Josh Hutcherson's New HBO Show Divides Critics and Viewers
The HBO series I Love LA premiered on November 2 and has quickly become a topic of debate. The comedy, created by Rachel Sennott, focuses on a group of close friends reconnecting after years apart and exploring how they've changed over time.
Critics have largely embraced the show. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 81% approval rating from 32 critic reviews, earning a Certified Fresh badge. In contrast, viewers have shown less enthusiasm, scoring it a modest 59% based on fewer than 50 user ratings.
Critical Reception
“Writing gets sharper as it progresses,” said Sam Adams of Slate, highlighting the well-developed characters of the core leads.
Chris Vognar from The Boston Globe praised the show for “making its unlikable protagonists sympathetic.”
Reviewers describe I Love LA as an absurdist comedy crafted for Gen Z audiences, with humor and tone reflecting the sensibilities of a younger generation.
Audience Reactions
Audience reviews are more mixed. Some viewers applaud the series for its humor and its portrayal of modern young adults, while others find its depiction of Los Angeles clichéd and its emotional moments ineffective. Despite the criticism, positive opinions slightly outweigh the negatives, hinting at a growing fan base.
Summary
Author’s resume: Josh Hutcherson’s new HBO comedy I Love LA has ignited debate between critics and audiences, praised for its sharp writing but faulted for uneven emotional depth.