The American mystery-of-the-week series Poker Face has attracted attention for its clever format and a cast that balances a central lead with a rotating lineup of guest stars. Created by Rian Johnson, the show follows Charlie Cale, a woman with an uncanny ability to detect lies, as she travels across the country. The series currently spans two seasons, with the second premiering in 2025. For a broader overview of the show, see the Poker Face TV series overview. Below is a comprehensive look at the actors who bring the story to life.
Who Is in the Cast of Poker Face? Main Cast and Characters
- Natasha Lyonne leads the series as Charlie Cale, a human lie detector.
- The show features a rotating cast of guest stars, each episode a new mystery.
- Season 2 (2025) adds Cynthia Erivo in a major role, expanding the universe.
- Poker Face has been praised for its ensemble casting and retro procedural style.
- The cast includes both established actors (Nick Nolte, Rhea Perlman) and rising stars (Patti Harrison).
| Actor | Role | Seasons | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natasha Lyonne | Charlie Cale | 1-2 | 20 |
| Benjamin Bratt | Cliff Legrand | 1-2 | 20 |
| Simon Helberg | Luca Clark | 1-2 | 20 |
| Rhea Perlman | Beatrix Hasp | 1-2 | 20 |
| Patti Harrison | Alex | 1-2 | 20 |
| Cynthia Erivo | TBA | 2 | TBA |
| Joseph Gordon-Levitt | Trey Mendez | 1 | 1 |
| Chloë Sevigny | TBA | 1 | 1 |
Poker Face Season 1 Cast: Full List of Episode Guest Stars
Notable guest stars in season 1: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Chloë Sevigny, Steve Buscemi, Justin Theroux, Lili Taylor, Nick Nolte, Charles Melton, Tim Blake Nelson
The first season of Poker Face assembled an impressive roster of guest actors. According to IMDb and Wikipedia, the cast alongside Lyonne included Adrien Brody, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Chloë Sevigny, Lil Rel Howery, Clea DuVall, Dascha Polanco, Jameela Jamil, Ellen Barkin, Stephanie Hsu, Tim Meadows, Judith Light, Ron Perlman, Tim Blake Nelson, Charles Melton, Cherry Jones, Hong Chau, Nick Nolte, David Castañeda, Luis Guzmán, S. Epatha Merkerson, Simon Helberg, Shane Paul McGhie, Danielle Macdonald, Colton Ryan, Audrey Corsa, Megan Suri, and others. Many of these actors appeared in single episodes, giving each instalment a distinct feel.
In the opening episode, Rotten Tomatoes lists Adrien Brody as Sterling Frost Jr., Dascha Polanco as Natalie, and Benjamin Bratt as Cliff Legrand. This pattern of high-profile guest stars continued throughout the season.
Episode-by-episode guest cast breakdown
Because the series follows a case-of-the-week structure, each episode introduces new characters. Sources such as the NBC Insider guest star guide document the full line-up per episode, but the complete list is extensive. For example, episode one features Adrien Brody, while later episodes bring in the likes of Nick Nolte and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The variety keeps the narrative fresh and allows for unexpected performances.
Poker Face Season 2 Cast: New and Returning Actors
Cynthia Erivo joins the cast
Season 2, which premiered in May 2025, adds Cynthia Erivo in a role that has not yet been fully detailed. Her involvement signals an expansion of the series’ universe and brings added star power.
According to IMDb, the season 2 cast includes Patti Harrison, Steve Buscemi, Justin Theroux, Pej Vahdat, Haley Joel Osment, and Taylor Schilling, alongside returning main actors. The list also shows Awkwafina, Alia Shawkat, Lauren Tom, David Alan Grier, and others.
John Mulaney, Katie Holmes, Jason Ritter, Sam Richardson, Jin Ha
These actors are among the new guest stars for season 2. While specific episode appearances are not yet publicly mapped, their inclusion broadens the show’s appeal. John Mulaney and Katie Holmes bring recognisable names, while Jason Ritter and Sam Richardson are known for comedy and drama.
The full guest star list per episode for season 2 has not been released. The information above is drawn from IMDb’s full credits page, which may be updated as the season airs.
