Comedian Leo Reich has brought his sharp, chaotic Gen Z humor to television with It Gets Worse, a new six-part comedy series co-produced by Channel 4 and A24. The sitcom follows three young London roommates whose lives unravel after university. It tackles themes of friendship, work, housing pressures, and the general uncertainty of entering adulthood.
The series centers on Ethan, Abi, and Sam. They are played by Reich, Emily Fairn, and Olive Gray, respectively. The story kicks off when their landlord sells their London home. This forces the inseparable trio out of their flat and into a downward spiral of dodgy hookups, unstable circumstances, and interpersonal friction.
A Gayer Girls for Generation Rent
Reich, a 28-year-old comic, described the show to British GQ as a British, gayer version of Girls tailored specifically for “Generation Rent.” The sitcom leans heavily into the awkwardness and self-involvement of early adulthood. It draws tonal inspiration from comedies like Peep Show, Insecure, and Fresh Meat.
Despite starring as the exceedingly self-interested Ethan, Reich has emphasized that the character is an exaggeration rather than a direct autobiographical reflection. According to Reich, Ethan embodies the messy, self-absorbed decisions of someone navigating early independence while feeling that the world owes them something.
Star-Studded Guest Appearances and Viral Moments
It Gets Worse boasts notable high-profile guest appearances. Filmmaker and creator Lena Dunham appears in the series after Reich humorously guilt-tripped her into reading an early draft of the pilot script. Meanwhile, actor Andrew Scott features in the opening episode as a therapist involved in a viral hookup scene with Reich’s character. This sequence quickly dominated online discussions following the show’s initial promotional rollout.
The series premiered at the London Film Festival before its streaming release and television debut on Channel 4. It also has subsequent international availability via Paramount+.
Frequently Asked Questions About It Gets Worse
Who created It Gets Worse?
The series was created by comedian and writer Leo Reich, who also stars in the lead role.
Which networks and production companies are behind the show?
It Gets Worse is a collaborative production between Channel 4 and A24.
Who are the main cast members?
The sitcom stars Leo Reich as Ethan, Emily Fairn as Abi, and Olive Gray as Sam.
Are there any guest stars in the series?
Yes, the show features notable guest appearances by Lena Dunham and Andrew Scott.
Where can viewers watch It Gets Worse?
The series is available to stream on Channel 4 and via Paramount+.
