Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the series Laid, which brings Stephanie Hsu’s incredible range to what might be Peacock’s most twisted romantic comedy of 2024. This isn’t your typical rom-com – it’s a darkly hilarious exploration of how our romantic past can literally come back to haunt us in the most unexpected ways.
The series premiered on Peacock on December 19, 2024, delivering eight episodes of approximately 30 minutes each that blend comedy with genuine mystery elements. Laid is developed by Nahnatchka Khan and Sally Bradford McKenna, based on the Australian television series of the same name. The American adaptation transforms the original concept into something that feels uniquely suited to Stephanie Hsu’s comedic and dramatic talents.
The show follows Ruby, a woman who discovers that her former lovers are dying in unusual and mysterious ways, forcing her to confront her complicated romantic history. What starts as an absurd premise quickly evolves into something deeper, exploring themes of personal responsibility, the impact we have on others’ lives, and the often messy nature of modern dating. Peacock’s Laid succeeds by treating its outrageous concept with surprising emotional honesty while never losing sight of its dark comedy roots.
Ruby’s Deadly Dating History
Laid centers on Ruby (Stephanie Hsu), who makes the horrifying discovery that men from her romantic past are dying in bizarre circumstances. The series follows her journey as she teams up with her best friend AJ (Zosia Mamet) to investigate these deaths and figure out if there’s a connection to her dating history. What begins as a seemingly supernatural mystery gradually reveals deeper truths about relationships, trauma, and personal growth.
The show’s premise could have easily become a simple death-of-the-week format, but the writing uses each deceased ex as an opportunity to explore different aspects of Ruby’s character development. Each relationship reveals something new about who Ruby was, who she’s become, and how her past choices continue to shape her present reality.
Ruby’s Evolution: Stephanie Hsu’s Masterful Performance
Stephanie Hsu delivers what might be her best television performance as Ruby, a woman forced to confront every romantic mistake she’s ever made. Hsu brings the same energy and vulnerability that made her memorable in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” but here she gets to showcase her range across multiple episodes. Ruby’s journey from denial to acceptance creates a compelling character arc that anchors the show’s more outrageous elements.
Hsu’s performance balances the comedy of Ruby’s increasingly desperate investigations with the genuine emotional weight of confronting past relationships. Her ability to make Ruby both relatable and occasionally frustrating speaks to Hsu’s skill at creating complex characters who feel authentically human even in absurd circumstances.
AJ’s Loyal Support: Zosia Mamet’s Perfect Chemistry
Zosia Mamet plays AJ, Ruby’s best friend who becomes her reluctant partner in solving the mystery of the dying exes. Mamet brings her signature wit and timing to the role, creating a perfect comedic foil for Hsu’s increasingly frantic Ruby. Their friendship feels genuine and lived-in, providing the emotional foundation that keeps the show grounded despite its supernatural elements.
The dynamic between Ruby and AJ drives much of the show’s heart, with Mamet’s AJ serving as both voice of reason and enabler of Ruby’s increasingly elaborate theories. Their scenes together showcase the kind of authentic female friendship that elevates Laid beyond simple dark comedy into something more meaningful.
When the Past Becomes Deadly
The series builds to revelations that reframe everything viewers thought they understood about Ruby’s romantic history and the mysterious deaths. The climactic episodes reveal connections between Ruby’s past and present that go deeper than simple coincidence, creating genuine stakes for her character development. These moments showcase the show’s ability to balance its dark comedy with real emotional consequences.
The revelation scenes demonstrate how Laid uses its mystery structure to explore themes about personal growth, the lingering effects of relationships, and the importance of taking responsibility for our impact on others. The show doesn’t shy away from suggesting that sometimes our romantic choices have consequences we never imagined.
Success on Peacock
Laid has found critical acclaim on Peacock, earning a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes with critics praising its unique blend of dark comedy and genuine emotion. The series benefits from Peacock’s commitment to original content that takes creative risks, giving creators room to explore unconventional storytelling approaches. Unfortunately, despite positive reviews, the series was canceled after one season in May 2025, making it a limited but memorable entry in Peacock’s catalog. Laid stands out in the streaming landscape by treating its absurd premise with intelligence and using dark comedy to explore genuine relationship dynamics.
Perfect for Your Next Peacock Binge
If you love dark romantic comedies that aren’t afraid to explore uncomfortable truths about dating, Laid is the perfect series to binge on Peacock. Stephanie Hsu and Zosia Mamet’s chemistry creates compelling viewing that balances laughs with genuine emotional stakes. The show proves that the best romantic comedies come from taking familiar concepts and pushing them into unexpected territory.
Why This Peacock Original Deserves Your Attention
Laid succeeds because it understands that the most effective dark comedy comes from taking absurd situations seriously and finding genuine emotion within outrageous circumstances. Despite being canceled after one season, this series offers a complete story that showcases Stephanie Hsu’s incredible range while delivering laughs and genuine surprises.
Series Details
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 deadly consequences