Channel 4’s new comedy series *It Gets Worse*, created by and starring Leo Reich, offers a candid, darkly humorous portrayal of twentysomething life in contemporary London. The show centers on a flatshare about to dissolve, featuring three university friends—Ethan, Sam, and Abi—navigating their post-graduation realities with varying degrees of turmoil.
The series draws attention for its unflinching and often explicit examination of the generation's emotional immaturity, social frustrations, and the search for identity. Ethan, portrayed by Reich himself, is depicted as a hyperactive and spoiled character struggling with emotional growth, living under the watchful eye of his middle-class mother, played by Vicki Pepperdine. His Jewish identity is referenced candidly and with dark humor, including remarks about his family’s history that touch on painful subjects. A notable early scene involves Ethan’s therapist, played by Andrew Scott, culminating unexpectedly in a scene of detached physical intimacy, setting a tone of raw honesty.
Abi, played by Emily Fairn, represents the clash between aspirations and reality. Having left Liverpool for London in pursuit of a more cultured lifestyle, she finds herself stuck in a tedious job under a difficult boss, portrayed by Lena Dunham. Abi’s personal life is marked by peculiar challenges, such as her boyfriend’s unusual preference, which adds both comedic and unsettling elements to her storyline.
Sam, played by Olive Gray, comes into focus in the third episode, joining a collective of pretentious filmmakers and artists. Among them is Leon (John Tothill), who embodies the self-important artistic temperament: he documents parties, rants about authenticity and celebrity culture, and champions a problematic poetry slam as a form of resistance. Through Sam, the show explores themes of validation and emotional self-reliance, conveyed via a voiceover that captures her gradual self-awareness.
Narration throughout the series is provided by novelist Zadie Smith, who delivers commentary in a tone reminiscent of a natural history documentary. Her detached yet knowing perspective frames the characters’ missteps and struggles with a blend of cynicism and empathy, suggesting a broader generational understanding despite the comedy’s sharp edge.
Critics have noted *It Gets Worse* as a significant addition to recent British comedic television, joining the ranks of works like *Fleabag*, *Chewing Gum*, and *Such Brave Girls* that incisively capture the complexities and contradictions of contemporary young adulthood. While the show’s humor is often crude and its content explicit, it balances satire with moments of genuine insight into friendship, trauma, and the difficulties of transitioning into adulthood.
The series has been praised for revitalizing Channel 4’s comedic offerings, which some observers felt had grown cautious or formulaic in recent years. By tackling uncomfortable and taboo subjects with both humor and humanity, *It Gets Worse* aims to resonate authentically with its Gen Z audience, while also offering older viewers a revealing glimpse into the generation’s distinctive challenges and outlook.