'BEEF' Season 2 Is *So* Different Than Season 1—and I'm Fully Obsessed with It

The battle of the generations

beef season 2 netflix review
COURTESY OF NETFLIX

BEEF season one on Netflix was a massive hit—both in terms of viewership and critical acclaim. The initial season pitted Steven Yeun and Ali Wong against one another in an escalating 'beef' after a road rage incident. Reviews—including PureWow's—were raves. The show won the Emmy for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, while Yeun and Wong won the Emmys in their respective acting categories. So it was just a matter of time before we got a follow-up season...

Enter: BEEF season two. The latest iteration stars Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan as a struggling married couple, and Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny as a budding young Gen Z couple. When the younger duo witnesses a high-stakes altercation between the older couple, blackmail and a new beef are born.

Here, my honest review of BEEF season two (which is already the number one show on Netflix).

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COURTESY OF NETFLIX

First of all, this new season is wildly different from season one. The 'beef' is less overt (think: a confrontation between generations rather than a rage-filled car chase). And things take a little bit longer to heat up. But I'm obsessed with this season all the same.

The plot points play out much more methodically in the second season, which is a stark contrast to the angry fits and starts that made season one so jarring and so good. However, this isn't a bad thing. The subtlety helps to ratchet up the tension—it feels like each character might do something drastic at any given moment.

And the twists are still there, keeping the show fun and gripping. I had a huge smile on my face in the final seconds of episode two when a dramatic twist is revealed regarding Isaac's character's intimidating boss, played by Oscar-winner Youn Yuh-jung.

beef season 2 netflix review
COURTESY OF NETFLIX

Also, it should go without saying that the acting is phenomenal (I mean...this cast!). The scenes between Mulligan and Isaac are alternately tense and tender, hate-filled and hopeful. They are often hard to watch—but I wouldn't think of looking away. And the development of the relationship between Melton and Spaeny is nuanced and enjoyable, a testament to their stellar acting skills.

Overall, BEEF season two is slower, but just as fabulous. I will hardly be surprised if the show sweeps the Emmys again this year.

Watch all eight episodes of BEEF season two on Netflix.

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Philip Mutz Headshot

VP, News and Entertainment

  • Oversees news and entertainment content
  • Is an award-winning playwright and has hosted two entertainment podcasts
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