Pop Commentary

If you’re like me, you resubscribe to Peacock every time they release a new season of “The Traitors.” This time around, make sure you’re getting your money’s worth by also watching “Laid.”

The new series follows a woman who discovers that her former lovers are dying under mysterious circumstances—and she’s the only common denominator. To figure out why and stop it from happening, she retraces her romantic past, confronting old relationships in an effort to move forward.

The show stars Stephanie Hsu, best known for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” The main cast also includes Zosia Mamet from “Girls” as her best friend, along with Michael Angarano and Tommy Martinez.

The series is packed with guest stars, including Andre Hyland, Kate Berlant, David Denman, John Early, Ettore “Big E” Ewen, Chloe Fineman, Olivia Holt, Simu Liu, Finneas O’Connell, and Alexandra Shipp.

Hsu shines as the lead, delivering fantastic comedic timing and effortless chemistry with Mamet. One of the show’s highlights is their quick-witted banter as they revisit the protagonist’s romantic history.

The pacing never lags, with each episode introducing new exes—and their inevitable, often bizarre deaths. However, because the exes die so quickly, we don’t get to know many of them in depth. A bit more time spent developing their characters could have added emotional weight to the story.

Surprisingly, the show is more violent and graphic than expected, with the writers getting creative in how each former lover meets their end. But “Laid” isn’t just about exes dying, it also explores themes of female friendship, self-awareness, and the challenges of modern dating.

A subplot involving the main character’s relationship with her father feels unnecessary and doesn’t add much to the overall story. Additionally, the tone can be inconsistent, shifting abruptly between sharp comedic dialogue, serious relationship drama, and gruesome deaths.

The series ultimately provides an explanation for the mysterious deaths, but the finale ends on a cliffhanger. With the central mystery resolved, my excitement for a second season is slightly diminished, but I’d still tune in if it gets renewed.

Overall, “Laid” is an entertaining watch, especially if you enjoyed other mystery shows like “The Flight Attendant,” “Dead to Me,” or “No Good Deed.” It’s definitely worth checking out!