‘Life & Beth’ Season 2 Review: Funny, Poignant, And Achingly Real

The second season of Life & Beth, a half-hour dramedy based on the experiences of comedian Amy Schumer, has laughs and genuine emotional depth that resonates from both sides of the aisle. I described the first season as something that Judd Apatow might come up with. The second season continues that by offering something painfully poignant and razor-sharp humor that often does nothing but sting.

This makes Life & Beth a series unlike any other on streaming or network television. Most sitcoms shy away from emotional scarring or, at the very least, sugarcoat the jokes to go down easily. Not Life & Beth. This show is ripped from Schumer’s childhood, where, like many comedians, humor is created to cope with trauma. The series embodies what Mark Twain said best: “Comedy is tragedy plus time.”

Hulu’s Life & Beth Season 2 Synopsis and Review:

Schumer’s Life & Beth also brilliantly sheds light and incorporates insights into the inspiration behind Michael Cera’s character, John. The first would delve into Schumer’s real-life marriage with James Beard Award winner Chris Fischer. Schumer has spoken humorously and honestly about her relationship with Fisher on numerous comedy specials and interviews.

Fisher is part of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This can pose challenges in relationships, including social, communication, and behavioral hurdles. While not explicitly mentioned in the first or second season, these three challenges are addressed in the series and takes center stage. The audience gets to experience why Amy Schumer develops her sense of humor as a defense mechanism.

Watching how Schumer portrays the pain from childhood into her adult life and her relationship with Cera’s character becomes fascinating. Schumer’s writing draws on more specific and individual scenarios involving everyday life with John. Such as the issues of being rigid with routines that take away from living life in the present moment. The daily lack of emotional expressions and how a partner may have to adjust their own needs.

There’s something about the mutual storylines between both characters that is achingly real. Especially when it comes to social cues, which are so important in communication in relationships. This creates roadblocks in building trust, positive affection, and emotional connections. Schumer and Cera are able to bring to life these scenarios that can range from adorable to moments in their lives that can be frustratingly inert.

Is Hulu’s Life & Beth Worth Watching?

Laura Benanti, who was excellent in the first season and portrays Schumer’s mother, Jane, takes a back seat in the second season. Primarily, this is due to the character’s demise and limited use of flashbacks. That’s a shame because Benanti was wonderful and award-worthy in the first round of episodes. Additionally, Kevin Kane’s character, Matt, is more of an annoyance this season

That’s because Matt feels like a contractual obligation rather than a character that serves a vital role in a series that has evolved. However, the second season does successfully relegate the character to the background, allowing the relationship storyline between Beth and John to flourish. This storyline has never been done on the network or streaming television before with such honesty.

However, those are minor concerns. The second season of Life & Beth is a tremendous success, even if much darker than the first season, because of delving into issues of anti-Semitism and sexual abuse that bring moments of sobering gravity. Yet, somehow, Schumer’s rips moments from her life are hilariously funny, poignant, and, at times, achingly real.

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You can stream Life & Beth only on Hulu.