Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt returns to Netflix for season two
Ellie Kemper reprises her role as the sunny, sometimes naive titular character
Kimmy Schmidt brims with her signature optimism and never strays far from her quest for self-discovery in season two of the Emmy-nominated Netflix comedy, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
A new slate of episodes launch around the world on Friday, ending the wait for fans keen to binge watch the hit show starring American actor Ellie Kemper (The Office, Bridesmaids).
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Kemper reprises her role as the titular character, determined to adjust to life in New York after having escaped from an underground bunker in Indiana where she was held captive for 15 years by a cult. The series is co-created and produced by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, both veterans of NBC's 30 Rock.
Kemper says that she thinks people connect to Kimmy because she is relatable.
"Anyone who has come out of oppressive circumstances or had any sort of challenge in his or her life, which is mostly everyone, and come back to endure and conquer those challenges and keep going forward, can relate to this kind of person," she explained to CBC's Zulekha Nathoo.
Conquering challenges
As Kimmy continues forward with a sunny outlook, her roommate Titus Andromedon (played by actor-singer Tituss Burgess) remains intent on achieving fame and finds romance.
The underlying message, I think, is hope.- Ellie Kemper
Meanwhile, wealthy divorcée Jacqueline (played by Jane Krakowski of 30 Rock) navigates reality with her newly single status.
"The underlying message, I think, is hope and hoping for something better," Kemper said of the show.
"Maybe people were, without even knowing, hungry for that sort of thing."
Newcomers to the cast this season include Anna Camp of Pitch Perfect and True Blood fame, as posh Manhattan housewife Deirdre Robespierre.
Fred Armisen (SNL, Portlandia), David Cross (Arrested Development), and Zosia Mamet (Girls) also make guest appearances.
With files from Zulekha Nathoo