ComScore

Steven Yeun & Ali Wong's Netflix Comedy Just Hit #2 on Netflix (& It's So Good)

*Warning: Minor spoilers ahead*

It's one thing to get angry at a driver who cuts you off in traffic. But can you imagine allowing your road rage to spark an intense rivalry that stretches on for days?

It may sound predictable, but this is exactly what happens in Netflix's dark comedy, Beef, which hit #2 on the streaming service less than 24 hours after it premiered. Produced by A24, the series stars Steven Yeun and Ali Wong as Danny and Amy, strangers who refuse to forget about their road rage incident. In fact, they develop a bitter feud and go to great lengths to seek revenge. But as the rivalry continues, it starts to affect their personal lives and the people they love.

The show is reminiscent of Unhinged, but it has more depth and humor. It brilliantly tackles heavier themes like revenge, mental health and loneliness. And as expected, Beef features top-tier performances from the stars.

Yeun delivers an unforgettable performance as a struggling contractor who can't seem to catch a break. Meanwhile, Wong perfectly embodies the ambitious Amy, a self-made entrepreneur who carries plenty of baggage. On the surface, both characters seem very different. But in reality, they have a lot in common. Both Amy and Danny are deeply unsatisfied with their lives and desperate for a change—especially when it comes to their careers. But perhaps the biggest similarity is the sense of loneliness they feel, even when they're surrounded by people.

It's fascinating to see how they become involved in each other's, all because of a road rage incident that snowballed into a bizarre, all-consuming feud. They go from researching each other's license plates to stalking and exchanging threats. (“I’m gonna find you and take what little you have.”) This allows them to channel their pent up anger and give in to their darkest impulses.

beef 2
ANDREW COOPER/NETFLIX

Beef doesn't shy away from serious topics, and you can definitely expect to see some social commentary about the Asian American experience. But the series approaches these topics in a humorous, light-hearted way. For instance, it's impossible not to laugh at Amy's curse-filled tirade after Danny pees all over her bathroom.

The best part? The series keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish—and it's not quite as predictable as you might think. If you're already intrigued by the storyline, just wait until you see how it all ends...

beef 1
ANDREW COOPER/NETFLIX

PureWow Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Beef delivers some good laughs and dives into a lot of thought-provoking themes. But it's the stellar performances that truly make this show shine. If anything, Beef proves that Yeun and Wong are the ultimate on-screen duo.

For a full breakdown of PureWow's entertainment rating system, click here.

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nakeisha campbell bio

Associate Editor, News and Entertainment

  • Writes celebrity news, TV/movie reviews and SEO-focused entertainment articles
  • Interviews celebrities and covers red carpet events
  • Has 8+ years of experience covering entertainment topics

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