Beef Season 2 might be better than Season 1 (or at least on par)

But is there a moment that tops Steven Yeun pissing all over the floor then running away with unbridled glee?

I loved it sm. I think I enjoyed it even more than the first season because, for me, there was a lot going on and I was kept on my toes. The plot twists were so well executed imo and the last episode is just so... mind-blowing. It was so unbelievably human. The various façades of "righteousness" fell right off. Chairwoman Park was so right. The self comes first. 

I'm watching it now. It's pretty good, but I just rewatched season 1 this last week and season 1 is way better. I guess my biggest complaint is that season 1 had that road rage incident that set the tone for the whole season of these two people and their petty grievance. This season didn't have that. It was just blackmail and no actual direct beef on the level of the driving narrative that season 1 had. This just feels like a ripoff of the white lotus this season. I wanted to see people go mad over a petty dispute like last season, that was the unique quality that this series offered, and it just isn't really a thing this season. The title of the show doesn't really makes sense now. What is the 'beef' this season? the blackmail? I dont feel like this tops the petty road rage from last season. And Yeun and Wong really delivered some top notch performances. The performances are good in this season, but they aren't going to stick with me like what I saw in season 1. I would also add that season 1 was this nice little window into asian american culture that people have pointed out for a long time is sorely missing from tv and movies. It is rare to get a series with a mostly all asian cast, and I felt like that was one of the unique qualities of season 1. this season has a little bit of that, but not in the same way. I am just some white guy at the end of the day, but that was an aspect of season 1 i actually really appreciated and I would be on board if they stuck to stories that were coming from that place. I feel like between this season kind of abandoning this aspect as well as not having a 'beef' to anchor the show really makes it miss the mark of what this series was offering. We wanted more Beef, but what we got was a White Lotus knockoff.

This is nothing on the first season.. that was lightning in a bottle kind of fresh. This season is clearly inspired heavily from white lotus. It doesn't even feel like the same show

I was really hyped for it but idk not really feeling it I’m on EP 5 feels all over the place tbh

Beef Season 2 or you mean White Lotus Netflix lol

I really enjoyed it. It's very different to season 1 which might put some people off but I thought it was very good. I think Season 1 is better because of the insanity you mentioned though.

not a chance, this season has nothing on s1. s2 still kept the element of interesting characters development (or crumbling) and it gives a real glance into their inner worlds and workings, but it feels like they tried to add too many other elements that are never fully developed, and therefore feel redundant. s1 focused on the beef and the circumstances that led the characters there, it was consistent and well thought of. lee sung jin has a great way to portray human condition and existential themes, and i wish he had focused more on that. austin's internal split about his mixed heritage would've been a great subject to expand on. overall, i didn't hate it, but definitely didn't love it as i have s1

I’m going to be honest, I really haven’t felt like they’ve come close to touching the first season. That first one really felt like they were catching lightning in a bottle cause it was just genius after genius. This one was not bad at all but sometimes it all felt a bit too much and that the story wasn’t really progressing as fluidly as the first season. I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you take S2 by itself it’s a good piece of entertaining television, but comparing it to S1, damn that was kind of a big step down. I still think that the whole concept of the anthology series is GREAT and I will continue to tune in if they decide to do more seasons. (The acting though was top notch this season too).

I’m sorry but I don’t see it. Does it get drastically better after three episodes? Because I have absolutely no emotional resonance with any of those characters. The performance are good, it’s well written, there’s a clear a thematic exploration of alienation in relationships and the inability to communicate with your partner that’s somewhat well developed but I don’t know… I just don’t feel ANYTHING for these characters. Probably comes from the fact that the show lacks the fun of Beef S1 and the charismatic performance. I think the insanity was the core of Beef and what helped smooth down the character edges and deep existential pain. By having some lighthearted petty moment of zany revenge, the scenes where Steven Yeun act out dramatic scenes or show big emotions like that church scene hit harder. Here so far, it’s just the heaviness without any of the levity to make me care for these characters. It’s just couple arguing, being aggressive on each other, dragging conflict and planning to cheat on each other. I don’t know it’s just not enjoyable for me. So to repeat my first question: does it get drastically better or should I just drop it because it’s not for me?

