The witty British sitcom It Gets Worse gets pretty good

The debut episode of A24's British-Canadian sitcom "It Gets Worse" introduces viewers to a privileged young gay man named Ethan (played by Leo Reich). In his first encounter with a therapist, Ethan laments his reluctance to grow up and live a carefree life. His therapist, unimpressed, replies with a crude remark before leaving. Ethan, though, had mistaken the therapist for a hookup partner.

Among the trio of central characters, Ethan is closest to the show's protagonist. Initially, Ethan, Abi (Emily Fairn), and Sam (Olive Gray) are in the process of moving out of their shared flat, with plans to reunite after a month of staying with friends. However, tensions are evident from the start, as Abi and Sam grapple with Ethan's laziness and entitlement.

Abi would prefer a stable relationship with her boyfriend Tom (Sean Delaney) over remaining close to her university friends. The show's star, Reich, has been a rising talent, having previously starred in a one-man show that premiered on HBO Max in 2023, though he may also be known from his role on the Lena Dunham series "Too Much."

Despite his fame, Ethan embodies a slightly more grounded version of that character: self-obsessed, insecure, affectionate, and frequently hilarious. The series follows Ethan, Abi, and Sam as they navigate their personal and professional lives, with each episode shifting the focus between the three. While six installments may not be sufficient to fully develop these characters, they provide a promising foundation.

The sitcom combines social satire with heavy emphasis on sex and friendship, resulting in a witty dialogue that rivals that of "Girls" and other Gen-Z shows like "I Love LA." However, the show's plot occasionally falls into predictable traps, and certain subplots lack sufficient development. Additionally, the balance between comedy and drama isn't always seamless, particularly in the overly serious voiceovers by author Zadie Smith.

Nonetheless, the show manages to create emotionally resonant moments, especially when Sam's life unravels or Abi's love for Tom highlights the relatable struggle to achieve happiness. Overall, "It Gets Worse" suggests that change may be possible, but only if the characters are willing to work for it. The season concludes on a promising note, setting the stage for a potential sequel that will delve deeper into the characters' neuroses and test them in more nuanced ways.