Spoiler Alert! If you haven’t watched the Season 1 finale of HBO’s I Love LA, you might want to stop here—because we’re diving into some major plot twists and behind-the-scenes insights that will change how you see the show. But here’s where it gets controversial: Why did creator Rachel Sennott choose to set the finale in New York City instead of LA? And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the location; it’s about the characters’ emotional journey and the show’s deeper themes.
The first season of I Love LA doesn’t wrap up in the city it spends so much time dissecting through the lives of a group of 20-somethings. Instead, it takes us to New York—LA’s cultural rival and, in many ways, the characters’ emotional battleground. After Maia (played by Sennott) loses her job at Alyssa180 for undermining her boss, she maxes out her credit cards to ensure her best friend and only client, Tallulah (Odessa A’zion), can attend a high-profile influencer dinner on the East Coast. But why New York? Sennott explains, ‘Both cities are characters in the show. New York represents their past, and I wanted them to face their demons and then leave saying, ‘We’re going back to LA.’ The final line, ‘God, I miss LA,’ sums it all up.’
Maia’s decision to bet big on Tallulah is risky, especially since Tallulah’s loyalty is often overshadowed by her lack of self-awareness. This is on full display early in the episode when Tallulah steals a dress during a fitting—a move that’s not only a faux pas but also undermines Maia’s efforts to secure the opportunity in the first place. To make matters worse, Maia’s former boss, Alyssa (Leighton Meester), isn’t exactly a role model. She’s manipulative and self-serving, yet Maia finds her voice and refuses to let anyone, including Alyssa, ruin this moment for her.
Controversial Take: Is Alyssa a villain, or just a product of the system? Sennott hints at a deeper tension: ‘Alyssa wants to support Maia, but only to a point. Maia’s recklessness is her way of breaking free from a system that wasn’t designed for her.’ This dynamic resonates with young women, particularly those of Sennott’s generation, who often find themselves at odds with older women who’ve succeeded in male-dominated industries. Sennott adds, ‘You get frustrated by the system, go rogue, and then the system tries to pull you back in. It’s tempting, but you have to resist.’
Maia’s arc mirrors Sennott’s own journey in the film and television industry. ‘Fresh out of school, I wanted acceptance from the ‘cool film bros,’ but they rejected me. I turned to other women for support, only to realize that gatekeeping exists everywhere.’ Sennott’s breakthrough came when she stopped waiting for others to validate her and started creating opportunities with her friends. ‘It’s scarier to do it alone, but it’s the only way to truly find your voice,’ she says.
But growth in your 20s isn’t linear. While Maia’s professional life is on the upswing, her personal life is a mess. Her relationship with Dylan (Josh Hutcherson) is strained, with both feeling misunderstood. The finale shows Maia on the brink of cheating with her former boss Ben (Colin Woodell), only to be humiliated by him. Meanwhile, Dylan has already cheated on her—a revelation that promises to complicate things further in Season 2.
Thought-Provoking Question: Are Maia and Dylan’s relationship struggles a result of their individual flaws, or are they symptomatic of larger generational challenges? Sennott refuses to villainize either character, opting instead for complexity. ‘Sometimes you love someone but know you’re not meant to be together, and that’s heartbreaking,’ she says.
With I Love LA renewed for Season 2, Sennott is still exploring where to take the story next. ‘There are so many directions we can go, and I’m excited to collaborate with the writers’ room,’ she says. Like Maia, Sennott is still finding her voice, and the show’s evolution reflects that. She admits, ‘I think we found our rhythm around Episode 6, and I’d rather have people like the show more as it goes on, not less.’
All eight episodes of I Love LA Season 1 are streaming now on HBO Max. So, what do you think? Did Sennott make the right call with the NYC finale? And how do you feel about Maia and Dylan’s relationship? Let us know in the comments—we’re here for the debate!
