FYI, this season was actually filmed before last season. When the strike happened and CBS wanted to go to 90 minute shows, Phil or a producer suggested that instead of taking the footage they already had and try to stretch it to 90-minute episodes, they would film a new season specifically with the mindset of 90 minute episodes. So last season is that, and then this season was actually filmed before that and is just being shown now.
That's also may be why we've seen more masks this season than last (it was earlier in COVID), and why they have the start groups again when they didn't last season. Not sure if that plays into why you liked last season better; just wanted to share that.