Aarcflick

 The main draw of Laid (2024), Peacock’s new comedy series adaptation, is the undeniable charm of its lead, Stephanie Hsu. Following her huge success in Everything Everywhere All At Once in 2022, each of her subsequent appearances reminds audiences of her endless charisma. This is on full display in Laid, as she balances a deeply selfish character who must be both engaging and likable in order for viewers to engage with her story. It’s a shame, then, that the rest of the series doesn’t live up to her infectious performance. Hsu shines brightly, but the series often gets lost in its tone. Based on the Australian TV series of the same name, Laid follows Ruby Yao, a 33-year-old woman looking for love. Our introduction finds her on a third date, and she tells him about a past where they almost had a fling that ended disastrously. The two sleep together, it’s awkward, and she realizes they don’t have the right chemistry. But, while she had hopes for this new relationship, it didn't deva...