I remember the DCU's infant years (formerly known as the "DCEU" by fans), when it seemed like it couldn't do anything right compared to the juggernaut that was the MCU at the time. While the Snyderverse had a cult following, which is putting the term "cult" lightly, the DCU characters of the last decade received mixed receptions based on their comic accuracy, save for Wonder Woman.
Behind the scenes, Warner Bros. and DC Studios were preparing to take a new direction with their cinematic universe after their remaining projects were released and forgotten by the zeitgeist. They already had a stronger foundation rising brick by brick with James Gunn's vision, thanks to his successful and warmly received rated-R adaptation of The Suicide Squad.
Ever since Gunn was appointed as co-CEO of DC Studios, he wasted no time laying the groundwork for the future of the DC cinematic franchise reboot. The Peacemaker television series, released in 2022, was his next addition to the DCU, expanding on the freshly solidifying canon from The Suicide Squad. And, now, the second season is about to debut.
Peacemaker season 2 release schedule
Warner Bros. and DC Studios are sticking to the tried and true weekly release schedule for Peacemaker as a television series. Despite the series releasing on the streaming service HBO Max, only one episode will air per week starting August 21, continuing through October 9.
Episode | Title | Release date | Release time |
|---|---|---|---|
Episode 1 | "The Ties That Grind" | August 21, 2025 | 9PM ET/PT |
Episode 2 | "A Man Is Only As Good As His Bind" | August 28, 2025 | 9PM ET/PT |
Episode 3 | "Another Rick Up My Sleeve" | September 4, 2025 | 9PM ET/PT |
Episode 4 | "Need I Say Door" | September 11, 2025 | 9PM ET/PT |
Episode 5 | "Back To The Suture" | September 18, 2025 | 9PM ET/PT |
Episode 6 | TBA | September 25, 2025 | 9PM ET/PT |
Episode 7 | TBA | October 2, 2025 | 9PM ET/PT |
Episode 8 | TBA | October 9, 2025 | 9PM ET/PT |
This release format ensures maximum hype and discussion about each episode as opposed to dropping them all at once as an all-you-can-watch buffet. While there's nothing wrong with that way of consuming shows, Warner Bros. would like to extend the longevity of its hit IPs for as long as possible. It's better for the brand, and in the long run, the fans as well.
Sign up for HBO Max
If you haven't already, you can sign up for an HBO Max account by visiting their website. All you would need is the basic plan, which currently costs $9.99 a month with ads or $16.99 a month without.
However, Warner Bros. and Disney have partnered to bundle their streaming services, HBO Max, Hulu, and Disney+ in one package for $16.99 with ads and $29.99 without. With Alien: Earth airing on Hulu and Marvel Television on Disney+, it's a multi-hit combo for your buck.
Where season 2 fits in the DCU roadmap
The DCU is still in its infancy, again. However, this time, Gunn is starting events off strong, avoiding trivial origin stories and getting straight into the weird chaos of this comic book-based world.
Peacemaker season 2 directly follows the events of 2025's Superman, where many details about interdimensional rifts, metahumans, and superhero factions are mentioned. While Superman isn't a required viewing, it will enhance your understanding of what's going on in the background of Peacemaker's neck in the woods. It hasn't even been more than a month after the catastrophic battle in Superman, according to James Gunn at a San Diego Comic-Con panel.
Season 2 cast and crew
Gunn is compared to the MCU's Kevin Feige in many ways, but he is much more involved in his projects. He wrote every episode of Peacemaker season 2 and directed three episodes. This is on top of having written and directed Superman, and is already working on a follow-up.
While Gunn's vision is integral to the show, several other directors will get to have fun bringing Peacemaker to life. Greg Mottola directs two episodes, and Peter Sollett directs one, as far as we know.
The cast for season 2 includes John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee, Robert Patrick, Frank Grillo, David Denman, Sol Rodriguez, and Tim Meadows.
Season 1 recap
Peacemaker season 1 follows the gun-specialist, shiny-bucket-wearing "hero" as he is coerced by undercover ARGUS agents to aid their war against an alien invasion of parasitic butterflies.
Throughout the series, Chris Smith, the man under the helmet, comes to terms with his traumatic past and the faith in his motto, "I'll make peace, no matter how many people I have to kill to get it." Noticeably, it is modified from when he mentioned not caring about killing everyone, women and children included. Some would say he's gone soft, but his new misfit ARGUS companions see the light in him. He's growing into a real hero.
Peacemaker takes everything fans love about comic book stories, from the over-the-top violence, unapologetically fashionable costumes, bizarre lore, and tons of crossover references, all wrapped up in a surprisingly human, compelling story. I'm glad to say, having seen most of season 2, that Gunn amps it up to 11 as the DCU matures into a proper interconnected shared world.
Why you should watch Peacemaker
If you still have a dream that the DCU reaches its heights like the MCU, then I can't recommend Peacemaker enough. Of course, its raunchy humor and hyperviolent action are not for everyone, but to those mature comic-book fans starved of challenging stories (and are waiting for Invincible season 4), then Peacemaker is the shot you need.
It brings back the well-placed cameos and references without feeling confusing or distracting from the core narrative. It's digestible, fun, and at times, surprisingly wholesome like a suckerpunch. If this is a sign of where Gunn is taking the DCU moving forward, then I can't wait to see how other characters are brought into the forefront.
Keep up with us at Winter is Coming for our episodic coverage of Peacemaker season 2.