Los Angeles, California – The Hulu series, “Life & Beth,” starring Amy Schumer, is set to return on February 16. The show, which explores themes of grief and mortality, expands its focus in its second season. While the first season centered around Beth coming to terms with her mother’s death and finding love with farmer John, the upcoming episodes delve into the challenges of parenthood and the impact of absent or ill-equipped parents on their teenage children.
In the new season, Beth and John live together on his farm, enjoying a comfortable domestic life. Beth grapples with the notion of perfection and questions whether it’s worth seeking. Despite her doubts, she decides to marry John, acknowledging his unwavering care and support. The wedding episode, set in New Orleans, showcases the series’ blend of grounded storytelling and broad comedy.
“Life & Beth” employs flashbacks to Beth’s teenage years, contrasting her past experiences with her present-day life. The series at times feels like a combination of two different shows, with the teenage Beth narrative reminiscent of “PEN15” or Judy Blume’s novels, while the older Beth storyline aligns with scenes from Schumer’s standup routine. The juxtaposition aims to highlight how past experiences shape Beth’s present choices.
Schumer draws from her own life experiences to infuse authenticity into the series. She explores body insecurities through Beth’s discovery of a hump, a topic she has previously discussed in her standup. Beth and John’s relationship is portrayed as complex, debunking romanticized notions of love and emphasizing the importance of accepting each other’s flaws.
While “Life & Beth” succeeds in blending comedy and drama in some instances, the show occasionally indulges in humor that may come across as overly broad. Guest stars such as Amy Sedaris, Jennifer Coolidge, and Big Freedia add comedic elements that sometimes overshadow the series’ more nuanced portrayals of mature relationships.
One notable episode in the upcoming season tackles John’s potential Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Schumer incorporates her personal experiences as her husband, Chris Fischer, is on the autism spectrum. Michael Cera delivers a captivating performance as John, capturing the complexities of a character rooted in an understanding of ASD behavior.
“Life & Beth” balances Schumer’s trademark unfiltered humor with darker themes, showcasing the difficulties of human connection in today’s world. Although not every comedic setup lands perfectly, the series resonates with its exploration of emotional baggage and the challenges of forging meaningful connections.
The highly anticipated second season of “Life & Beth” is set to premiere on Hulu on February 16.