Let's face it: Los Angeles and Gen Z both get a bad rap. But Rachel Sennott’s new HBO comedy, I Love LA, is here to shake things up—earthquake style. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about making you laugh (though it does that brilliantly); it’s about capturing the hilarious desperation of being in your mid-twenties in a big city, existential crises and all. Yes, you read that right—it’s surprisingly great.
In this eight-episode series, Sennott, known for her standout role in Shiva Baby, plays Maia, a 27-year-old talent manager navigating life in LA with her boyfriend (Josh Hutcherson) and a tight-knit friend group (played by Jordan Firstman and True Whitaker). When an old friend (Odessa A’Zion) reenters the scene, chaos ensues. But here’s the twist: the show doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it delivers a smart, funny, and deeply relatable story about the joys and pains of being in your twenties. And it nails it.
As someone who’s called LA home for a few years, I approached I Love LA with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Having loved Sennott’s previous work, I had high hopes—but let’s be real, shows set in your city can go very wrong, very fast. Yet, I Love LA defies expectations. What makes it work? The way it captures the absurdity of LA life without resorting to overdone clichés about traffic or parking. The humor is specific yet universal—whether you’re an Angeleno or not, if you’ve ever felt lost in your twenties, dealt with a frenemy, or developed an unhealthy obsession with matcha, you’ll find yourself laughing out loud.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is I Love LA the Girls of Gen Z? Sennott, a millennial herself (though on the cusp of Gen Z), might have created the defining comedy for a new generation. The show expertly captures the liminal space of being in your twenties: the pressure to succeed, maintain friendships, stay healthy, and keep up with the world’s chaos—all while being watched through the screen in your hand. It’s a lot, and Sennott handles it with wit and heart.
Traditionally, I watch shows looking for the standout performer. With I Love LA, I expected it to be A’Zion, hoped it would be Firstman, but secretly wondered if Whitaker would steal the show. Spoiler alert: there’s no single winner. Each actor brings their A-game, with breakout moments that leave you wanting more. Firstman’s desperate stylist and Whitaker’s portrayal of a director’s daughter (not far from her real life) set the bar impossibly high in Episode 1. But A’Zion, as the old friend who crashes Maia’s birthday, proves she’s more than up to the challenge. Together, they elevate the show from merely fun to downright delightful.
Here’s the bold question: Did Rachel Sennott accidentally assemble the perfect ensemble? It certainly feels that way. Their chemistry, combined with sharp writing and hilarious premises, makes I Love LA a must-watch. It’s a friend group I wouldn’t necessarily want to join, but one I can’t stop watching. And neither will you.
I Love LA premieres on HBO and HBO Max on Sunday, November 2 at 10:30 p.m. ET, with new episodes dropping weekly. If you’re new to HBO Max, subscriptions start at $10.99/month with ads, or go ad-free for $18.49/month. For more streaming options, consider the Disney+ Bundle with Hulu and HBO Max for $19.99/month (with ads) or $32.99/month (ad-free).
Now, I want to hear from you: Do you think I Love LA captures the mid-twenties experience better than other shows? And is it fair to call it the Gen Z equivalent of Girls? Let’s debate in the comments!
