In 2022, Amy Schumer starred in two different series. One of them was “Inside Amy Schumer,” which had been on hiatus for six years as Schumer focused on family and other professional opportunities. The other was “Life & Beth,” where Schumer portrayed an unhappy woman who returned to her childhood home in Long Island after her mother’s passing, seeking a fresh start in a life that had not unfolded as she had hoped.
The revival of “Inside Amy Schumer” went relatively unnoticed, and the entire series was recently removed from Paramount+. While it had its moments, like many revivals, it struggled to find its place in a vastly changed era. On the other hand, “Life & Beth” resonated with audiences enough to return for another 10-episode season, which is deemed even better than the first.
Schumer is the creator of the series and is involved in writing and/or directing many episodes. Although the show draws inspiration from her life, notably her relationship with the quirky farmer John, resembling Schumer’s real-life marriage to chef Chris Fischer, it represents a significant departure from her previous work. While still incorporating ample comedy—ranging from subtle to as bold as an “Inside Amy Schumer” sketch—it also delves deeply into Beth’s unhappiness and her troubled childhood, demanding Schumer to navigate through dark and emotional territories. It took time to strike the right balance, with initial episodes being notably bleak, and later moments where humor and pathos seemed to clash awkwardly.
Throughout the season, the dynamic between Schumer and Cera, who portrays John, evolved and found its equilibrium. John’s character is confident, sincere, eccentric, and often enigmatic, a departure from Cera’s typical roles. Despite this, Cera embodied the character effectively, and the chemistry between him and Schumer created an engaging duo, capturing the seriocomic essence that “Life & Beth” aimed for.
Moving forward, Beth and John are deeply committed, yet Beth senses an underlying discord in their relationship. Their interactions oscillate between utmost attentiveness and complete obliviousness to her needs, reflecting the complexities of their romance. As their discussions venture into marriage and children, Schumer’s life begins to mirror art even more, with Beth contemplating whether John is on the autism spectrum.
The ensemble cast is further developed, with a focus on characters like Beth’s ex Matt, her sister Annie, her pharmacist friend LaVar, and her childhood companions Maya, Jen, and Jess. Each character’s role in Beth’s life is explored, adding depth and dimension to the narrative. Additionally, side stories add layers to the plot, from humorous subplots involving LaVar to poignant arcs like Annie’s mental health crisis. Even minor characters are given significance, such as Maya’s boyfriend Shlomo, contributing to the richness of the storytelling.
The series also delves into the teenage version of Beth, shedding light on her past traumas and family dynamics, which significantly influence her present-day struggles. The incorporation of past events not only enhances the understanding of Beth and Annie’s characters but also serves as a contrast to the more absurd elements, ensuring a cohesive narrative flow.
Looking ahead, Schumer’s foray into a different storytelling format with “Life & Beth” has been well-received, showcasing her versatility as a performer and creator. While the prospect of another sketch series akin to “Inside Amy Schumer” remains a possibility, for now, Schumer continues to excel in this new venture.
All ten episodes of “Life & Beth” Season Two are set to premiere on Hulu on Feb. 16, offering a continuation of Beth’s journey.