The Vince Staples Show Season 2 Review: One Of Netflix’s Best Shows Returns Darker & Angrier Than Ever

Last year, The Vince Staples Show arrived on Netflix and immediately stood out. It blended the dreamlike quality of Atlanta, the relatable humor of Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Vince Staples’ unique comedic style into a fresh and fast-paced comedy. The second season successfully recreates the quirky, surreal feel of the first, but takes a much more serious turn. While Season 1 tackled tough issues like gun violence and racism with a light touch, emphasizing their ridiculousness, Season 2 feels considerably more intense and angry.

Compared to the first season, this season feels more like one continuous story. Some episodes end with cliffhangers that immediately continue in the next one. While the first season featured mostly self-contained episodes, this season has a central storyline that runs throughout. It begins with the death of Vince’s Uncle James, and while the show still includes the unexpected and quirky moments that fans loved in Season 1, it consistently returns to the theme of dealing with grief – from planning the funeral to handling his uncle’s estate.

This season takes a darker turn with a focus on horror. While the first season was purely comedic, this one explores spooky and frightening themes like ghosts and dangerous cults. Throughout the season, Vince is haunted by visions of his deceased uncle, finds himself in a terrifying situation at a gas station, and is forced to spend time in a creepy, isolated house. Season 2 of The Vince Staples Show blends comedy with the suspense and thrills of a horror series.

The Vince Staples Show Season 2 Is An Unhinged Satire Of Race In America

Vince Runs Afoul Of An All-White Cult Obsessed With “Black Excellence”

The first season of the show didn’t make many jokes about itself, but the second season is full of clever, self-aware humor. For example, a valet asks Vince when his show’s next season will air, and Vince jokingly replies that they’re filming it at that very moment. The show also continues to satirize issues of race in America, referencing the O.J. Simpson chase and featuring a bizarre plotline where Vince is welcomed into the Black Icon Guild – an organization honoring Black celebrities, but run by a strange, all-white cult led by a man called “Massa.”

Vanessa Bell Calloway is fantastic as Vince’s mom, Anita, consistently delivering memorable performances. However, the second season of The Vince Staples Show isn’t quite as strong as the first. The first season was fast-paced and full of jokes, with episodes often being surprisingly short. It felt like they ended just when you wanted more. This season, though, the writing and editing aren’t as sharp. Scenes tend to overstay their welcome, and some jokes are repeated too many times.

The music remains a highlight of the show. Creator Dan Staples, with his musical background, expertly crafts the perfect atmosphere for the series. The soundtrack is subtle, relaxed, and direct – much like the show’s dry wit. Season 2 mostly maintains this feel, but the finale takes a sharp turn. Suddenly, Vince is portrayed as an action hero reminiscent of John Wick, pursued by numerous villains, abandoning the show’s realistic foundation for over-the-top action.

Season two of The Vince Staples Show remains a standout comedy on Netflix. It’s just as hilarious and engaging as its star, blends surreal humor like Atlanta, and isn’t afraid to be different from typical TV comedies. While this season is a bit darker, more unsettling, and has more episodes than the first, it still delivers on all those strengths.

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2025-11-06 10:58