Judging by the early reviews, Beef is the next Netflix series that’s set to be a cult hit. A dark comedy starring Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, Beef has been likened in its quality to former hit Squid Game and promises just as many twists, turns and heart-wrenching moments – not to mention stellar performances from its lead cast.
So far, the show has earned a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score (a tough accolade to achieve) and hundreds of glowing Twitter and Google reviews from watchers – plus some pretty impressive responses from film critics.
From production company A24, which has given us the likes of Everything Everywhere All At Once, Ladybird and Euphoria, it's not surprising that the hype around Beef is real. Here's everything we know about the show…
The action-packed drama may well make a return.
What is Beef about?
The show centres around two strangers whose lives collide after they incense each other during an incident of road rage – resulting in the pair of them going to bizarre lengths to take revenge on each other, as we learn more and more about what's really going on beneath the surface.
The official Netflix plotline reads: “A road rage incident between two strangers — a failing contractor and an unfulfilled entrepreneur — sparks a feud that brings out their darkest impulses.”
Who's in the cast of Beef?
The aforementioned Ali Wong and Steven Yeun play lead characters Amy Lau (an entrepreneur) and Danny Cho (a contractor), supported by Young Mazino, Joseph Lee, David Choe and Patti Yasutake in the wider cast. Emily In Paris star Ashley Park also appears.
The cast of Beef is predominantly Asian-American, though creator and showrunner Lee Sung Jin told Variety that while “the characters happen to be Asian American, there’s so much more to them than just that.”
“You've never seen daddy issues like this.”
He added that he originally imagined Ali's character as a white man, “a Stanley Tucci-type”, adding that he didn't want the show to be centred around race. “I abandoned [that] very quickly because especially in the modern era, you have to talk about race, and there’s so many other shows that do that very well,” he said.
Is there a trailer for Beef?
There is! And it promises drama, hilarity and er, some threatening violence. Enjoy:
What are viewers saying about Beef?
The widespread response has been overwhelmingly positive – in fact, many are saying it's the best show Netflix has ever given us.
One watcher tweeted: “Me trying to stay sane after watching the most riveting show in a while. They ate down with the casting, performances, and writing. Soundtracks were insane… A multilayered [series] that touches on so many underlying issues (mental health, trauma, and familial duties).”
X content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Another fan writes in a Google review: “A24 knocked it out of the park again with this hilarious and heart wrenching series. BEEF combines elements of comedy, thriller, drama, and even true crime films to portray many complicated and often indescribable feelings. A24 also does a phenomenal job of showing a modern and overlooked view of the Asian American (predominantly East Asian American) experience, from the stigma of getting help for mental health, to familial relationships and expectations, and even the complicated relationship to God and religious communities; all while revolving around an incident that calls upon the stereotype of bad asian drivers, though in todays climate of rage and disagreement, can be relevant and relatable to all.”
When is the release date of Beef?
Beef launched on Netflix on 6 April 2023, so watch away.
Will there be a second series of Beef?
There's been no word as to whether Beef will be renewed for another series, sadly. Fingers crossed.
