“Americans think British people are snotty and pretentious but smart. British people think Americans are stupid and vulgar but funny,” a family member tells Jessica, the protagonist of Lena Dunham’s new rom-com series Too Much, before she boards a plane to London. This line sets the tone for the series, exploring the cultural divide between Americans and Brits. Too Much, now streaming on Netflix, follows Jessica (Megan Stalter), a commercial producer in her early 30s, as she moves from New York to London after a painful breakup.
Jessica’s journey begins with an encounter with Felix (Will Sharpe), a musician she meets on her first night in London. The series humorously dismantles her fantasies of England, which she imagined as a land of dashing figures and picturesque settings. Instead, she finds herself in a gritty reality, far removed from her idealized vision.
The Legacy of “Girls” and Dunham’s New Venture
Lena Dunham’s previous work, Girls, which debuted 13 years ago on HBO, was both celebrated and criticized. Dunham, known for her candid storytelling and unique voice, faced backlash for her public persona, yet her talent was undeniable. Girls was a cultural phenomenon, capturing the zeitgeist of young women navigating life in New York City.
With Too Much, Dunham brings her storytelling to a new setting. Having lived in London for four years, her personal experiences and relationship with her British husband, Luis Felber, inspired the show’s central relationship. This new series represents a continuation of Dunham’s exploration of identity and relationships, now set against the backdrop of London.
Exploring Cultural Stereotypes
The series leans heavily into cultural stereotypes, sometimes to its detriment. While the depiction of British life is often accurate, it occasionally feels like an overdone attempt to prove its authenticity. References to British quirks, such as the infamous Jaffa Cake tax controversy or George Michael’s car crash, may amuse non-British viewers but feel stale to those familiar with the culture.
Despite these moments, Too Much finds its strength in more universal themes. The emotional core of the series lies in Jessica’s attempt to rebuild her life and find connection amidst the chaos of a foreign city. Her relationship with Felix mirrors her journey of healing from her past with Zev (Michael Zegen), her ex-boyfriend.
The Emotional Depth of “Too Much”
As the series progresses, it delves deeper into Jessica’s past relationship with Zev, providing a poignant look at love and heartbreak. In the fifth episode, viewers are taken back to the early days of Jessica and Zev’s relationship, highlighting the warmth and safety she once felt. This exploration of past and present relationships is where Dunham’s writing truly shines.
Having those meandering, mundane conversations that quietly get at the heart of what is real and profound about people trying to live alongside one another—that is what Dunham has always written so beautifully.
The series captures the messy, compelling nature of trying to connect with others while carrying the weight of past hurts. This emotional depth is what ultimately makes Too Much resonate with viewers, despite its occasional over-reliance on cultural clichés.
Looking Ahead: The Successor to “Girls”?
While Too Much may not entirely escape comparisons to Girls, it stands on its own as a thoughtful exploration of modern relationships. By focusing on the emotional journey of its characters rather than the fish-out-of-water tropes, the series carves out its own niche.
As Dunham continues to evolve as a storyteller, Too Much serves as a testament to her ability to capture the complexities of human relationships. Whether it becomes the long-awaited successor to Girls remains to be seen, but it certainly marks a new chapter in Dunham’s creative journey.
