A24's UK Comedy 'It Gets Worse' Moves to Paramount+
The series, which premiered on Channel 4 last week, brings a bleak look at young adulthood to American audiences.
By Aiko Brooks ·
A24 is releasing its first U.K. made show in the United States on Paramount+. The streaming service will begin airing 'It Gets Worse' on Friday, following its recent launch in the U.K. on Channel 4.
The series has been available to British viewers for six days. During that time, it received positive reviews from publications including The Guardian and The Times. The show was developed after Channel 4 picked it up for broadcast.
Leo Reich wrote the series and plays the character of Ethan. The 28-year-old comedian lives in London, a city he describes as essential to his creative life. He spent a month in New York early in his career but found the experience disappointing. He returned to London, where he says he has met most of his creative collaborators.
The narrative follows three friends and former roommates: Ethan, Abi, and Sam. They are in their 20s and are struggling with the expectations of adulthood. Reich describes the characters as versions of himself who believe they are the main characters of their own lives. They are failing to match the idealized versions of urban life they grew up watching on television.
Ethan is searching for love while avoiding employment. Abi stays in an unfulfilling relationship to maintain a traditional lifestyle. Sam is a writer sharing a home and a partner with her ex. The plot includes a storyline about a sex party that goes wrong. Reich notes that the show features an ensemble cast with several high-profile guest appearances.
Lena Dunham appears in the series as a millennial manager at Abi's office. Dunham first worked with Reich on 'Too Much,' a show she created for which he had a small role. She watched a recording of his Edinburgh Fringe show 'Literally Who Cares?!' in 2022. She later offered to write a part for him in 'It Gets Worse' and then offered to guest star.
Other guest stars include Andrew Scott, Zadie Smith, Amelia Dimoldenberg, and Blake Harrison. Smith serves as the narrator. Dunham and Reich have a history of collaborating, having worked together on Dunham's return to television after a nine-year hiatus from her previous series.
Reich says the show captures the existential anxiety of his generation. He aims to portray the awkwardness of young people who view their lives through a cinematic lens. He notes that the humor is dry and self-deprecating. The title reflects the show's pessimistic outlook on the characters' futures.
The U.S. release marks the show's expansion to a new audience. Reich acknowledges that cultural differences in humor exist between the U.K. and the U.S. He is hoping for a second season but has expressed uncertainty about the likelihood of renewal. He notes that cancellation after one season can sometimes result in a cult following.
Reich is currently writing a potential sequel. He has stated he has many ideas for where the story could go. He also plans to pursue film projects in the future, including a romantic comedy. He describes his current career as a surprising turn for someone who once considered moving to New York.
