Beef Season 2: Is it me, or does this Season feel more White Lotus-y Than Beef-y?

After watching the first season of Beef, I’d been eagerly waiting for Season 2, so when it finally dropped on Netflix last month, I was all in for a weekend binge-watch.

I went in expecting the same straightforward, “beef-driven” plot that made the first season so gripping, which is probably why this one left me feeling a little confused at times.

Instead of carrying the raw and direct energy of the previous season, this one felt more “White Lotus–y” than “Beefy.”

That shift isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it wasn’t something I was expecting going in, and it took a few episodes to get used to.

That said, there were many elements that worked really well for the series—especially the setup, which is not only visually appealing but also provides the perfect backdrop for an intense buildup that sticks through to the very end of the season. Everything feels placed for a purpose, drawing attention without being overwhelming. There’s a deceptive calm running through the entire series, always keeping you on edge.

The cast is, without a doubt, one of the biggest strengths of the show. Each character comes with their own layers and depth, and at several points it’s hard to miss how the plot is being driven almost entirely by their personalities.

The uncomfortable back-and-forth between liking a character and, the very next moment, hating them for the move they just pulled keeps you engaged. It makes the experience feel closer to real life, where people are rarely entirely good or entirely bad.

Even though the season is clearly very well made—from the performances to the visuals—it still felt like it was missing a clear sense of purpose. For me, the emotional investment didn’t fully pay off by the end. Even the chaos somehow felt overly planned, taking away the element of surprise and leaving some moments slightly muted.

Overall, I don’t think Beef Season 2 is entirely bad. I just wish all those tense conversations and emotional buildup had led to something more meaningful in the end. In its attempt to redefine itself, the season seemed to miss the emotional depth that made the first one resonate so strongly.

Have you watched it already? If yes, share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to read them.