It Gets Worse Review: Laugh Out Loud Comedy Series

Funny, provocative, and with a uniquely relatable humour, Leo Reich’s comedy series It Gets Worse is the newest show for Gen Z.

The voiceover is one of the most fascinating and compelling elements of It Gets Worse. While voiceovers can sometimes feel too exposition-heavy in film and tv, this series uses it in a funny and unique way. From the very beginning of episode 1, the voiceover sets the satirical tone of the entire show, often commenting on the characters’ behaviours or relationships in a sarcastic way. This also immediately engages the audience and signals that we, too, are allowed to laugh at these characters and their misfortunes, just like the narrator does.

The humour is present throughout the entire show, from the opening scene with the sarcastic voiceover to every interaction between the group of friends. Even when the characters are going through a hard time, the series always manages to find the humorous side of the situation while also being able to sit with the more uncomfortable and harsher realities that it explores at times. 

Much of It Gets Worse relies on the three main characters: Ethan, Abi, and Sam, and their relationship. While they may not be entirely likeable and are certainly flawed, the actors’ empathetic and layered portrayal of each of their characters makes us care about them, no matter how many mistakes they make and will continue to make. Individually very talented actors, Reich, Fairn, and Grey really shine when they act opposite each other, creating an authentic, realistic, and compelling group dynamic amongst three friends who have been with each other through everything, despite disagreements and hardship.

From the first three episodes, however, the show seems to focus almost exclusively on the three protagonists. While they are really strong together, the rest of the talent seems very underused. With so many other compelling supporting characters, It Gets Worse has a lot of potential to explore more storylines and narratives that include more characters than just the three protagonists. In the three episodes that were screened at the BFI London Film Festival, the other characters come across as two-dimensional: have very little screen time and are only ever seen from the perspective of the protagonists.

The serious moments in It Gets Worse are only a few and far between. While the comedic aspect works really well, I hope that the show decides to lean into the less satirical aspects for the rest of the season. This would allow it to examine its topic with a lot more depth, some of which have only been hinted at but have a lot of potential. A partial tonal shift in selected moments of the series would also benefit the comedy, which risks losing its effect if pushed too much or if the same tropes and jokes keep being used throughout the show. 

Overall, It Gets Worse is an incredibly funny comedy that leans into sarcasm and is not afraid to be too provocative or controversial. With such a strong start, the series is on track to become the Gen Z London based version of Friends or New Girl. With some room for improvement in the writing of the supporting characters and the lack of different tones, preferring to always go for the more comedic option that will get laughs from the audience. 

The first three episodes of It Gets Worse were screened at the BFI London Film Festival on October 14, 2026.