Coming out may open a door. Figuring out rent, friendship and who to date can take considerably longer. That is fertile ground for Leo Reich’s new comedy, It Gets Worse, which arrived on Paramount+ in the United States on November 6.
The six-part series follows Ethan, Abi and Sam, university friends whose lives become more complicated when they lose their London flat. Reich stars as Ethan, with Emily Fairn and Olive Gray playing his closest friends. Channel 4 commissioned the A24-produced series, describing the trio as devoted friends and dysfunctional roommates.
A Familiar Face at the Door
The cast also includes an unusually tempting collection of guests. Andrew Scott plays a therapist called Brian, Lena Dunham appears as Greta, and Amelia Dimoldenberg plays Emily. Novelist Zadie Smith supplies the narration, according to Paramount+’s official guide.
Some of those appearances grew from earlier creative connections. Reich worked with Scott and Dunham on Too Much. In his interview with GAY TIMES, he recalled sending Scott a scene he had written with him in mind, then nervously waiting for a reply. Seeing performers he admired agree to take part helped him believe in the project.
Growing Up Without Becoming Perfect
Reich told GAY TIMES that the title plays on the phrase “It Gets Better.” He values optimistic queer stories and wants space alongside them for gay characters who can be exasperating company. Ethan gives him plenty to work with.
That leaves room for friendship to be tested by everyday disappointments, conflicting wants and the mistakes people make while trying to understand themselves. Viewers who have long since left their twenties may still recognize the effort of looking composed while privately wondering what comes next.
In Variety’s November 6 interview, Reich discussed ideas for a possible second season. For now, audiences in the U.S. can watch all six episodes of the first season on Paramount+ with its Premium plan. The platform also released an official trailer for a first look at Ethan and his friends.
📷 Paramount+ / SHOWTIME