I Love LA Review: Rachel Sennott’s New HBO Comedy Is Like Girls Except Every Character Is Marnie

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I’ve been a huge fan of Rachel Sennott ever since I saw her breakout role in Shiva Baby during the pandemic. She was fantastic in Bodies Bodies Bodies, a standout in the controversial The Idol, and Bottoms quickly became one of my favorite movies. So, I was really excited when HBO announced she’d be creating and starring in her own show. Her unique sense of humor, the awkwardness of Shiva Baby, and the wild comedy of Bottoms felt like the perfect ingredients for a Gen Z version of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

I was really excited about I Love LA when it was first announced as a pilot earlier this year, so I’m disappointed with how the series turned out. It doesn’t feel as polished as Shiva Baby, as fresh as Bottoms, or as funny and charming as either of those shows. While it tries to delve into the problems with unhealthy relationships, it presents the idea in a very obvious way. The story follows one friend who starts spending time with a new group and experiences what a healthy relationship feels like.

As a fan, I was hoping I Love LA would capture the same raw, honest feeling as Girls, especially since it seemed like it was aiming to bring that West Coast vibe like Suits LA. But honestly, it didn’t quite hit the mark. Instead of feeling personal and unique like Lena Dunham’s show, it ended up feeling a lot more focused on the glamorous, sometimes excessive, lives of its famous characters. It reminded me more of a Gen Z version of Entourage – all about celebrity parties and a flashy lifestyle – rather than the really relatable, honest look at millennials we got with Girls.

I Love LA Is A Mishmash Of Different TV Comedies

It Struggles To Find Its Own Voice

Sennott is a uniquely funny creator, but their new show, I Love LA, feels like it’s trying too hard to sound like other comedies. It borrows elements from shows like Girls, Entourage, Broad City, Better Things, and Atlanta, but doesn’t quite come together in a satisfying way. I found myself laughing much less than I do with Sennott’s previous work. While the show gets funnier towards the end of the season, it doesn’t reach the same level of humor as P.J.’s work in Bottoms or Alice’s in Bodies Bodies Bodies.

Early in the season, when the show was still finding its rhythm, each episode usually had only one genuinely funny moment, and it almost always came from a guest star. A surprise guest appears in episode 2, and they completely steal the show – their performance is by far the most memorable of the entire series. This character is significantly funnier and more engaging than any of the regular cast members.

I Love LA’s Characters Aren’t Very Likable

It’s Like Girls Except Every Character Is Marnie

The main issue with I Love LA is that it’s hard to root for any of the characters – with the exception of Josh Hutcherson’s Dylan, who stands out as genuinely good, and True Whitaker, who is simply charming to watch. The show feels like a strangely dark take on Girls, where everyone acts like the most self-absorbed character. It’s an ensemble cast where everyone seems to think they’re the star. I Love LA tries to show that people in Los Angeles aren’t superficial and fake, but it actually ends up proving that stereotype true.

While the series isn’t particularly strong overall, I Love LA has moments that stand out. The connection between Sennott and his co-stars, Hutcherson and A’zion, feels genuine, and there are some genuinely funny scenes. For example, there’s a bit with kids taking selfies at a funeral, a moment where Hutcherson’s character accidentally becomes a viral meme, and a funny scene involving Elijah Wood getting lost in YouTube videos and discovering the Shrek All Star music video.

The show beautifully captures Los Angeles, with a vibrant, sunny look reminiscent of the film Tangerine. It presents a side of L.A. rarely seen on television – not just the glamorous areas favored by the wealthy, but the lively, gritty nightclubs and crowded beaches where young people go to have fun. While Siena Sennott is captivating to watch (she even improved The Idol), the show relies on an ensemble cast and would benefit from developing its supporting characters further.

This year has seen a fantastic surge in new comedy shows – from traditional sitcoms like The Studio, to heartfelt dramedies such as Long Story Short, and truly unique series like The Chair Company. This raises expectations for everything else. I Love LA isn’t a terrible show, but it doesn’t quite reach the level of recent hits. Shows like The Bear, Insecure, and Somebody Somewhere make blending humor and genuine emotion seem effortless, and they accurately portray the complexities of everyday life. I Love LA, however, reminds us just how difficult it is to achieve that perfect balance.

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2025-11-02 21:09