Josh Hutcherson's New HBO Show Divides Critics and Audiences
The HBO series I Love LA, starring Josh Hutcherson, premiered on November 2. The comedy, created by Rachel Sennott, centers on a close group of friends reuniting after years apart and explores how their lives have changed during that time.
Critical Reception
Critics have responded very positively to the show. On Rotten Tomatoes, I Love LA holds an 81% critic score based on 32 reviews and is Certified Fresh. The series is praised for its absurdist humor and its relevance to Gen Z sensibilities.
"The show's writing gets sharper as it progresses," says Sam Adams of Slate, who also enjoys the characterization of the main characters.
Chris Vognar of the Boston Globe appreciates how the series renders its flawed protagonists sympathetic.
Audience Reactions
Audience reviews, however, are mixed. On Rotten Tomatoes, the show has a 59% audience score from fewer than 50 ratings. Some viewers praise the comedy and its appeal to modern young adults, but others criticize its clichés about LA and feel its emotional moments fall flat.
Summary of Opinions
- Critics highlight sharp writing and strong character development.
- Fans are divided between enthusiasm for the humor and disappointment in predictable themes.
- Overall, positive reviews slightly outweigh negative ones.
Author's summary: Josh Hutcherson's I Love LA sparks strong divides between critics who praise its cleverness and audiences who find it uneven but sometimes engaging.