I Love LA: Stream or Skip?
We’ve previously noted that shows featuring self-involved 20-somethings can leave us feeling a bit off. As we approach 2025, the reality sinks in—we haven’t been that age in a while. When assessing a show like Rachel Sennott’s I Love LA, we find ourselves pondering whether we really want to spend time with the characters, often rolling our eyes at their so-called “problems.”
Opening Scene
We meet Maia (Rachel Sennott), nestled in bed with her boyfriend, Dylan (Josh Hutcherson). They share a morning moment, but Maia, who’s from the East Coast, mistakenly attributes an earthquake to Dylan’s prowess.
Key Points
Today marks Maia’s birthday, and reality hits her hard. Turning 30 is sneaking up, and the dryness of L.A. is taking a toll on her skin. During her morning walk, she catches up with friends Alani (True Whitaker) and Charlie (Jordan Firstman). Here, she raises two pressing issues: first, she wants to ask her boss Alyssa (Leighton Meester) for a promotion instead of lingering in her assistant role. Second, her ex-best friend Talulah (Odessa Azion) is moving back to New York and reclaiming her influencer status, which has brought some tension.
Alani and Charlie suggest blocking Talulah on social media, but when Alyssa tries to dissuade Maia from asking for the promotion, she recalls Maia’s past collaboration with Talulah as proof of her capabilities. It leaves Maia pondering why Talulah doesn’t follow her online, but Alyssa can’t provide an answer.
Upon returning home, Maia is surprised to find Talulah in L.A. for her birthday, having been flown out at Alani’s suggestion. Despite her reluctance to re-enter Talulah’s chaotic world, they go to a club that night, momentarily reconnecting. However, the evening shifts when Talulah’s presence overshadows a quiet dinner Maia had arranged with Dylan and his friends, turning it into a spectacle focused on herself.
Which Show Feels Familiar?
I Love LA has a vibe reminiscent of the FX series created by Sennott, titled adult. The first episode captures moments where Maia and Talulah’s relationship feels genuine and relatable. They were once best friends with plans to hit L.A. together, but Talulah’s influencer success complicated things. Their interactions reveal deeper emotions, transitioning the characters from stereotypes to layered individuals with backstories.
But the other characters? They haven’t made much of an impact yet. Alani stands out as the most empathetic among them. In contrast, Alyssa seems too absorbed in her own achievements, Charlie projects superficiality, and Dylan, well, he reads a bit bland. It raises questions about how an ambitious Maia ended up with someone as uninspiring as Dylan. There might be promise for development in their dynamic, though for now, he feels as dull as a placeholder boyfriend.
There’s plenty to critique here. Nonetheless, HBO has urged its critics to remain patient, assuring us that the journey will be worth it. The performances by Sennott and Azion particularly offer a hook that keeps viewers intrigued, so perhaps we should wait and see as the show evolves.
Gender and Skin
While the earthquake-themed scene certainly stands out, Sennott seems comfortable with casual nudity, hinting at a carefree attitude.
Parting Thoughts
After Talulah suggests she stay with Maia for a while, they appear to rekindle their friendship, especially when a stripper arrives at a party.
Spotlight Character
True Whitaker’s Alani truly embodies empathy and warmth in this episode, earning her the title of sleeper star.
Most Pilot-like Line
Yes, I’m aware that the show is titled I Love LA, but the use of Randy Newman’s classic song feels a bit on-the-nose and rather outdated during Alani and Talulah’s montage.
Our Verdict
Please give this a stream. Sure, a bit of patience is necessary to fully appreciate I Love LA. Like many comedies about found families, it often leans on witty dialogue rather than offering real depth into the characters’ lives. Yet, the friendship between Maia and Talulah hints that there may be more complexity beneath the surface.
