Josh Hutcherson's New HBO Series "I Love LA" Divides Critics and Audiences
The HBO series I Love LA premiered on November 2 and has sparked a strong split between critics and viewers on Rotten Tomatoes after just one episode. Created by Rachel Sennott, this comedy follows a close-knit group of friends reuniting after years apart and examines how time has changed them.
Critical Reception
Critics have warmly received I Love LA, praising its sharp writing and appeal to Gen Z humor. The show currently holds an 81% Certified Fresh rating from 32 critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Sam Adams of Slate notes that the \"writing gets sharper\" as the series progresses and appreciates the development of the core characters. Chris Vognar from the Boston Globe highlights the show’s success in making its unlikable protagonists relatable and sympathetic.
Audience Reaction
Audience opinions contrast sharply, with the show earning just a 59% rating from fewer than 50 user reviews. Some viewers praise its comedy and relevance to young adults today, but others criticize its clichéd portrayal of Los Angeles and find its emotional scenes unconvincing. Despite these reservations, positive audience reviews slightly outnumber the negative.
"The show's writing gets sharper as it progresses." — Sam Adams, Slate
"I Love LA makes its unlikable protagonists sympathetic." — Chris Vognar, Boston Globe
Summary
I Love LA polarizes viewers and critics alike, combining sharp comedic writing and character depth with some divisive emotional and thematic choices.
Author's summary: Josh Hutcherson's I Love LA receives critical acclaim for its humor and characters but faces mixed reactions from audiences, spotlighting a clear split in reception.