Avantika Vandanapu had exciting plans for Abby Chilukuri’s future in Not Suitable for Work. However, those plans will remain unrealized for now after Hulu decided not to renew the comedy series for a second season.
During a conversation with E! News at a Diwali celebration in New York City on October 13, the actress discussed the direction she hoped her character would take in a potential second season. She wanted viewers to see Abby balance her professional ambitions with the challenges of her personal life.
The interview offered a glimpse into what could have come next for Abby, whose story explored career pressure, romantic complications, and the experience of navigating adulthood as a young South Asian woman in New York.
Why Avantika Vandanapu Wanted a Different Story for Abby
In the first season of Not Suitable for Work, Abby Chilukuri established herself as an ambitious young woman determined to build a successful career in fashion styling.
Avantika told E! News that she looked forward to exploring another side of Abby in the planned second season. Rather than focusing mainly on her professional ambitions, the character would have faced more challenges in her personal life.
The actress also highlighted how easily people can become caught up in New York City’s dating culture while pursuing their goals.
This direction could have offered a more balanced look at Abby’s life, showing how romantic relationships and career ambitions can compete for attention.
What Happened to Abby Chilukuri in Season 1?
Abby’s storyline combined professional ambition with a complicated romantic connection.
During the first season, she developed a relationship with Austin Blanchett, played by Harry Richardson. Their connection began after Abby took him on as a client from her former boss, Vanessa Hsu, portrayed by Constance Wu.
However, the relationship did not develop as Abby might have hoped. Austin eventually ended their professional arrangement as well, leaving Abby to navigate the consequences of mixing personal relationships with work.
Her return to working with Vanessa created another opportunity for character development.
Avantika wanted to explore how Abby would manage these professional and personal challenges while remaining committed to her ambitions.
How Abby’s South Asian Identity Could Have Shaped Season 2
One of the most interesting aspects of Avantika’s comments was her interest in exploring Abby’s identity as a Desi woman.
The actress explained that South Asian communities often encourage young people to become independent and ambitious. At the same time, personal relationships and the desire for love remain important parts of life.
That contrast could have given Abby’s storyline greater depth.
Instead of presenting career success and romantic happiness as competing goals, a second season might have explored how Abby could pursue both while working out what she wanted from adulthood.
Although the show will not return to Hulu for another season, Avantika’s comments reveal the character development she had hoped to explore.
Why Did Hulu Cancel Not Suitable for Work?
Hulu did not move forward with a second season of Not Suitable for Work in August 2026.
According to entertainment industry reports, Warner Bros. Television planned to seek potential alternative homes for the series following Hulu’s decision. However, no new home or second-season order is confirmed in the available reporting.
Created by Mindy Kaling, the comedy premiered on June 2, 2026. It follows five ambitious young adults trying to establish their careers while navigating friendships, relationships, and everyday challenges in Manhattan.
The first season consisted of nine episodes and concluded in June.
The series featured Ella Hunt, Avantika Vandanapu, Will Angus, Jack Martin, and Nicholas Duvernay, alongside recurring cast members including Jay Ellis, Constance Wu, and Harry Richardson.
The cancellation left several character storylines without the continuation that a second season could have provided.
Avantika Celebrates Diwali in New York City
Away from the show’s cancellation, Avantika is continuing to embrace her personal and professional life in New York City.
At the October 13 Diwali celebration at Maxwell Social, she joined fellow hosts Aryan Simhadri, known for Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and influencer Aditya Madiraju.
Avantika described the gathering as a tradition that allows her to celebrate with friends and bring together people from different cultural backgrounds.
She also spoke about the broader meaning of Diwali, which is widely associated with the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
For the actress, the celebration also represents gratitude, friendship, shared meals, music, and opportunities to experience different cultures.
Her remarks offered a personal perspective on a festival that brings families and communities together while celebrating hope and new beginnings.
What Comes Next for Not Suitable for Work?
For now, Not Suitable for Work remains a one-season series on Hulu. There is no confirmed second season, and viewers should not assume the show will return unless an official announcement is made.
Warner Bros. Television’s reported plans to explore other potential homes leave open the possibility of a future change, but no revival has been confirmed.
Meanwhile, Avantika’s comments provide a clearer picture of the story she wanted to tell through Abby. The character’s journey could have explored the difficult balance between professional success, romantic relationships, and cultural expectations.
Although audiences may not see that next chapter, the first season remains available to stream on Hulu.