It Gets Worse Review: A Perfect Comedy for Any 20-Something at a Crossroads

When Channel 4 debuted the first teaser for its comedy series It Gets Worse, created by comedian Leo Reich, the preview ignited immediate attention online. The buzzed-about sequence from early in the premiere episode features 24-year-old Ethan (played by Leo Reich) conversing rapidly with a therapist portrayed by Andrew Scott. While Ethan panics that his life has concluded before truly getting underway, the dynamic swiftly pivots when it is revealed that Scott’s character is actually a hookup app match rather than a medical provider. During an in-office encounter between appointments, the scene turns intensely explicit as Scott’s character dominates Ethan, telling him he’s a “hole for daddy” and spitting in his mouth. Evoking the fervent reactions previously seen with Scott’s role in Fleabag, the moment sets an unapologetic, confessional tone blending raw emotional vulnerability with stark sexual encounters.

Plot Overview: Early Twenties Upheaval in London

While Andrew Scott’s provocative guest appearance is confined to the debut episode, the six-part season produced in partnership with A24 sustains that uncompromising voice. It Gets Worse centers on a core trio of university friends attempting to navigate early adulthood in London. The central perspective belongs to Ethan, whom a voiceover narration by author Zadie Smith notes “had one of the easiest lives in recorded human history.” Unemployed and supported by maternal allowances, Ethan shares a rented flat with friends Abi (Emily Fairn) and Sam (Olive Gray). Abi channels her energy into curating an image of corporate triumph despite mounting professional insecurities, while Sam is an aspiring author whose polyamorous stances veil deeper vulnerabilities.

The stability of the group dissolves when their landlord moves to sell the apartment, casting the roommates into separate housing arrangements across the city. Ethan evades moving back with his parents by staying with casual partner Jesse (Arian Nik). Abi takes up residence with her partner of three years, Tom (Sean Delaney), who routinely cooks complex meals but avoids sexual intimacy. Meanwhile, Sam enters an anarchist commune run by ex-partner Zara (India Mullen), complete with tense group dynamics and community demands to fund shared streaming services. The displaced living arrangements force all three to directly confront their lingering uncertainties regarding adulthood, career paths, and long-term relationships.

The Messy Realities of Modern Adulthood

In developing the comedy, Leo Reich crafts an atmosphere akin to modern peer-group venting sessions, sharing structural and tonal affinities with Lena Dunham’s Girls as well as contemporary entries like Rachel Sennott’s I Love LA and Rebecca Shaw and Ben Kronengold’s Adults. Lena Dunham herself appears in a guest role as an exacting workplace supervisor. Rather than presenting polished milestones, the narrative focuses on everyday setbacks: Ethan having his sarcastic defenses broken down, Abi finding that an official promotion provides zero financial increase, and Sam managing uncomfortable friction when her casual partner Tess (Safia Oakley-Green) shifts attention toward Zara.

These mounting tensions complicate the central dynamic among Leo Reich, Emily Fairn, and Olive Gray. The three portray long-time friends who alternate between viciously criticizing each other behind closed doors and offering fierce, tender support in private. Backed by A24’s distinctive stylistic touches—including bold opening credit sequences reminiscent of Halina Reijn’s Bodies Bodies Bodies—the series balances biting satirical dialogue with genuine coming-of-age growing pains.

Why This Matters

It Gets Worse exemplifies the continuing demand for auteur-driven, mid-twenties comedic dramas tackling contemporary financial instability, modern dating, and extended adolescence. Backed by indie powerhouse A24 and prominent British broadcaster Channel 4, the series highlights how bold, internet-ready scenes—such as the viral exchange with Andrew Scott—can capture initial audience attention before transitioning viewers into character-driven narrative arcs. The series is currently available for viewing on both Channel 4 and Paramount+.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is It Gets Worse available to stream?
The six-part comedy series is available to stream on Channel 4 and Paramount+.

Does Andrew Scott appear throughout the entire series?
No. Andrew Scott appears as a guest star in the therapist hookup scene in the opening episode and does not return for the remainder of the season.

Who created and stars in It Gets Worse?
The series was created by comedian Leo Reich, who also stars in the lead role of Ethan alongside Emily Fairn as Abi and Olive Gray as Sam.