I would say it was a good season but nothing like Beef. It started off as one but then the stories became more like each couple trying to fix their own issue

I've just started to watch this season, and it's not really "eat the rich." More like the generational conflict between millennials and zoomers, I like it very much. There was a huge cultural shift in late 2000s and 2010s, I would say on par with 1960s and 1920s, and those generations are so different, despite being relatively young. I don't know how the season will go, but it's one of the funniest depictions of that cultural rift. I am a millennial myself, and I see a bit of myself in the older couple, but I do understand why the younger couple behaves like they do in the show. It's so tragicomical to watch. The season reminds a classic situational comedy about one or more sides misunderstanding the situation or understanding it differently (and causing misunderstandin between each other). But it's more a sittragicom, like I wrote. And, of course, the show is greatly elevated by the star cast. Cailee Spaeny is phenomenal as usual. But the main cast is all amazing, for sure.

I just watched first episode with my girlfriend and we were quite disappointed with it, we wanted to be captivated the way season 1 captivated us with the first episode, although we’ve been looking forward to a second season since finishing the 1st one last year sadly don’t think we’re going to continue watching it through, trying to see what other people are thinking of it if it’s worth trying to continue to the 2nd episode

Idk bro the story just wasnt as genius entertaining or as intense as season 1, no beef at all, just blackmail and call it a day, i can empathize with not much of the characters and even suni lee's cameo couldnt save this season, but yo eunice is kinda bad doe

Am I the only one which didn’t click with the show at all? Finished a few hours ago and I seriously have had a hard time being invested in ANY of those characters. I understood what the show was trying to say and there were some scenes that hit incredibly well like the end of episode 6 and end of section the last episode where the characters open up on what’s bothering them but aside from that, there’s nothing connecting me to these characters. I couldn’t care less about any of them and the only relationship I was mildly interested in was the romance between Austin/Eunice romance but they threw that away at the last second to create an unearned parallel with the other two couples, it seriously felt like it came out of nowhere and while I still understood the point the show was trying to make (that young couple look at older couple fighting and dismiss the idea they could ever become like them only for the reality of relationships to show it’s inevitable to become bitter to one another) but I sincerely felt like that point diminished any sense of narrative closure and development. All and all, I just felt bored and like I watched a movie stretched out for way too long

Oh now thats high praise. Watched S1 last year, loved it.

No way in hell it’s better

I'm missing the comedic element from season 1. This feels more like a horredy than a dramedy. Season 1 had intermittend comedic relief and it made it all a lot less heavy. I remember laughing hard at a few of the scenes and that's what made it so good. This season, everyone is just shitty. They're entitled, self-righteous and I'm having a hard time empathizing with them as compared to the characters in season 1. It's kind of like Euphoria. A completely different show. It's not even about it being an anthology but rather the tone being totally off.

This season has nothing on S1. It had sooo much emotion and intensity w insane ambiguity. Also, the performance by Ali and Steven was insane

Completely disagree - I just finished SSN 2 and was very, very underwhelmed. Did not understand at all the need to include the Korean billionaire plotline. Ashley - Austin got annoying fast, and there were a number of out of place moments in the show. Season 1 had the feeling of leading up to something big and season 2's plot twist did not at all have the same level suspense or intrigue. I thought a lot of the characters were pretty inconsistent (esp. Doc Kim). Honestly, the only thing i really enjoyed was Lindsay - Joshua but I wonder if it has less to do with the writing and more to do with their performances (Carey Mulligan more so). If anything, SSN 2 gave me a renewed appreciation for Steven Yeun and how much he crushed the first season ("WHAT YOU DID WAS NOT NICE!!").

I’m on ep 3 and having a hard time with it after loving S1. Idk. Maybe I’ll warm up to it as time goes on. Though I wouldn’t say it is bad, definitely better than some other new tv seasons I’ve seen this year. 

Not even close tf

I am about to watch the final episode so I cant give my full review yet but so far I am really enjoying it. It has been very very tense. But I need to rewatch Season 1 again

nuh uh this messy season is nothing compared to the beauty of season 1

They did not do justice to Oscar's character

Are you serious? It's a let down. feels like an undercooked version of the “eat the rich” social satires

Oscar Isaac in A Most Violent Year is my all time favorite gangster movie outside of Godfather and Goodfellas. This season had an all star cast and it was botched like the surgery. lol

I couldn't disagree more. It's nothing close to season 1, the story is imbecilic, I couldn't care less about the main characters and their White Lotusing of a show that's supposed to be about the ripple effects of colonization also gave Carey f****** Mulligan a huge paycheck? Ugh!!!! The worst thing about White Lotus is they literally give all these rich white people even more money to mince around "making a point" about inequality. F*** off!!!

