Leo Reich's Gen Z Sitcom: It Gets Worse

The television adaptation of Leo Reich's acclaimed comedy, titled "It Gets Worse," has arrived, offering a distinctive take on the anxieties of Generation Z. Described as a mix of "Girls" and "Peep Show," the sitcom features Reich as Ethan, a "middle-class loser gay guy," alongside his friends Sam and Abi, as they grapple with life in London. The series intentionally avoids grand pronouncements, focusing instead on the everyday struggles of its characters.

Reich, who gained prominence with his show "Literally, Who Cares?!" and a role in Lena Dunham's "Too Much," brings his signature wit to the screen. The show's narrative explores the pervasive feeling of helplessness and existential dread experienced by young adults coming of age during a period of intense financial, political, and ecological instability. This era, referred to as the 'permacrisis,' casts a shadow over traditional aspirations like career ladders and marriage.

The characters exhibit "radically different responses to the broader existential anxiety." Ethan adopts a carefree, "fuck it" philosophy, while Abi pursues an idealized lifestyle through hard work, and Sam seeks control by building an independent life outside social norms. The show also highlights class dynamics and the challenges of affordably living in London, as exemplified by Ethan's need to move back with his mother.

"It Gets Worse" began airing on Channel 4 in the UK on October 14th and on Binge in Australia on October 23rd. Despite the serious underlying themes, Reich emphasizes the show's loving satire of his peers, acknowledging that its focus on the anxieties of a generation may not always resonate with older audiences who have faced more severe hardships.