When it comes to understanding Generation Z, pioneering screenplay writer, comedian and actor Rachel Sennott, expertly brings justice to the confusing struggles of this generation in her television debut, I Love LA.
Premiering Sunday, I Love LA begins with witty storylines of toxic friendships, insecurity and the vanity of social climbing. According to Sennott, Gen Z has “been through it.”
With a killer cast starring Josh Hutcherson, Leighton Meester and Odessa A’zion, relatable comedy and an overall ode to the Los Angeles experience in the social media age, Sennott’s depiction of influencers and it-girls alike is hilarious and uncomfortably real.
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Beginning on main character Maia’s 27th birthday, the first episode sets the scene for what seems to be a difficult friendship after her old friend, Tallulah, surprises her from New York.
Their close proximity is only made more difficult when the possibility of the two living and working together again becomes real. It spells disaster considering Tallulah’s infringement on all of Maia’s birthday weekend plans.
With a conflict at the end of the episode between the two, their friendship is revealed in depth by their confessions of struggles in life — Maia with her job and Tallulah being broke despite her luxurious and cool image on social media.
Sennott sets up what is sure to be a tumultuous relationship through classic Gen Z behavior — gossiping and seemingly becoming friends after the session. With her combination of humor and serious moments, Sennott’s portrayal of complicated friendships and the struggles of the social media realm becomes all too real.
Included in the premiere’s promising storylines are Maia’s job and her insecurity as she struggles with being ignored by her boss.
In one scene, Maia attempts to secure a promotion but her boss can’t do as much as look away from the pedicure she’s getting at the same time. It’s exaggerated, but still realistic to the audience in the ridiculous workplace environment Gen Z is growing integrated with.
With simple comedic scenes of not being able to get a reservation at a popular restaurant and failing at skipping the line at a club, Sennott shows Maia’s uneasiness with Los Angeles and being ignored at her job contributes to Maia’s insecurity — setting up an inner conflict of knowing her self worth in a city of social climbers.
Although a standout series premiere, some characters felt a little unpolished. Maia’s boyfriend, played by Hutcherson, seems to be a reflection of Maia’s character and not much was done throughout the episode to give him depth beyond Maia’s pet.
The same can be said for Maia’s other friends, Charlie and Alani, as they seem to be parts to fulfill Maia’s life.
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It’s no surprise the show would center around her, but in similar shows built on the classic arc of a friend group living and discovering themselves in the city, such as Girls and Sex and The City, most characters immediately announce their personality to the audience, setting the stage for further development.
Sennott’s dedication to humor and focus on her character’s storyline doesn’t leave much room for other points of the show to stand out. More dedication to other characters throughout the rest of the season would be the aspect to take the series from good to spectacular and something I hope improves with the coming episodes.
Time will tell how the series pans out, but with an exciting new HBO Sunday show, Sennott promises an exciting and distinct series that promises to be a standout show.