By the way, the part where they're at the hospital was so funny to me after watching the Pitt, it's like two entirely different outlooks on the professionalism of health workers haha. But yeah I really like the season so far (watched 5 episodes), just took me some time to get into it. The fact that there are more characters to follow makes empathizing with them a bit harder, plus the fact that their daily lives is way less relatable overall - at least to me. But it picks up after 2 or 3 episodes.

The first episode is just people texting lol

S2 Sucks

First season was exceptional. Second season was decent.

I found season 2 underwhelming tbh, not to say that it was bad necessarily but no where near as good as season 1 in my opinion.

Nah, no way, season 2 is enjoyable but completely forgettable. It feels so derivative from other shows, nothing about it is original. The ending was so cheesy. Season 1 was a unique masterpiece. The rice cookers, the road rage, the shroom trip, just all of it was so unique, dark and funny.

Honestly I thought a lot of the writing was lazy. The gen z oversensitivity bits were shoehorned in for no reason. The overall theme seems pandering and performative. Its not highlighting the social issues through satire, but almost satirizes the issues themselves. Other than that it does make you dislike all the characters just like the first season, but the beef is all passive aggressive and scheming.

Definitely not better but pretty good. Ending was a little flat for me

Season 2 is f****** bleak as shit! No one has chemistry and there’s no semblance of humor or whimsy. Season 1 is a million times better!!!! Like what in the White Lotus is this shit?

Must be a bot. S2 was forgettable, to be polite. I mean where the f*** even was the 'beef'. This is what happens when greed forces a mini series to be continued

Really? I thought it was really lacklustre and the writing was bad, especially the ending. Don’t think I’ve seen an ending this terrible in a while

I'm curious what DNA it has in common with the first besides the name and the fact there's conflict? Based on the trailers, it looks to me more like it should be one of the stories in a White Lotus season. Which isn't bad, it's just...what makes it "Beef, season 2"? Honestly curious.

Na. S1 was stellar, beyond comparison in fact. The acting was good cause every second scene with Ashley made me want to punch her. It felt like a forced rich vs poor divide where you only win if you’re rich( ex: the full circle moment of comparison between linday josh in the beginning vs ash austin in the end). They had the plot going for them, they had the actors, but they botched up the ending and the character arcs completely. S1 had this raw, primal sort of rage and a whole spectrum of emotions which made you want to binge the whole thing at once. S2 on the other hand did feel like a white lotus spin-off where you wait till the last episode to find if someone’s died or not.

Season 2 didn't feel like a Beef , it would have been okay if it was something separate and with the title beef. So not a let down story wise, but to its predecessor it was really weak.

*BEEF Season 1 spoilers* Season 1 was the millennial experience told in a way that translates to all generations (plus the whole lightning in a bottle factor someone else mentioned). Season 2 was a good show, but it just cannot touch S1. BEEF S1 has the best ending I’ve ever seen on any show (with the Six Feet Under and Breaking Bad being 2 and 3). I was pacing in front of my TV as Smashing Pumpkins played—then we FINALLY got a half second of reciprocation (just a taste!) before the final credits. That ending made me scream “YES!” out loud. A story about loving someone BECAUSE OF all their flaws and knowing they fit your own jagged puzzle piece is something I deeply understand. S1 was literal perfection from start to finish, and I’m sadly disappointed in S2.

I like season 1 better

No f****** way! It was okay. I watched it but it's nowhere near as good. Worth a watch? Sure.

This season is lacking the humor the first season had.

This is far far from on par with season one. It has amazing performances from the main cast but honestly the overarching season plot is just not there. Season 1 we got to watch the main characters destroy each others lives over petty grievances. In this one its a lot more about outside forces and the conflict between the couples takes a serious backseat. I'll probably wait for reviews to watch Season 3 instead of automatically watching it like i did this season

I did love it. But the writers definitely spent a year binging White Lotus.

season 1 is just much much much better

I wish I could agree. Season 1 was incredible and I was very much excited for season 2. Though Season 2 was a completely different type of show, and a huge disappointment for me. Sad boi.

