Rachel Sennott’s I Love LA Can’t Decide If It’s Spoofing Superficiality or Just Shallow

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The word “influencer” often sparks strong reactions. Your initial feeling about it will likely predict how you’ll react to the new HBO series I Love LA, a comedy created by and starring Rachel Sennott, known for Shiva Baby. Younger people, who’ve grown up with influencers, and those in marketing tend to view the term positively – some studies even show over half of Gen Z wants to be an influencer. However, older generations often find influencer culture a bit cringeworthy, even if they secretly enjoy certain online content. And then there are the few who somehow haven’t encountered the concept – if that’s you, you might want to skip this review and find something else to read!

Following a recent trend of shows focused on young adults – like FX’s Adults and Amazon’s Overcompensating – I Love LA arrives over a decade after Girls sparked debate about millennials. This new series recognizes the dangers of pursuing fame, success, and wealth for their own sake. Creator Sennott clearly understands and satirizes the often ridiculous world of social media influencers, delivering some genuinely funny moments. However, for much of its eight episodes, the show’s exploration of this new kind of celebrity feels surface-level, leaving viewers wondering if it’s a critique of shallowness or simply shallow itself.

Jessie Sennott quickly became known for her unique ability to portray both vulnerability and intensity, shining in films like Shiva Baby and Bottoms, and even bringing a spark to the short-lived HBO series The Idol. She brings that same captivating energy to her role as Maia, a woman dreaming of a bigger life but stuck in a dead-end job as an assistant at the oddly named Alyssa 180. The show opens on Maia’s 27th birthday, showing her scrolling through her phone, having passionate sex with her boyfriend Dylan (Josh Hutcherson) during an earthquake, and then worrying about recurring health issues while he gets ready for the day. The show has a similar vibe to Lena Dunham’s West Coast work, but while it doesn’t shy away from honest portrayals, it’s ultimately more focused on the drive to succeed than on relationships or sex.

Everyone in Maia’s world seems self-absorbed except for Dylan. Her boss, Alyssa (played by Leighton Meester), presents herself as a mentor but avoids discussing Maia’s career advancement. And her friends, Alani and Charlie, are typical examples of people using connections and chasing fame – Alani relies on her father’s success in the entertainment industry, while Charlie styles minor pop stars and acts like a devoted fan.

When Maia’s former best friend and current rival, Tallulah, a popular New York influencer, unexpectedly comes to town, it creates a tricky situation. Landing Tallulah as a client for Maia’s company, Alyssa 180, could mean a promotion, but Tallulah’s outgoing and unpredictable personality might overshadow Maia and leave her feeling overlooked. The series, I Love LA, follows Maia as she tries to balance their complicated history with business goals, hoping Tallulah’s star power will help her succeed, even though Tallulah might not be the most reliable investment.

Sennott and A’zion have great chemistry – Sennott is all anxious energy, while A’zion is effortlessly cool and spontaneous. The characters do grow a little throughout the season, with Maia wondering how far she’s willing to go to succeed and Tallulah frustrated by how she’s perceived. The show is funniest when it satirizes the influencer world, poking fun at things like at-home IV drips, brands that pretend to be ethical, and the over-the-top praise for influencer-branded products. The guest stars are used effectively. Overall, it’s an enjoyable show, but not particularly memorable. I kept hoping for a deeper meaning, something that would show the show understood more than its characters. Sennott never really explores why people are drawn to the influencer lifestyle, or if there’s any genuine purpose to it. Perhaps asking big questions is a luxury when facing serious challenges. But if you’re creating art based on your own life, shouldn’t you also be willing to look inward?

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2025-10-30 17:06