Josh Hutcherson's New HBO Series Divides Critics and Audiences
The HBO series I Love LA, starring Josh Hutcherson, premiered on November 2 and has sparked a strong split between critics and viewers on Rotten Tomatoes after its first episode.
Show Overview
Created by Rachel Sennott, this comedy follows a tight-knit group of friends reuniting after years apart, exploring the changes that time has brought to their relationships.
Critical Reception
Critics have responded positively to I Love LA, awarding it an 81% Certified Fresh rating based on 32 reviews. They praise the show as an absurdist comedy that effectively captures Gen Z humor and sensibilities.
Sam Adams from Slate notes the show's "writing gets sharper" over time and appreciates the strong characterization of its central characters.
Chris Vognar of the Boston Globe admires how the series makes its unlikable protagonists sympathetic.
Audience Response
The show's reception among audiences is less favorable, with only a 59% rating from fewer than 50 votes. While some viewers give five-star reviews, appreciating its comedy and relevance to young adults, many criticize its reliance on clichéd portrayals of Los Angeles and its attempts at emotional depth.
Summary
Despite divided opinions, the positive critical response slightly outweighs the negative audience feedback, highlighting a notable gap between professional and public reception.
Author's summary: Josh Hutcherson's I Love LA is praised by critics for sharp writing and character depth but faces mixed reactions from audiences who find it clichéd and uneven emotionally.