I just finished season 2. It was a basic predictable in the end that I didn't expect that you did not get with season 1. It felt more Goofy/ juvenile. The storyline was extremely convoluted and unnecessary. It may have fared better in my opinion if it were a completely different show but in no way does this have the same Raw intensity that the first season had. I'm a fan of Oscar Isaac and Carrie Mulligan but overall the storyline was just silly.

Nah they went too hard in the white lotus direction, it's too eerie mystery now rather than the comedic thriller that was season 1.

Its f****** ridiculous that netflix categorizes Beef as a comedy. I think I laughed one time during the entire second season.

Season 1 is still better

If season 1 is a 10/10 (which it is) then season 2 is an 7.5/10. At least for me.

Does it get better? We are both a bit bored with the first few episodes compared to Season 1.

Season 2 was written by a millenial that hates gen z and made for that same demographic. It's not nearly as good as season 1. This was Netflix attempt at copying White Lotus and failing. And it is so disappointing because season 1 of Beef was one of the best shows I've ever watched.

I did enjoy it but didn't like it, it is rather low vibrational energy and exudes despair and lack of overall purpose.

Love Mulligan and Isaac and am considering watching this but I couldn't get through season 1 due to the stress I constantly felt. Is it less.....of that constant stress? I don't know how to describe it as I loved Sucession, White Lotus, etc

The ending of this season was utter nonsense. The writing was a huge downgrade from the first season and had no focus. This was like 4/10

Who ever chose the ending song credits 👌

I’m sitting here crying in an uber and rethinking my entire life and Forbes is out there saying season 2 isn’t as good as season 1. Wtf. Dumbest review ever

It's too much likea thriller imo. Kind of lost its identity in the larger plot. 

I thought beef season 1 was really good. I think this season’s tension is way better.

I liked season 1 due to the soundtrack, how’s the soundtrack here

I just Google'd "beef season 2 feels like white lotus" and ended up here lol 😂 🪷

Is it funny? Beef S1 was hilarious but after seeing the trailer for S2 I’m not getting any of that.

Im just trying to view them as separate entities. Both seasons were excellent.

All the talk of this season being "Netflix's White Lotus" is seriously undercutting the story. Sure, I don't think it matches the level of quality of BEEF S1, but that's because it's one of the best television seasons period. The reason this is an anthology is more because it's similarly insane drama stories made by the same team. It's kinda like the Knives Out movies in that sense. Same premise each time but totally different movies each time. Which, if Knives Out has anything to do with it, X-Men or BEEF S3 will be near-perfect like Wake Up Dead Man.

It definitely is on that track. Love the storyline. Looking forward to ep 3

I just want to say, please! Please! Please! Pay attention to the music! There is so much foreshadowing going on!

Myself and many others stopped watching The Walking Dead after Steven Yeun was written off. The show became somewhat bland. I'm on episode 2 for Beef S2 and I just can't get into it. Please tell me it gets better.

Meh. Should have continued where season 1 left. Instead, we get a White Lotus Netflix version.

Thanks. Looking forward to it!

I loved it. Should have known better than to come to Listnook where everyone complains it isn’t as good as season 1. They’re both amazing. 

I'm glad op said this as I'm zzzzzzing right now on e2

Are you serious? This was the worst thing I’ve ever f****** watched. They ruined it. 

it doesnt feel as relatable as s1 like s1 feels real but the storyline in s2 just feels meh

It reminds me of Fargo. I like Fargo. It's different from S1, but that is ok. Both seasons are good.

It’s literally trash compared to season 1.

Once I realised there was no actual beef to prop this season up, I only enjoyed the show on a pretty much surface level.

I really enjoyed it, the last episode was a little bit of air deflating but otherwise I really liked it. The “Beef” was the passive aggressive nature of both couples, both other respective relationships and towards the other couple. It was either indirect or head on or just in their head. They were mirrors of one another , I thought it was a great follow-up to first season. A different type of “beef”.

