In the 70s, they were an elite unit. With names like Brick, Champ, Brian and Ron, they rose like the phoenix and then they were gone. Their legend became but a whisper told by the trees until now.

It’s hard to believe that a little less than a decade ago we were introduced to Ron Burgundy and the Channel 4 News team. Directed by Adam McKay, Anchorman 2 picks up on Ron Burgundy at a transitional point in his life and career—he and his team are being recruited to join a 24-hour news channel in New York City in the early 1980s.

The enticing clips from the film are pretty hilarious, with several delightful throwbacks to the first film. Though it is common knowledge that celebs like Harrison Ford, Kanye West, Nicole Kidman and Tina Fey make appearances in Anchorman 2, we’re pleased that the trailer reveals very little about the nature of their cameos, a refreshing difference from the usual overwrought previews that give away all laughs long before films hit theaters.  

Based on the trailer, we have gleaned five other hopeful signs that Anchorman 2 will more than live up to the hilarity standard set by its predecessor. The key members of the original cast—Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Steve Carrell and Christina Applegate—will all reprise their roles. So how can Anchorman: The Legend Continues fail to be funny? After all, they've done studies about sequels and, 60% of the time, they work every time.

1980s a lá Ron Burgundy

The first film took place in San Diego in the 1970s and truly immersed itself in the best and worst of the decade. From feathered hair on the women to truly hideous pantsuits on the men, Anchorman was a feast for the eyes. Judging by the footage in the trailer for the sequel, the  filmmakers are once again going  for period-accurate costumes (spandex, leather and fur) and hair (think: big) down to the most minute details. Even Brian Fantana’s briefs are authentic 80s artifacts.

The Addition of James Marsden, Meagan Good and Kristen Wiig

Sequels are always striving to be bigger and better, which usually means big-name actors and movie star cameos. The cast of Anchorman 2 is following form. James Marsden appears to be taking over Vince Vaughn’s role as Ron Burgundy’s rival while Kristen Wigg will step in as the love interest for the inept Brick Tamland.

The addition we’re most excited about, however, is the underrated Meagan Good ("Californication," Think Like a Man), who seems to play a news anchorish character who eventually becomes Ron Burgundy’s girlfriend. I know what you’re thinking: WHAT ABOUT VERONICA? We’re worried too, guys. Hopefully, Veronica Corningstone and Ron Burgundy can reunite.

​Baxter is Back

Before Uggie in The Artist, before Cosmo in Beginners, there was Baxter, who faced many dangers, including bears, to reunite with his owner in Anchorman. We’re pleased that the delightful pooch from the first movie is back  at Ron Burgundy’s side. You may recall that Burgundy once called him “a minute Buddha, covered in hair,” and it appears that Baxter will exude the same Zen-like qualities. You couldn’t ask for a better doggie sidekick.

The Most Uncomfortable Family Dinner Ever

Speaking of Meagan Good, the end of the trailer heavily features Ron Burgundy at dinner with her entire family, all African Americans. From the 20 seconds or so of footage, we firmly believe that this scene will join other classic uncomfortable family dinner scenes in cinema history like the ones in Annie Hall, The House of Yes, The Family Stone, and Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married? We are cringing and laughing already when Ferrell’s sheltered Burgundy declares, “I’m breaking down the barriers of race by assimilation. And on that note which one of you convicts with the longest record can pass me the mashed potatoes?”

​Sex Panther 2.0

One of the most memorable scenes from Anchorman has Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd, never better) showing off his potent cologne, Sex Panther by Odeon, which is allegedly illegal in nine countries. From the Anchorman 2 trailer, we get only a brief glimpse of Fantana posing in a pair of tiny underwear, but it’s safe to assume that he must be launching a fragrance of his own. Any guesses on potential names?