Get ready to dive into a show that’s already sparking heated debates—HBO Max’s new comedy series, I Love LA, has arrived, and it’s being hailed as a bold mix of Girls and Entourage. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some fans are raving about its fresh take on friendship and ambition, others are calling it out for missing the mark on authenticity. Is this the next big hit or a missed opportunity?
Rachel Sennott’s highly-anticipated TV debut as a creator has finally landed, and the internet is buzzing with strong opinions. Starring alongside Sennott, known for her role in Bottoms, are Josh Hutcherson, Gen-Z darling Jordan Firstman, Odessa A'zion, and True Whitaker. The series, which dropped its first episode on November 2 (with the second arriving November 9), follows a close-knit group of friends reuniting after years apart. Together, they navigate the messy realities of ambition, evolving relationships, and the ways time has reshaped their lives. It’s a premise that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern—but does it deliver?
On social media, comparisons are flying, with fans drawing parallels to early 2000s ensemble shows. One Reddit user summed it up as “Entourage but for internet it girls,” referencing the 2004-2011 hit starring Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, and Jeremy Piven. Rachel herself confirmed Entourage was a major inspiration, telling The Hollywood Reporter (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/rachel-sennott-new-series-i-love-la-entourage-erewhon-1236413049/), “We were talking about this show as Entourage for internet it girls.” Josh Hutcherson added, “Entourage captured a side of L.A. in a very authentic way, and I think there are echoes of that in our world too.”
But not everyone is sold. While some viewers praise its potential, others are less convinced. One Reddit user wrote, “Premiere was solid. I didn’t really laugh, but it was somewhat entertaining. I hope it becomes more intriguing.” Another critic pointed out, “Why does every piece of media on L.A. only show the transplant/industry side and not the real people who live here? It’s so weird.” And this is the part most people miss: the show is also drawing comparisons to Lena Dunham’s Girls, a New York City-based comedy that divided audiences for its portrayal of privilege and authenticity.
So, here’s the big question: Can I Love LA strike the right balance between glitz and grit, or does it fall into the same traps as its predecessors? Let’s keep the conversation going—what’s your take? Does it deserve the hype, or is it just another L.A. story that misses the mark? Sound off in the comments!
