In her new comedy, I Love L.A., Rachel Sennott shines a light on the experiences of young adults in Los Angeles. She portrays the challenges and quirks faced by this generation, especially those who’ve moved to the city in search of something more.
Sennott, who describes herself as a “zillennial,” emphasizes that the struggles are more intense for the younger members of her generation. “It’s hard,” she admits, highlighting things like job instability and the overwhelming digital landscape. Many young people feel they aren’t achieving what their parents did at the same age, leading to a sense of inadequacy.
The last ten years have been tumultuous for this generation. COVID-19 disrupted education and launched them into a tough job market. Many Gen Z members, like Sennott’s sisters, deal with remote schooling and pandemic fallout, making their paths even more complicated.
Co-showrunner Emma Barrie, an “elderly millennial,” reflects on how Sennott’s viewpoint helped shape the show. “Rachel was my window into a generation that experienced COVID in a more damaging way,” she notes. They aimed to portray this group with empathy, exploring their varying reactions to hardship.
The main characters represent different paths of coping in today’s world. Maia, played by Sennott, is a perfectionist struggling to make her mark. Meanwhile, Tallulah embodies a more carefree approach, unfazed by conventional standards of success.
Dylan, portrayed by Josh Hutcherson, adds a layer of contrast as Maia’s slightly older boyfriend, who often feels disconnected from their perspective. Barrie praised Hutcherson for connecting well with the cast without belittling their reality.
Sennott and Barrie intentionally shaped the friend group to feature a mix of personalities, each facing their unique challenges. Their interactions are filled with humor but aim to promote understanding rather than judgment.
As Sennott navigated her own life changes, she infused her experiences into the show. Reflecting on her chaotic early twenties, she acknowledges the growing pains that many face as they transition into adulthood. “In your late 20s, everyone is sort of picking their path, and it’s a little scary,” she explains.
The series doesn’t just reflect on the chaos of youth in L.A.; it also acts as a mirror for Sennott’s own journey. I Love L.A. offers a genuine look into the lives and struggles of a generation, providing both laughter and insight.
I Love L.A. premiered on HBO, with new episodes airing Sundays at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. For more insights into Sennott’s perspective and the themes of the show, check out this Variety article.
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