Everyone Is Ignoring This Returning Netflix Show - Here's Why Season 2 Is Even Better

In 2023, Beef was a streaming sensation for Netflix that was critically acclaimed on the way to winning multiple Emmy Awards.

The first season followed Steven Yeun‘s Danny Cho and Ali Wong‘s Amy Lau as they risked their lives and reputations just to get back at each other over a road rage incident.

Season 2 has settled into an anthology format, which means that it's almost a completely different show from the start. And viewers have responded by watching something else.

Beef season 2 debuted to almost 60 percent less viewership than season 1, and the drop-off didn't stop there. The ratings are so bad that it's now looking like a season 3 won't happen.

That's a shame, as I really, really liked season 2 and prefer it over its much-acclaimed original season. If you embrace its concept, it's actually a pretty fun ride, and it deserves far more viewers than it's received since its muted debut.

Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan Are Phenomenal Together

One of the biggest attractions of Beef season 2 is the addition of two genuine movie stars, Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan, in the leading roles as Josh and Lindsay, respectively. Isaac and Mulligan have previously starred together in Drive and Inside Llewyn Davis, which may be why their familiarity with each other in this show seems so natural. It's easy to believe that Josh and Lindsay loved each other deeply at some point. That's just not where they are now.

The central feud of Beef is supposed to be about the clash of the couples, but it's the turmoil between Josh and Lindsay that's endlessly fascinating. If there's a thin line between love and hate, they're coming down more often on the latter than the former. And yet Josh and Lindsay have a hard time letting go of each other, even when it's clear to them that their relationship is on its last legs. They've created a special Hell for each other, and Isaac and Mulligan give their characters more life and depth than any of the other season 2 additions have.

‘Beef' Season 2 Cleverly Skewers Gen Z

Series creator Lee Sung Jin hit the proverbial home run with Beef season 1 and could have easily made season 2 into more of the same while maintaining it as a hit. Instead of going that route, Jin opted for an even more complex story, complete with generational conflicts and two couples at odds with each other as well as themselves.

The story for season 2 also deepens when the focus falls on the new owner of the country club, Chairwoman Park (Youn Yuh-jung), and her husband, Dr. Kim (Song Kang-ho). The Chairwoman is Josh's boss, and by extension, Austin and Ashley's boss as well. And she is embroiled in a scandal that comes to the forefront of season 2. Witnessing the intersection of the Chairwoman's story with the two couples is another highlight of the new season.

Beef season 2 is streaming on Netflix.

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This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 2:05 PM.