In Rachel Sennott’s ‘I Love L.A.,’ Gen Z is desperate and difficult but very watchable

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Every few years, a new comedy series appears that reflects the experiences of young people and often pokes fun at themselves. Recently, FX offered a look at young adults in New York with “Adults,” and now HBO is doing the same for Los Angeles with “I Love L.A.,” which premieres this Sunday. HBO, known for its critically acclaimed series “Girls” that captured the spirit of the 2010s, remains a prominent platform for this kind of show.

As a lifelong resident of Los Angeles, I confess I actually preferred it when the rest of the country wasn’t so interested in us. I remember a time when telling someone I was from Los Angeles would often elicit an apology! I’m admittedly a bit annoyed by how much the city has changed with so many new residents and trendy spots popping up – places like Canyon Coffee, Courage Bagels, and Erewhon are constantly name-dropped. I’m just being honest: I’m approaching stories about young people trying to make it in Hollywood with a certain bias, especially since their experiences are so different from those in classic Hollywood films. Back then, the starlet who didn’t quite achieve fame always went back to the simple guy who loved her. That doesn’t seem to happen anymore.

Review

In FX’s ‘Adults,’ growing up is hard to do

FX’s new comedy, following the lives of young adults in New York City, is likely to draw comparisons to shows like “Friends,” with a bit of the humor and style of “Broad City” and “Girls” as well.

I just started watching “I Love L.A.” and it’s wild! It’s created by and stars Rachel Sennott, and the show kicks off with a seriously memorable scene – a sex scene during an earthquake, which I guess sets the tone for both the show and where it’s set. It centers around a group of friends who are all pretty distinct personalities. Sennott plays Maia, who’s turning 27 and working as an assistant, really hoping to climb the ladder. Then, out of nowhere, Tallulah shows up. You might recognize her as an ‘It Girl’ from New York, but she’s totally fallen on hard times and is broke and lost. Honestly, she’s one of those people who seems like they’re running on pure energy, but apparently, some people are just naturally that fast!

Charlie, a stylist played by Jordan Firstman, builds his career on compliments and over-the-top displays. He openly questions the value of kindness if it doesn’t benefit him. Alani, played by True Whitaker, is the daughter of a wealthy film director who provides her with a comfortable life, including a beautiful home and a made-up job at his company. Because she lacks nothing, she’s surprisingly low-key, exploring spirituality without being irritating. Supporting the central group is Maia’s boyfriend, Dylan (Josh Hutcherson), a grade-school teacher who feels like the most relatable character. He’s a fairly normal guy – the kind people used to call ‘normies,’ though it’s hard to remember if that term ever really caught on.

Even though some of the characters are frustrating rather than endearing, I still enjoy watching “I Love L.A.” (I realize others might feel the opposite, and that’s perfectly fine!). In fact, the show’s quality suggests the creators did a fantastic job. It’s well-produced, with sharp writing and beautiful visuals – everything feels intentional. The actors also deliver strong performances, convincingly portraying people who are quite different from themselves. I tend to believe all actors are genuinely good people, though I’m probably wrong!

Comedy often relies on characters who are desperately seeking approval, and that’s central to this story. Maia, Tallulah, and Charlie all want to be liked by successful people, hoping it will lead to their own success. (Alani is already confident, and Dylan is more of a free spirit.) While these characters chase fame, the already-famous are often the target of the jokes – even someone like Elijah Wood, in a surprising role that feels like a scene from Ricky Gervais’s show “Extras.” Amidst the satire, there’s a genuinely heartwarming friendship between Charlie and a Christian singer he initially thinks is gay. Surprisingly, this positive relationship isn’t undermined by the show’s cynical humor – and that’s a good sign of what to expect.

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2025-10-30 16:31