Gen Z Sitcom 'It Gets Worse' Criticized for Unoriginality and Unlikeable Characters

The new Channel 4 sitcom "It Gets Worse" has been criticized as a derivative and aimless mess that fails to resonate with its intended Gen Z audience. The show, written by and starring Leo Reich as Ethan, is described as featuring unlikeable characters spouting tired gags, a criticism amplified by the observation that its comedic premises are not new.

One particular joke, where Ethan claims to be living off an inheritance from his mother, is noted to be a near-identical retread of a gag used over 20 years ago in the sitcom "Coupling." Ethan's lament to his therapist, "All I want is ten years of my life where I wouldn't have to worry about anything. Is that too much to ask?" is presented as emblematic of the show's self-pitying tone.

The series follows Ethan and his two university friends, Abi and Sam, who share a flat. Each episode focuses on a different character's perspective. Abi is depicted as an HR intern at a media start-up, while Ethan's romantic entanglements are highlighted, including a sexual relationship with his therapist. The review suggests that Channel 4's expectation for Gen Z viewers to relate to these characters is misplaced, leading to a show that feels unoriginal and lacks substance.

Since the success of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's "Fleabag" a decade ago, many new comedies have adopted a similar mold, featuring shallow, promiscuous characters who are estranged from their families and form their own chosen families. These characters are often depicted as perpetually broke and complaining, leading to a proliferation of identikit shows that quickly fade from memory. "It Gets Worse" is placed within this trend, failing to break new ground.

While the show includes cameos from notable actors, these appearances are brief and offer little more than fleeting moments, such as Vicki Pepperdine's turn as Ethan's stereotypical mother. Novelist Zadie Smith provides a voiceover intended to be satirical, pointing out the ease of Ethan's life, but the review suggests this commentary, particularly from a Millennial perspective, misses the mark in connecting with contemporary struggles.

The series attempts to address the perceived unique struggles of Gen Z, but the review argues that its portrayal is unconvincing, suggesting that many of the themes and jokes are repetitions of those from previous generations. The overall assessment is that "It Gets Worse" is a messy, unoriginal sitcom that relies on outdated comedic tropes and fails to offer a fresh perspective.