Josh Hutcherson's Controversial New HBO Show Sparks Fierce Critic & Audience Divide
The HBO series I Love LA, created by Rachel Sennott and premiering on November 2, has quickly become a talking point. Despite being labeled a hit, it has sharply divided viewers and critics on Rotten Tomatoes after just one episode.
The comedy portrays a group of close friends reuniting after years apart, confronting how time and distance have changed them. While critics have largely embraced the show, audiences remain divided.
Critics' Perspective
According to Rotten Tomatoes, critics have awarded the show an 81% rating based on 32 reviews, earning it the Certified Fresh status. Reviewers describe I Love LA as an absurdist comedy that captures Generation Z humor and tone effectively.
Sam Adams of Slate wrote that the show's "writing gets sharper" as it progresses, noting its strong character development.
Chris Vognar from the Boston Globe highlighted how the series makes its unlikeable protagonists surprisingly sympathetic.
Audience Reaction
Audience feedback paints a more skeptical picture, with a 59% score drawn from fewer than 50 ratings. Some viewers praise the series for its humor and modern voice, but others criticize its cliché depiction of Los Angeles and its uneven emotional depth.
Even so, the positive reviews slightly outweigh the negative, suggesting potential for broader appeal as the season unfolds.
Author Summary
Despite critical acclaim for its wit and insight, I Love LA divides audiences with its stylized look at friendship, leaving many unsure whether its satire hits or misses the mark.