I disagree respectfully.  This felt more White Lotus than Beef. For me, the highlight of the first season is its rich ending. It took its time. It reset the entire pace of the series to give you a moment to go into the core issue at the very souls of these characters. The dialogue was richer. It didn't feel so robotically plain as Season 2.  The female characters felt three dimensional but were criminally underused. The male characters felt unconsequential. The characters just plainly said the deepest thing about what the others were feeling and those moments felt more like telling rather than showing. The dialogue felt all surface with little subtext, unlike the first season. To me, season 2 fails exactly where season 1 succeded to make it my favorite. I am glad the others enjoy it, but as hyped as I was for season 2, it left me quite disappointed.  I didn't come to Beef for the insanity. The first season had that and the second season has it too in spades. I came for the rich characters and the dissection of the human condition. This season lacked that. It wasn't even funny like the first one was.

I'm not that far into it, (episode 3 rn) but it's sort of missing that extra pettiness that season 1 had in the first episode. edit: nvm I just saw the juice scene, that's Hella petty 😂

I forgot this season was out, but will binge immediatly, thanks. First season was great I thought.

Season 1 was way better than Season 2. The ending sucked. S2 was not needed

Well I just finished and I have thoughts honestly I thought it was a ego clash between individuals thing like the 1st season I thought they were doing like a series where in each season they would ego clashes between people and I would like to say I was wrong most of the time I was like not understanding where it was going but felt like I was liking it enjoying it although I couldn't understand Ashley's actions and behavior that why is she going to such an extent and also felt Austin her boyfriend deserved better and they should broken up and about the ending I liked the ending for Josh the most then Lindsay I didn't like the ending for Ashley and Austin's character still being together it felt like all the Eunice scenes connection were wasted because of that and it felt like a whole different show with the name beef season 2 attached to it and it was nice show which I enjoyed

I’m a fan of the small altercation leads to huge chaos as portrayed in season 1. It was quite good. But season 2 feels so much better. I enjoyed it much more, minus the whole ultra-billionaire controls the world part. It was beautifully made, the simmering tension, the suspense of the ups and downs, the soundtrack along with everything else. The characters and plot lines were beautifully woven together. It wasn’t one single “beef”, it was multiple beefs spreading intra and inter couples, stemming from a common marital battle. At this point, people aren’t really looking for the show(the newer episodes) for their actual worth rather just comparing it to what happened in the premiere season or that the s1 story didn’t continue. I think what really helped was me not remembering much from s1, just the feeling of when I watched it, and honestly I enjoyed s2 much more. If I had to rewatch, I will watch both of them, but would more eagerly look forward to s2 once its off my memory.

There are some real bangers in this season! 🎶 I’m loving it.

The ER scenes were so damn accurate. Other than that, a complete waste of time. Season 1 was amazing

I did not care for it at all. Not sure why it was even called Beef Season 2. It should’ve been called something else and it might’ve been fine, I wouldn’t have had any expectations for it.

I’ve only seen the first 2 episodes so far but it’s been so boring

Fantastic season 2! Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac and Charles Melton were excellent, as was the rest of the cast. It had the same premise as season 1, how one action could trigger a series of events, but it was different in terms of grit. I completely have enjoyed both seasons, hope there is a next one.

I’m not liking it. It’s not making me root for anyone. Maybe it’s just me. Season 1 was excellent!

I enjoyed S2 but to say that it’s better than S1 is a hot take.

Beef season 1 & season 2: 10 out of 10. As a half Korean half American, I related to both seasons much and can understand all the characters perspectives. It’s beautiful; the writers and creators truly know how to put together a storyline. I used to tell people “you’ll really appreciate Beef especially if you’re Asian”. lol idk that’s just my opinion. in Season 2, I really resonated with Austin as a person. 

Absolutely not

I agree and disagree. It's got a deeper plot and story development, BUT it has totally betrayed its own niche by doing so. What made Beef so good was that rapid progression of characters firing up their raw emotion. Each episode was like a fire c******. The story matched its name "Beef." But, S2 is a completely different creation. Honestly, it's like Beef decided it wanted to become White Lotus. If this was released under a different name as a completely different series, I would have appreciated it more, but I was expecting Beef, so I felt disappointed that I got served slowly grilled fish instead.

Nowhere near as good as season 1

I'm on Episode 3, and so far it is nowhere near as good as Beef 1. Disappointed.

