Now on Adult Swim, Tuca & Bertie season 2 features many familiar faces, while rounding out the diverse cast of characters with some fresh newcomers! The show follows the adventures of two 30-something friends and former roommates, Tuca (a toucan) and Bertie (a song thrush). Often embracing its medium, the show is noted for its daring and experimental visual style; however, it also features complex and nuanced storytelling, which is enhanced by a talented cast of voice actors.
Tuca & Bertie debuted on Netflix on May 3, 2019, immediately drawing comparisons to the streaming service’s other animated hit BoJack Horseman (Lisa Hanawalt designed and produced both shows); despite rave critical reviews, however, Netflix canceled the show just two months after its initial release. Tuca & Bertie went on to gain a strong following, with many considering it one of the most underrated TV shows of the decade.
After much fan campaigning to save the show, Adult Swim saved Tuca & Bertie from cancellation, ordering a second season with a similar number of episodes. The show will now have a weekly rollout, which may help further grow its fanbase. Tuca & Bertie season 2 premieres on June 13, 2021, and brings back the original cast — as well as introducing new characters into the mix.
Tuca & Bertie’s Main Characters
Tiffany Haddish as Tuca: Tuca is a confident, outgoing toucan and Bertie’s best friend. Despite her happy-go-looking attitude, however, she struggles with co-dependency issues and is still adjusting to living life sober. Tiffany Haddish voices the character with the same fun energy that made her the break-out star of 2017’s Girls Trip. The comedian stars in the TBS series The Last O.G. and hosts the recent revival of Kids Say the Darndest Things.
Ali Wong as Bertie: Bertie is the other titular lead. She is a song thrush and Tuca’s best friend. In many ways, Bertie is Tuca’s opposite: she’s shy, anxious, and meticulous. Despite their differences though, the two friends balance each other out — leading them to sometimes depend on each other too much. Bertie’s voiced by comedian Ali Wong, who’s known for her stand-up specials, as well as the rom-com Always Be My Maybe and the TV series Amerian Housewife.
Steven Yeun as Speckle: Bertie’s supportive boyfriend Speckles is a gentle, kind-hearted robin. Like Bertie, he’s stable and hardworking, having an architect career. The character is voiced by Steven Yeun, who is best known as Glenn on The Walking Dead. More recently, Yeun had a leading role of Jacob Yi in the hit movie Minari.
Tuca & Bertie’s Returning Characters
Richard E. Grant as Holland: The older gentleman Holland is Bertie’s distinctly British boss at the publishing house Conde Nest. Grant has enjoyed several notable roles in movies, such as Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Iron Lady, and more recently, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Jenifer Lewis as Aunt Tallulah: Legendary actress and broadway star Jenifer Lewis returns as the wealthy — yet cruel — Aunt Tallulah. Season 2 continues the storyline of Tuca struggling to make peace with their relationship. Lewis has appeared in a number of film and television roles over the years, including her recent role as Ruby Johnson on the hit series Black-ish.
Reggie Watts as Pastry Pete: The predatory Pastry Pete makes an unwelcome return in season 2. Comedian and musician Reggie Watts voices the character. Watts may be best known as the leader of the house band on The Late Late Show with James Corden or his work on Comedy Bang! Bang!
John Early as Dirk: Comedian John Early plays Dirk, Bertie’s frustrating “bro” rooster coworker. Dirk is best known for starring in the dark comedy series Search Party.
Nicole Byer as Various Voices: Nicole Byer returns to lend her comedic chops to Tuca & Bertie for season 2, once again providing various voices. Byer is best known for hosting the shows Nailed It! and Wipeout.
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