Yes, they are. I don't want to spoil anything but there are multiple characters that exist in both, though obviously younger since season 2 takes place some th

Yes, they are. I don't want to spoil anything but there are multiple characters that exist in both, though obviously younger since season 2 takes place some thirty years before season 1. Some of it is subtle but very interesting once you realize it. I don't want to hint at it more so as not to spoil it. In effect each season stands alone, you're correct that there's not much world building.