Hello, everyone! How’s everything? Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on the series Laid, showcasing Stephanie Hsu’s remarkable talent in what may be Peacock’s most twisted romantic comedy of 2024. This isn’t your average rom-com – it’s a darkly comedic dive into how our romantic history can come back to haunt us in unexpected and bizarre ways.
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The series first aired on Peacock on December 19, 2024, featuring eight episodes of around 30 minutes each that combine humor with genuine elements of mystery. Laid is crafted by Nahnatchka Khan and Sally Bradford McKenna, drawing inspiration from the Australian TV series of the same name. The American version adapts the original idea into a format that feels distinctly tailored to Stephanie Hsu’s comedic and dramatic abilities.
The storyline revolves around Ruby, a woman who realizes that her former partners are mysteriously dying in odd circumstances, compelling her to face her tangled romantic past. What begins as a ludicrous premise quickly transforms into a deeper narrative, tackling themes of personal accountability, the influence we hold over others, and the often chaotic nature of contemporary dating. Peacock’s Laid excels by presenting its outrageous premise with unexpected emotional sincerity while maintaining its dark comedic essence.
Ruby’s Perilous Romantic Past
Laid focuses on Ruby (Stephanie Hsu), who horrifies herself by discovering that her ex-lovers are meeting bizarre fates. The series charts her journey as she partners with her best friend AJ (Zosia Mamet) to investigate these unusual deaths and uncover any connections to her dating history. What starts as a seemingly supernatural enigma gradually unveils deeper insights into relationships, trauma, and personal evolution.
The concept of the show could have easily devolved into a simple episodic death format, but the writing utilizes each deceased ex as a means to delve into various facets of Ruby’s character growth. Each relationship uncovers new layers about who Ruby was, who she has become, and how her past decisions continue to influence her current reality.
Ruby’s Transformation: A Stellar Performance by Stephanie Hsu
Stephanie Hsu delivers what could be her finest television portrayal as Ruby, a woman compelled to confront every romantic blunder she has made. Hsu infuses the same vivacity and vulnerability that made her stand out in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” but here she showcases her versatility across multiple episodes. Ruby’s evolution from denial to acceptance forms a compelling character arc that supports the show’s more outrageous elements.
Hsu’s performance expertly balances the humor of Ruby’s increasingly desperate quests with the sincere emotional weight of revisiting past relationships. Her talent for making Ruby both relatable and at times frustrating highlights Hsu’s prowess in crafting complex characters who feel authentically human, even in absurd situations.
AJ’s Loyal Friendship: Zosia Mamet’s Ideal Chemistry
Zosia Mamet portrays AJ, Ruby’s best friend who reluctantly joins her in unraveling the mystery of the deceased exes. Mamet infuses her trademark humor and timing into the character, serving as a perfect comedic counterpart to Hsu’s increasingly frantic Ruby. Their friendship feels genuine and lived-in, providing an emotional grounding that keeps the show relatable despite its supernatural themes.
The chemistry between Ruby and AJ drives much of the show’s emotional core, with Mamet’s AJ acting as both the voice of reason and a supporter of Ruby’s increasingly elaborate theories. Their interactions illustrate the kind of authentic female friendship that elevates Laid beyond mere dark comedy into something more significant.
When the Past Turns Deadly
The series builds up to revelations that reshape everything viewers thought they understood about Ruby’s romantic history and the mysterious deaths. The climax unveils connections between Ruby’s past and present that extend beyond mere coincidence, creating real stakes for her character development. These moments highlight the show’s capacity to balance its dark humor with genuine emotional ramifications.
The revelation scenes illustrate how Laid utilizes its mystery framework to delve into themes of personal growth, the lasting effects of relationships, and the necessity of taking responsibility for our impact on others. The show candidly suggests that our romantic decisions can have unforeseen consequences.
A Triumph on Peacock
Laid has received critical acclaim on Peacock, achieving a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics applauding its distinctive fusion of dark comedy and genuine emotion. The series benefits from Peacock’s dedication to original content that dares to take creative risks, allowing creators to explore unconventional storytelling methods. Unfortunately, despite the positive reception, the series was canceled after one season in May 2025, marking it as a limited yet memorable entry in Peacock’s catalog. Laid distinguishes itself in the streaming landscape by treating its absurd premise with intelligence and utilizing dark humor to explore authentic relationship dynamics.
Ideal for Your Next Binge on Peacock
If you’re a fan of dark romantic comedies that bravely tackle uncomfortable truths about dating, Laid is the perfect series to binge on Peacock. The chemistry between Stephanie Hsu and Zosia Mamet produces captivating viewing that skillfully balances humor with authentic emotional stakes. The show demonstrates that the best romantic comedies arise from taking familiar themes into unexpected realms.
Why This Peacock Original is Worth Watching
Laid excels because it grasps that the most effective dark comedy stems from treating absurd scenarios with seriousness and uncovering genuine emotion within outrageous contexts. Despite its cancellation after one season, this series delivers a complete narrative that showcases Stephanie Hsu’s remarkable range while providing both laughs and authentic surprises.
Series Overview
Number of Episodes: 8 (Season 1 – Completed/Canceled)
Platform: Peacock
Release Year: 2024
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Genre: Dark Comedy, Romance, Mystery
Status: Canceled after one season (May 2025)
Main Cast: Stephanie Hsu, Zosia Mamet, Michael Angarano, Tommy Martinez
Antagonist: Ruby’s romantic past and its lethal repercussions