Life & Beth Season 2 Review

Life is here to teach us an assortment of lessons.

Released to Hulu in 2024, season 2 of Life & Beth continues Beth's story as she navigates her world. Beth and John get married. While discovering a branch of John’s behavior, Beth also learns she is pregnant while dealing with a strained relationship with her sister.

The first season of Life & Beth surprised me with how relatable it was. When I learned about the announcement of season 2, I was excited. Season 2 of Life & Beth dictates the usual adult coming-of-age themes, but now the awkward jokes consume the story. Beth and John are the focus and yet they’re sidelined by unimportant subplots with side characters.

Amy Schumer has a unique mindset in comedy and drama. I have gotten used to Schumer’s style. She creatively dictates her life in the media. However, her jokes are cringy and she tries too hard a lot. Beth continues to embark on new journeys and learn from past mistakes. Schumer once again accomplishes a dramatic performance in some scenes.

The most important part is the storyline between Beth and John (Michael Cera). As they get married and discuss the possibility of having children, the pair discover that John is autistic. It doesn’t change anything. Despite these issues, they learn to make it work.

John and Beth’s relationship is a remarkable example of couples navigating the intricate communication barriers and learning to make their relationship work. Schumer and Cera’s onscreen chemistry brings depth and authenticity to their character’s interactions.

Michael Cera deserves praise for his respective performance as John. He guided the character with sincere respect, capturing the nuances of John’s experiences with empathy and reaction to his disability. Cera has a way with subtle nuances. John has spectacular growth and learns to accommodate his disability.

More credits include Violet Young, Susannah Flood, Yamankieka Saunders, Sas Goldberg, Lily Fisher, and Kevin Kane. Once again, Violet Young is remarkable in her performance as young Beth.

Secondary characters are given subplots. The secondary characters don’t work unless they are with Beth. Their stories have nothing to do with Beth. For example, one character fights with the pharmacist that his prescription is wrong. It resembled more of an SNL skit.

Most of season 2 felt like filler. This is Beth’s story. Beth and John’s story is integral and yet there’s too much focus away from them. I also enjoyed Beth and Annie’s story as the latter experiences anxiety about leaving the house.

Last season, Life & Beth did well in balancing its story and humor. The dynamics are uneven in season 2. Now, the humor overshadows the story. Schumer’s comedy is raunchy and often doesn’t land right. Some of these jokes are cringy, like calling out actors or referencing controversial subjects. Most humor is forced.

When I watch a series, I like to escape from the dramatic events occurring in the world. Additionally, while the show’s focus on Beth’s journey of self-disocvery and personal growth is engaging, it occasionally feels repetitive to the first season.

Despite these critiques, season 2 of Life & Beth is enjoyable. The ending made me tear up. We don’t have to have life figured out yet. We’re going to hit bumps and bruises, but it’s our job to fix them. We can’t fix the past, however, we can make a difference in the future.

I wasn’t satisfied with season 2, but it’s worth taking a look at Life & Beth. You never know, you may find the answers you’re looking for.