The Sweet Tooth team never wanted to create “a bleak world” for its pint-sized hero, human-deer hybrid Gus (Christian Convery). There are unavoidably dark moments in the fantasy drama, which returns for Season 2 on April 27, but its ultimately hopeful tone offers an important message for kids and adults alike. “There are so many things that I grew up watching with my folks that still stick with me,” series creator Jim Mickle recalls. “I’d love to think that Sweet Tooth could be that for people.”

Sweet Tooth introduces us to a world where a deadly pandemic has eliminated 98% of humanity and many evil people have seized power. Hybrid children like Gus are viewed by adults as either terrifying threats or possible saviors. In Season 2, Gus finds true connection with Wendy (Naledi Murray), a human-pig hybrid, and her hybrid siblings as they face off against the First Men, a paramilitary group that hates their kind. 

“You can have menace without it being too bleak,” executive producer Susan Downey tells Tudum. It’s that “fine balance” that inspires Sweet Tooth, she continues — and inspires parents to embrace the series along with their kids. Both Downey and fellow executive producer Amanda Burrell watch Sweet Tooth with their elementary school–aged children. In fact, Burrell’s son’s “entire school” loves the series. 

“Even though we’re dabbling with darker themes, we never put anything too graphic on the screen. So it allows for family viewing,” Downey says. “There’s too many important themes and relationships and fun to be had to alienate any particular age.” 

Season 2 will introduce the idea of Gus “coming of age,” Burrell says. When we first met Gus, lovingly called Sweet Tooth by his new protector Jepperd (Nonso Anozie), he’s never seen the world beyond the forest he shared with his “Pubba,” Richard (Will Forte) — or spoken to anyone other than his adoptive dad. But now Gus has built relationships with new people, traveled the country and learned his origin story. In Season 2, he’s ready to help lead his new hybrid family against the First Men. 

It’s only natural that as Gus learns more about the world, he learns “what humans are really capable of and the darkness of it,” Burrell says. But that isn’t a subject kids shy away from. 

“They actually crave some conversation of darkness. I don’t think they want just pure aspirational fantasy,” Burrell continues. “They want to know that there are other facets to the world… [and] when you’re seeing something that you don’t agree with or that is dangerous, you can bring it up and fight back.” 

Gus’ story gives parents the chance to talk about these themes with their families — with the series’ little deer boy as its “beacon of light.” Despite the obstacles in front of him, Downey says, “he’s our symbol of always having hope.” Even as Season 2 finds Gus in captivity following his capture by the First Men in the Season 1 finale, the Sweet Tooth creative team ensured viewers would be welcomed by an “inviting environment.” 

“They’re finding things that are going to make us smile,” Downey continues. “Part of that is in the craftsmanship, whether it’s the costumes, the set decoration or even just the casting of these characters.” 

When you see Gus surrounded by friends like Wendy, Bobby, Maya (Amie Donald) and Teddy (Christopher Sean Cooper Jr.), your heart grows a few sizes bigger. “This season in particular really taps into family and understanding what that actually means. It doesn’t have to be a blood relative. You can create your own family,” Downey says. “People can look different, they can be different and you can still find that common bond.” 

For blood families and chosen families, both the ones watching Sweet Tooth together and the ones on-screen, Gus represents a belief that things can be better. “I love the idea that Gus is this hopeful character who hasn’t been jaded by life — could be a sign of unexpected hope,” says Mickle. “So I hope he continues to do that for people in Season 2 and gives fans hope when it doesn’t feel like there’s any to be had.” 

Sweet Tooth Season 2 TrailerHybrids are the key to the cure.