Stephanie Hsu’s Surreal Rom-Com Laid Is the Perfect Holiday Binge
As someone who has navigated the treacherous waters of modern dating and found myself on more than one occasion in the unfortunate situation of questioning if I was standing on the northeast corner at 2 a.m., I find great solace and camaraderie in the protagonist Ruby’s predicament in Peacock’s new comedy, Laid. The show is a delightful blend of humor, social satire, and a touch of surrealism that feels strikingly familiar to anyone who has lived through the millennial dating era.
The morning following an enjoyable date that turned sour, I, Ruby (played by Stephanie Hsu), find myself reassessing my romantic life. “Twenty years of dating,” I sigh to my closest confidante and housemate, AJ (Zosia Mamet). “Thirty-three years old, having a conversation with a Lyft driver at 2 a.m., pondering if I’m on the northeast corner.” It’s then that AJ’s live-in partner, Zack (Andre Hyland from ‘Barry’), chimes in: “Perhaps it’s time to delve within.
Zack, a trollish layabout, has no right to criticize other people’s life choices, but you know what they say about stopped clocks. Still, it’s going to take more than just the armchair psychoanalysis of a failed video game livestreamer to make Ruby engage in earnest introspection. First, a college boyfriend she barely remembers has to die. And that’s where this otherwise grounded comedy, premiering Dec. 19, gets surreal. One by one, men (and a few women) Ruby has slept with drop dead—far more than could conceivably be a coincidence. As she scrambles to figure out what’s happening, save the lives of her exes, and safely bed other people, the raunchy, hyper-culturally-literate Laid investigates why she can’t find lasting love.
In an unexpected twist, the unconventional sitcom “Laid” shares a familiar feel despite its eccentric premise, which includes a female-led rendition of James’ song “Laid” as its theme tune. The series follows Ruby as she seeks out former lovers to warn them about their impending fate, mirroring the quest of Dylan (from “Lovesick”) who had to inform his exes about his chlamydia diagnosis in a British romantic comedy.
In essence, “Laid” isn’t being criticized, it’s more about the fact that its creator, Nahnatchka Khan (known for shows like “Fresh Off the Boat” and “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23”), seems to be drawing from a style or feeling that was popular a few years back rather than creating something entirely new. In other words, while the concept may not seem as innovative as it aims to be or as it potentially could’ve been in the late 2010s, the show makes up for this with its well-executed episodes. It might not break new ground, but its eight-episode season is perfect for enjoying as a light, intelligent diversion from things like holiday travels or the stresses of 2025.
Hsu and Mamet form an exceptional pair, with Hsu portraying a charismatic yet clumsy female Casanova, while Mamet serves as her loyal friend, ready to employ her expertise in true crime to investigate the mysterious deaths occurring within what she refers to as Ruby’s “sex cluster.” (It’s worth noting that AJ constructs an intricate “crazy wall” whiteboard, linking past lovers and using Sharpie X-es to mark those who have passed away.) Khan, known for casting James Van Der Beek as a grumpy version of himself in Apartment 23 and later Early, fluently speaks pop culture. The series Laid features some of the wittiest cultural references this side of 30 Rock. Ruby and AJ engage in humorous banter regarding the meaning behind “Ruth’s Chris,” referring to the steakhouse chain, and they frequently mispronounce the title of Ryan Murphy’s series, Dahmer–Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. (It feels relatable!) They contemplate the idea that Ruby is being filmed for a Nathan Fielder show.
In “Good Trouble” alum Tommy Martinez joins the storyline, portraying Isaac – a strikingly handsome love interest for Ruby who seems almost too good to be true as her ideal match. With an event planning background, she’s organizing a 40th anniversary party for his parents, which creates ample opportunities for them to discuss their own marriages and shared interests such as musical theater. However, there are obstacles keeping them apart, including Isaac’s existing girlfriend. As in many romantic comedies that inspire Ruby’s daydreams, it appears that only by coming to terms with her past can she ultimately find true love with a soulmate. In other words, the story hints at a complex and non-straightforward path for Ruby towards finding her perfect partner.
Ultimately, what makes “Laid” stand out isn’t its complex premise but rather its familiarity, which proves to be more valuable. The series deftly straddles the line between serving up comforting stereotypes and cleverly flipping them on their head. A delightful addition to this mix are the numerous humorous guest stars, such as Kate Berlant, Simu Liu, Chloe Fineman, Mamoudou Athie, who add an extra layer of enjoyment. However, I’m not convinced that “Laid” necessitates a second season as suggested by the finale’s unexpected twist. Still, if it gets renewed, I’ll be tuning in without hesitation.
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2024-12-17 20:06