Returning main cast members
Natasha Lyonne, Benjamin Bratt, Simon Helberg, Rhea Perlman, and Patti Harrison all return for season 2, according to multiple sources including Rotten Tomatoes and TV Guide. Their consistent presence provides continuity for the series.
Where to Watch Poker Face and Episode Guide
Streaming on Peacock
The primary platform for Poker Face is Peacock. Rotten Tomatoes notes that the series can be streamed with a subscription on Peacock, and it may also be available to buy on Fandango. NBC’s Insider page confirms that the entire first season is available on the service, and season 2 is currently airing.
Episode count and release schedule for season 1 and season 2
Season 1 consists of 10 episodes, all released on Peacock. Season 2 also contains 10 episodes, which began airing in May 2025. Episodes are being rolled out weekly, though Peacock has not officially confirmed the complete release schedule for season 2 at this time.
Poker Face Cast Announcement Timeline
- – Series ordered by Peacock; Natasha Lyonne cast as lead.
- – Main cast announced: Benjamin Bratt, Simon Helberg, Rhea Perlman, Patti Harrison.
- – Season 1 premieres; guest stars revealed per episode.
- – Season 2 renewal announced; new cast members begin to be announced.
- – Cynthia Erivo, John Mulaney, Katie Holmes join season 2 cast.
- – Season 2 premieres on Peacock.
What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About the Cast?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Main cast for season 1 and 2 is confirmed. | Full guest star list for season 2 per episode is not yet publicly available. |
| Guest stars for season 1 are documented per episode. | Whether any main cast members will leave after season 2. |
| Season 2 cast includes Cynthia Erivo, John Mulaney, Katie Holmes, Jason Ritter, Sam Richardson, Jin Ha. | Potential for additional guest stars in season 2 that have not been announced. |
| Season 3 renewal status and cast changes. |
Why the Cast of Poker Face Matters
Poker Face is a case-of-the-week series that relies heavily on its guest stars to create memorable episodes. Rian Johnson’s casting choices blend veteran actors and rising stars, mirroring the show’s retro-modern vibe. The inclusion of diverse guest stars such as Cynthia Erivo and Joseph Gordon-Levitt broadens appeal and keeps the show fresh. The main cast dynamic – especially Lyonne’s Charlie Cale – anchors the series, while guest stars provide episodic variety.
What Do Official Sources Say About the Cast?
“Top Cast: Natasha Lyonne, Simon Helberg, Benjamin Bratt, Rhea Perlman, Patti Harrison.”
— IMDb
“It stars Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale… Nick Nolte, Charles Melton, Tim Blake Nelson.”
— Wikipedia
“Cast & Crew: Rian Johnson, Natasha Lyonne, Katie Holmes, John Mulaney, Cynthia Erivo, Jason Ritter, Sam Richardson, Jin Ha.”
— Rotten Tomatoes
Poker Face Cast: A Quick Summary
The series is anchored by Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale, supported by a recurring ensemble including Benjamin Bratt, Simon Helberg, Rhea Perlman, and Patti Harrison. Each season brings a wave of guest stars such as Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Cynthia Erivo, and many more. For a broader overview of the show, see the Poker Face TV series overview. The series is streaming on Peacock, with season 2 currently airing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Natasha Lyonne the only main character in Poker Face?
No, but she is the lead. The main cast includes Benjamin Bratt, Simon Helberg, Rhea Perlman, and Patti Harrison as recurring characters.
Does Poker Face have a season 2?
Yes, season 2 premiered in May 2025 on Peacock.
How many episodes are in Poker Face season 1?
Season 1 has 10 episodes.
Where can I watch Poker Face?
Poker Face is available to stream on Peacock in the US.
Who is the creator of Poker Face?
The series was created by Rian Johnson.
What role does Joseph Gordon-Levitt play in Poker Face?
He appears in season 1 as Trey Mendez in one episode.
Are there any famous guest stars in Poker Face?
Yes, the show has featured many guest stars including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Chloë Sevigny, Steve Buscemi, Justin Theroux, Lili Taylor, and Nick Nolte.
Is Poker Face based on a true story?
No, it is a fictional mystery series.
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Toby Marsh is Senior Reporter at Castradar.uk, covering film and TV stories across the UK.