Almost three years have passed since the acclaimed series “Beef” premiered, making a significant impact on popular culture and securing numerous Emmy Awards with its gripping narrative about revenge stemming from road rage, featuring actors Steven Yeun and Ali Wong.

The anthology show is returning with a fresh cast and a different conflict for viewers to engage with.

The second season shifts its setting from the urban landscapes of Los Angeles to the exclusive environment of a Montecito country club, a picturesque retreat favored by celebrities just an hour away from the city.

This season delves into the conflicts that arise between generations, highlighting the tensions created by differences in wealth, social class, and authority, while exploring the underlying strife present in personal relationships.

The inaugural season drew inspiration from an actual road rage incident observed by the series creator and showrunner, Lee Sung Jin. The upcoming season takes its cue from another real-life event: a heated argument Lee witnessed between a couple in his neighborhood. This experience prompted Lee, also known as Sonny, to reflect on the varying approaches to love and conflict across generations.

“The contrast between perspectives was intriguing, as it’s a universal experience,” Lee remarked during a press event in Los Angeles, speaking with ABC Arts. “The arrogance and beliefs we hold in our youth are often challenged as life presents new obstacles, and eventually, we come to understand why previous generations made the choices they did.”

This eight-episode series centers around two couples employed at the country club. Josh (Oscar Isaac) and Lindsay (Carey Mulligan) are upper management figures who interact closely with the club’s affluent elderly clients during the day, returning each night to a modest yet elegantly decorated cottage that reflects their seemingly successful life together.

On the other hand, the Gen Z couple, Austin (Charles Melton) and Ashley (Cailee Spaeny), are in love but face financial hardships as entry-level workers at the club. Ashley operates the beverage cart on the golf course, and without a high school diploma, her prospects for advancement are limited. The affable Austin, a gym trainer, is primarily focused on making Ashley happy.

The lives of these two couples become intertwined when Austin and Ashley witness a dramatic domestic dispute between their boss and his wife (Isaac and Mulligan). Seizing the moment, Ashley quickly realizes that she can exploit the situation for financial gain. Consequently, both couples become enmeshed in a tangled web of blackmail, deception, secrets, and coercion, which also involves the club’s influential Korean owner (played by Youn Yuh-jung).

Lee believes that a country club serves as a fitting backdrop for the unfolding dynamics. “In many ways, it symbolizes societal structure,” he explained, noting that filming took place in an actual Montecito country club. “Most members are Baby Boomers, while the employees belong to Gen Z, Generation X, and Millennials. Despite their hard work, those employees will never become members.” He referenced a line from Austin’s character: “Everyone grabbed the bag before we could,” reflecting a sentiment that seems increasingly relevant in today’s society.

Isaac, known for his roles in “Star Wars” and Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” found the character of Josh—a cheerful club manager who solves others’ problems—quite challenging to portray. “Be careful what you wish for,” he joked. “I’ve played many expressive characters before, yet this role turned out to be one of the smallest. He is tightly wound, which made it difficult to express his dialogue. Sometimes, it felt like I was choking just to get the words out. However, it was enjoyable to explore such a nuanced character who is oblivious to his own pettiness and how external circumstances push him in various directions.”

Mulligan portrays Lindsay, Josh’s wife, who struggles with feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth. “She lacks confidence,” remarked Mulligan, known for her role in “Promising Young Woman.” “A significant amount of energy goes into masking those feelings. It was fascinating to explore the experience of someone who has reached a certain point in life without truly understanding who they are or what they value.”

Isaac and Mulligan reunite for this project after previously collaborating in “Drive” (2011) and “Inside Llewyn Davis” (2013). “I was thrilled to come together for this,” Isaac shared. “We worked together during pivotal moments in our careers, and it was wonderful to bring that shared history to our performances, knowing we had each other’s support.”