Beef Season 2 Scores Big on Rotten Tomatoes — But Season 1 Still Reigns Supreme

Alright, let’s talk about Beef Season 2. Netflix just dropped the new season of its buzzy comedy-drama, and while people are still watching, the critical hype has cooled off—after last season’s near-universal praise, we’re officially dealing with a sophomore dip. Not a disaster, but let’s just say it’s not taking home quite as many gold stars this time.

Quick Recap: Where We Started vs. Where We’re At

If you missed the initial thunder, Beef launched back in April 2023 with Steven Yeun and Ali Wong trapped in an escalating road rage feud—awkward, hilarious, and dark. Everyone loved it. Lee Sung Jin created the thing and the first season landed at an eye-watering 98% on Rotten Tomatoes (that’s after more than 120 reviews—almost unheard of).

Now for Season 2, it’s basically a whole new ballgame: Yeun and Wong exit, and in come Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan as the leads. So, anthology-style—fresh cast, new dynamic, but same recipe for bad decisions and personal destruction.

What Critics Are Saying: Still Good, Just Not Legendary

On to the reviews. This season, it’s still getting love—just not the full-throated adulation of Season 1. At last check, Season 2 sits at 87% on Rotten Tomatoes (from 47 reviews). That’s a strong score by any normal standard, but a noticeable dip compared to the insane score of the debut.

Here’s what people are actually saying:

• NPR’s Aisha Harris says Season 2 keeps you hooked mostly because the cast really go for it—every character is a potential disaster waiting to happen in their own unique way.
• CBR’s Katie Doll sums it up as a 'cleverly written story' where revenge spirals all the relationships out of control (which, let’s be honest, is kind of what the show’s about).
• Lacy Baugher from Den of Geek is loving the new ensemble, calling it 'absolutely stacked from top to bottom with outstanding performers,' so if you’re in it for the acting, you’re probably happy.
• Daniel Fienberg at The Hollywood Reporter calls this round both 'bold' and 'well-acted,' but he doesn’t let it coast—he also thinks it drags a bit and could have tightened up the runtime. Fair critique, if you ask me.
• Judy Berman at Time Magazine says the season gets creative, with “a nesting doll” of toxic couples, each trying to hustle their way out from under a more powerful pair. Sounds messy (on purpose).

The Bottom Line: Still a Winner, But the Honeymoon’s Over

The big takeaway is this: Beef Season 2 is still pulling in positive reviews—this isn’t a crash and burn. But at 87%, there’s no denying that the glow isn’t quite as bright as last year’s phenom status.

Both seasons are ready to binge on Netflix now. If you’re curious how Isaac and Mulligan handle the chaos, fire it up—you might not get the magic spark of Season 1, but you'll definitely get an entertaining trainwreck.