“Bear Wranglers” and balenciaga: HBO’s “I Love LA” Captures the Chaos and Charm of a City
HBO’s new comedy, “I Love LA,” is quickly becoming a streaming sensation, averaging nearly 2 million viewers per episode and ranking as the platform’s second most popular freshman comedy. But don’t expect a typical Hollywood narrative; the series offers a refreshingly candid portrayal of Los Angeles through the eyes of a group of aspiring twenty-somethings navigating careers, relationships, and the unique challenges of city life. The production itself mirrored the unpredictable nature of its setting, even employing bear wranglers to manage wildlife encounters during filming.
The show, which concludes its first season on December 21, distinguishes itself by eschewing traditional Tinseltown tropes in favor of the contemporary world of content creators and the aspirational lifestyles they project. As one industry insider noted,”I Love LA positions its version of L.A. very specifically as a place where people go to execute big city dreams.” These dreams are frequently enough measured in metrics – 5 million TikTok followers, coveted gifts from luxury brands like Balenciaga – and the show doesn’t shy away from depicting the often-illusory nature of ambition in the city.
Filming locations span the breadth of los Angeles County, with a particular focus on the Eastside, including hotspots in Silver Lake and Echo Park. though,the production ventured beyond the urban core,even finding the perfect setting for an influencer party – at Elijah wood’s home – in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains near Sierra Madre. This location presented its own set of challenges, as location manager Jonathan Jansen (Barry) recounted encountering “four or five [black] bears patrolling the property trying to get onto the street and knock over trash cans,” alongside deer, coyotes, and rattlesnakes.
The series centers on Maia, portrayed by creator, writer, and star Rachel Sennott, a 27-year-old aspiring influencer talent manager. Sennott, whose previous work includes acclaimed comedies like Shiva Baby, Bodies Bodies bodies, and Bottoms, brings a unique perspective to the show, crafting what one observer described as “a transplant’s earnest love letter to Los Angeles.” Maia’s journey is elaborate by a volatile client (Odessa A’zion), a faltering relationship (Josh Hutcherson), a demanding boss (Leighton Meester), and the existential upheaval of her Saturn Return. She’s supported by her close friends: stylist Charlie (Jordan Firstman) and Alani (True Whitaker),the daughter of a prominent director.
Sennott emphasizes the ever-changing character of the city. “I love that every neighborhood is its own world,” she shared. “You never feel like you no the whole city. it’s changing and moving, and you get to keep exploring.” This sense of discovery is reflected in the show’s depiction of iconic Eastside locales, from the Silver Lake Reservoir to establishments like Tenants of the Trees, Capri Club, and Canyon Coffee, alongside nods to classic spots like Dan Tana’s, Katsuya, and Din Tai Fung.
The show’s pilot episode notably features a vibrant montage of Erewhon, the upscale grocery store described by a character as “an experience, not a grocery store.” Securing the location required considerable effort from the production team,including convincing the store’s executives,but the result – a “technicolor kaleidoscope” of organic produce and juices – proved symbolic of the show’s themes. As production designer Yong Ok Lee ( Minari,The Farewell,Drive-away Dolls) explained,”I understood why Rachel really wanted to shoot there because it’s such a symbolic place.”
“I Love LA” doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life in Los Angeles. The show acknowledges the “uniquely L.A. punches to the gut” – expensive parking tickets, grueling commutes on the 405, car theft – and the coping mechanisms Angelenos employ, from rooftop happy hours to breakfast burritos on the beach. The series suggests that even small indulgences, like a free smoothie, can provide solace amidst the pursuit of ambitious goals. A senior production source noted that, as one’s star rises, “free omakase goes from a privilege to an expectation.”
As the first season draws to a close, Maia faces a pivotal moment: securing a high-profile fashion dinner in New york City for her client, Tallulah. The show’s narrative arc suggests that success may come at a cost, as maia risks losing herself in the pursuit of ambition, mirroring the city’s own duality. “L.A. can be so glamorous but so dark or feel haunted, and I love that juxtaposition,” Sennott stated. Co-writer and executive producer Emma Barrie added that the city feels like “a living, breathing thing” that is “constantly changing for better or worse.”
Ultimately, “I Love LA” offers a nuanced and relatable portrayal of a city frequently enough romanticized or demonized. It’s a story about the challenges and rewards of pursuing dreams, the importance of friendship, and the enduring allure of Los Angeles, even with its inherent contradictions. As one cast member observed,”You realize some people…the people who look fake [do so] actually because of their vulnerability.”
“I Love LA” is currently streaming on HBO Max.
