It Gets Worse Fails to Capture Gen-Z Angst
For those of us who have navigated the whirlwind of modern life, especially in our post-millennial years, the reality is that it gets worse. This is the premise at the heart of the acclaimed Showtime/A24 series, It Gets Worse, a show that has quickly become a cultural touchstone for Gen-Z and is sending a clear message to the older generations.
Created by Leo Reich, the six-part first season plunges us into the chaotic, contradictory world of young adulthood in London, focusing on the messy realities of living with friends. The story kicks off with Ethan, an insufferable 24-year-old navigating the stress of trying to fix a drywall hole and secure his place in the world—a seemingly simple task that quickly exposes his profound lack of practical skills and emotional maturity.
The show masterfully pairs this existential struggle with compelling character dynamics. Ethan’s toxicity serves as a sharp entry point, but the narrative quickly pivots to explore the lives of his roommates, Abi and Sam. Abi represents the relentless pursuit of external validation, striving for a demure femininity while grappling with the expectations of her world. Sam, meanwhile, embodies a creative, empathetic energy, balancing artistic pursuits with the complex reality of relationships.
Through their interactions, the series peels back the layers of these young lives, revealing that the true drama lies not in their individual mistakes, but in the nuanced, often contradictory ways they try to make sense of their existence. The show beautifully acknowledges the duality of human experience: how someone can be fiercely ambitious yet clueless, or deeply empathetic yet self-absorbed.
Ultimately, It Gets Worse isn’t concerned with grand political narratives; it is intensely focused on the personal business of being twenty-four. It asks profound, relatable questions about work, partnerships, boundaries, and the slippery line between freedom and responsibility. It provides a gentle, yet incisive, look at how young people grapple with identity in a world that often feels unstable.
The brilliance of the series lies in its ability to hold multiple truths simultaneously. It suggests that while one can be living in a privileged bubble, a manchild can still be trapped in a destructive cycle. It is a journey that promises evolution, hinting at the paths Ethan, Abi, and Sam might take. For anyone seeking a raw, honest, and surprisingly witty exploration of modern life, this show is a compelling invitation to look closer at the contradictions we all carry.
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