Now those are uber puppies!

HALF the time, even comedies aren’t straight-up comedies anymore — they’re dark, dry and rely on awkward humour. So every now and then, it’s nice to be able to just watch a comedy that is genuinely joyful but still smart.

The second season of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, a Netflix comedy created by Tina Fey and her writing partner Robert Carlock, will drop on Friday, and it’s exactly the kind of fun TV show that will make your weekend shine.

Starring Ellie Kemper, the first season followed the eponymous hero after she was rescued from her 15-year imprisonment in an underground bunker. Kimmy takes her unwavering optimism and pluck to the most jaded of cities, New York.

“Um, you’re stealing my scene.”Source:Supplied

One season on, the bunker plot line has been left behind (except for a recurring joke about moving on from the bunker), giving the show more freedom to tell different stories and feature the excellent supporting cast more comprehensively.

Kooky landlord Lillian has a lot more to do this season and the series really benefits from Carol Kane’s increased presence. Lilian’s fight against creeping gentrification in her rough-and-tumble neighbourhood provides fertile ground for some great B-plots.

Tituss Burgess as roommate Tituss Andromedon is also on form, given more of an opportunity to showcase his considerable Broadway flair — yes, you know what that means, he gets to sing. And Jane Krakowski’s character, Jacqueline Voorhes-now-White, is trying to find her place in the upper echelons of Manhattan with the (only!) $12 million she got from her divorce.

Also expect to see some familiar faces — Fred Armisen, Tina Fey, Anna Camp and Amy Sedaris all make notable appearances.

Hipsters beware (yes, that is Shoshana).Source:Supplied

While Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is certainly on the lighter side of TV shows, it’s still tackling real issues — poor people getting shunted, life after divorce, wasted intellect and overmedicating kids — but always with mirth.

Season two is a bright and commendable follow-up to the show’s debut, not an easy task given how many TV series struggle in their sophomore year to seize the same spirit that first captivated audiences. It’s not as razor sharp or satirical as Fey’s 30 Rock but it continues to tell the stories of outsiders with an uplifting and playful energy.

From the moment you hear the infectious theme song, you’ll be carried into a world of almost singsong dialogue and rapid-fire quips, jokes and references (including a perfect one to Mad Men).

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt season two will be streaming on Netflix from 5pm AEST on Friday April 15.

Continue the conversation on Twitter with @wenleima.

“You’re welcome.”Source:Supplied