I liked it but season 1 was much better in my opinion. I was completely hooked from episode 1. I wanted it to be the same this time but it wasn’t. Still worth watching though.

It lacks "pure insanity"? 😳

i definitely liked the pace of S2 much better. and how very different it was from S1.

I was also blown away by the second season! I think it was more like a White Lotus season than the original Beef’s next season. How? What just happened?!

Season 1 was waaaaayy better this was honestly a let down a little bit. I get psychological thriller slow burn blah blah…. it was dry I hate when the last couple episodes of a season is the only action packed episodes 🙄 like I been waiting since ep 1 for it to get good. The writers should’ve kept that raw “beef” the insanity, chaos, & egregious behavior instead of muted visuals and dry monotone scenes I peeped it was psychological from episode one but surely I thought it would get better.. I get it’s an anthology but stay on topic

In my eyes they're both good in their own respects. S1 I feel like showed me how far people will go to be petty when they're depressed and S2 showed more of a reality when it comes to relationships

I just finished and didn’t love it. I enjoyed the first few episodes but then it sort of fell flat?

Nope

I just was about to start and I'm already a bit disappointed - i thought it will be the same cast of season one - they were perfect and I'm sure there would have been ways to keep them with new beef 🥲

Season 2 definitely has its moments but the raw energy and wildness of Season 1 is clearly missing. That said, it’s refreshing for the show creators to avoid a pattern. However, the ‘beef’ (what should be the premise of the show) between the two sets of couples gets a little lost in the larger Korea centric plot. The enmity between the two sides didn’t feel wicked enough.

Loved S1, and S2 was good on it's own merits, but they feel like completely different shows. S1 had relatable characters, motivations that were clear but often distorted by emotions, and a powerful depth that flowed under the plot. S2 was "everyone is selfish, cruel, and short-sighted." Maybe this was the point, as the Chairwoman explains her view at the end and that is basically it, but this isn't deep, it's just weirdly nihilistic and IMO directly refutes the point of S1.

For me this season started out sooooo well, but by episode 8 I was like wtf is this plot.. Austin was pissing me off with Eunice, Josh was annoying, hoping the last 2 episodes redeem it

I don’t think season 2 was as good as season 1 but I do think it was alright on its own. I was really hoping to get more explanations for some of the foreshadowing we saw but I guess I was supposed to figure those out on my own? Like what was with the ants everywhere? Even when they fast forwarded 8 years in the future there was a trail of ants. The ending was a little disappointing as well. It almost felt like they got so deep into the story that they forgot they only had 20 minutes left to wrap up the season so they quickly crammed in everyone’s ending stories. I think most of my disappointment stems from the title and my expectations from season 1 where we get that instant adrenaline rush with a car chase and very obvious “beef”. Season 2 is slow to get to it and even then it doesn’t feel like anyone really has beef until the end of the season. Still worth a watch though, the cast was great and it was a pretty entertaining show.

This season was incredible. As a white lotus fan, this definitely felt similar. The themes of morality, shirking from accountability, capitalism, marriage etc… wonderful. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.

Season 2 just isn't funny. 1 was funny and they both fucked with each other with crazy pranks. Season 2 is awful imo

This season sucks. Very disappointed. It wasn't a beef. It doesn't feel like the same show. Season 1 rocked!

Its 100% better than the first season. Im only 7 episodes in, but holy shit. Its amazing.

https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a71050805/beef-season-2-finale-ending-explained/ - this is a perfect summarization of the S2 finale and the overall theme and stuff. Very good read, we don't necessarily need to understand and relate what the writer/director meant exactly with certain scenes. Read this and I guess you would appreciate this season even more

In order to make different seasons of this, they have to be unique in their own way with the underlying theme of BEEF (I also personally like the ultra rich themes and takes on capitalism) and I think this was a good start to the many different seasons hopefully coming. I loved season 2

Love it!!!

There was absolutely no beef in season 2. The cast were completely trash 🗑️

The last episode of S2 Beef was pretty bad, I think. The whole thing isn't really in the spirit of beef either it's just some weird like pseudo spy thriller at the end. I was really hooked on the show to start, but the more it went on the less I enjoyed it. If the last episode stuck the landing I would be much more positive on it.