faces more headaches, like Russian hackers, budget cuts and an unsupportive superior.

That would be the new secretary of defense (Tim Meadows), installed after a change in presidential administrations. “He’s on the skeptical side about Space Force and likes to jerk Mark’s chain,” says creator Greg Daniels (Parks and Recreation).

The general also grapples with challenges from within his own team. His daughter Erin (Diana Silvers) is interning with Space Force, and head scientist Dr. Adrian Mallory (the dryly funny John Malkovich) takes the teen under his wing.

Daniels says that dynamic leads to a “more complicated, competitive friendship” between the two men — and opportunities for slapstick humor. Think: Malkovich wedged between two vending machines!

Space Force, Season 2 Premiere, Friday, February 18, Netflix