In Season 2, HBO's 'Insecure' Remains the Funniest & Most Modern Comedy on TV

In its first season last year, "Insecure" proved to be one of the most original, funniest and easily one of the most modern comedies on TV. The series, created by Larry Wilmore and star Issa Rae, returns for a sophomore run July 23 on HBO and remains to be one of the freshest and entertaining shows of 2017 -- and that's saying something, considering the competitive Peak TV landscape.

"Insecure" Season 2 picks up where Season 1 left off: Issa (Issa Rae) and her longtime, live-in boyfriend Lawrence (Jay Ellis) have split up in the wake of Issa revealing she cheated on him. He's moved out of their apartment, living with a friend, and Issa is in limbo; unsure if she can mend things with him or if she should move on.

A messy breakup, one that has high stakes, makes for compelling, and often, insightful TV. After getting to know them as a devoted and loving couple (who nevertheless had their fair share of relationships issues), over eight half-hour episodes last year, viewers will now see Issa and Lawrence face individual roadblocks and challenges while they navigate separate dating lives. Not only are they dipping back into the dating pool but they're also rediscovering themselves. Will they settle down again in a long-term relationship or play the field in a series of hookups and rebounds?

In its second season, "Insecure" beams with confidence with its nuanced storytelling about young black men and women living in Los Angeles. What makes "Insecure" one of the best comedies of the year is that it's able to tell a number of stories through its characters while never spreading itself too thin. Though much of show is spent following Issa, it doesn't hesitate to also explore the lives of its supporting cast. Her best friend Molly (Yvonne Orji), a successful lawyer with her own set of dating problems, is often the focus of an episode, or at least shares about as much screen time as Issa.

And for good reason -- Orji is continues to be the show's M.V.P., providing a multifaceted character in Molly. One moment she's portraying as strong, independent woman who can conquer the world and in the following scene, Molly is confused and defeated. In Season 2, she's going to therapy to deal with her unrealistic and high expectations when it comes to dating; but Molly's most interesting storyline comes when she learns that a white male coworker, who started his job around the same time as her, is getting a bigger paycheck. Orji is excellent bringing this fleshed out and fresh character to life.

"Insecure" also focuses on its male lead, Lawrence, and his experience. He's been hooking up with a woman he met last season and is struggling deciding if he should play the field or get back into a relationship with her. But the show goes beyond his dating life. In the fourth episode, "Hella LA," Lawrence encounters being pulled over by a white male cop -- an unnerving scene -- and later in the episode, a bizarre encounter where he ends up in a threesome with two white women he met at a supermarket.

"Insecure" is rooted in its vision; telling the stories its creators and writes want to tell with an outlook rarely seen on TV. With its killer soundtrack, "Insecure" is restlessly funny and cringe-y while its cast creates a world viewers want to spend time in. What thrusts the comedy into something special is its fastidious look and feel. Credit is due to the incredibly talented Melina Matsoukas, best known for directing some of the best music videos of the 21st century, including Beyonce's "Formation," Solange's "Losing You," and Rihanna's "We Found Love."

After directing a few episodes last year, including the very first episode of "Insecure," Matsoukas returns in Season 2, helming the first two episodes. Her skills as a TV director continue to sharpen (she was also behind one of the best episodes of 2017 -- "Master of None" Season 2's "Thanksgiving") as she gives "Insecure" an interesting vibe by setting up the show's visual langue in interesting ways: As seen on "Mr. Robot," characters are often not centered in the middle of the camera -- they're positioned far to the left or the right, or seen from below, giving "Insecure" an off kilter albeit interesting aesthetic.

"Insecure" can be grouped with a category of forward thinking, contemporary stylized half-hour comedies dominating TV. Though more traditional in its storytelling than "Atlanta" or even "Master of None," "Insecure" tells specific stories about people of color in all aspects of their life. Rae and the rest of the "Insecure" team tell a seamless story that's not only distinct but relatable; no easy task. "Insecure" is equal parts a romcom, workplace drama and a show about female friendship. It never takes the easy route when telling its story; it's up front about sexuality and race but Rae and the writing team wonderfully pepper in tremendous comedic moments, making "Insecure" Season 2 a sharp, topical show that's found its groove.