All Of It Podcast Summary: Episode on Stephanie Hsu and the Comedy Series 'Laid'

Release Date: January 22, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Guests: Stephanie Hsu (Actor & Executive Producer of 'Laid') and Ninatchka Khan (Co-Showrunner & Writer)

1. Introduction to 'Laid' and Its Creative Team

Alison Stewart opens the episode by introducing the new dark romantic comedy series, 'Laid', starring Stephanie Hsu as Ruby Yao. Stephanie, known for her acclaimed roles in Everything Everywhere All at Once and Be More Chill, also serves as an executive producer on the show. Joining her is Ninatchka Khan, the co-showrunner and writer, recognized for her work on Always Be My Maybe and Fresh Off the Boat.

Notable Quote:

"[...] Every guest and listener has an opinion. We won’t always agree, but our varied perspectives and diversity of experience is what makes New York City great."
— Alison Stewart [00:36]

2. Overview of 'Laid' and Its Unique Premise

'Laid' is described as a dark romantic comedy that subverts traditional rom-com tropes by intertwining them with unexpected and gruesome events. The protagonist, Ruby Yao, is a 33-year-old event planner obsessed with finding true love. However, her exes begin to die under bizarre circumstances, turning her quest for romance into a suspense-filled mystery.

Notable Quote:

"If you took one of those classic rom coms like Notting Hill and then people were dying, gruesome death. So like, those two things together felt like a really fun mashup for us."
— Ninatchka Khan [02:55]

3. Character Development: Stephanie Hsu as Ruby Yao

Stephanie Hsu delves into her character, Ruby Yao, portraying her as a deeply flawed yet relatable individual. Ruby's desperation for love leads her to overlook personal growth, making her slightly narcissistic but endearing. Stephanie highlights Ruby's journey from being self-absorbed to confronting her flaws amidst the chaos of her exes' untimely deaths.

Notable Quote:

"Ruby is doing the things that she thinks she needs to be able to tell you. [...] But she's not. [...] It's like she's zooming with her therapist."
— Alison Stewart [08:10]

4. Blending Traditional Rom-Com with Dark Elements

The discussion emphasizes the show's innovative blend of classic romantic comedy structures with dark, death-related plotlines. This fusion creates a unique narrative that challenges audience expectations and explores modern dating complexities.

Notable Quote:

"I think that not only is she the star, but she's also the exec producer. [...] Ruby, the character of Ruby is doing the things that she thinks she needs to be able to tell you."
— Ninatchka Khan [08:10]

5. Adapting from the Original Australian Series

'Laid' is an adaptation of an Australian series, reimagined to reflect contemporary societal themes and the evolving landscape of modern relationships. The creative team aimed to maintain the original's essence while steering the narrative towards a darker, more intricate direction.

Notable Quote:

"We loved the premise [...] start at the same place and then kind of go in our own direction, which is more of the messed up rom com idea."
— Ninatchka Khan [09:34]

6. Addressing Sensitive Topics: Avoiding Sex-Shaming

The show consciously avoids sex-shaming its protagonist despite the high body count of her exes. Instead, it focuses on Ruby's personal journey and the authenticity of her experiences, promoting a non-judgmental portrayal of her past relationships.

Notable Quote:

"Let's just embrace the fact that we're all sexual beings, we all have history, and it's really about who we were back then."
— Ninatchka Khan [14:24]

7. Creative Collaboration and Directorial Guidance

Stephanie Hsu shares insights into working with director Ninatchka Khan, highlighting the importance of individual artistic expression within a collaborative framework. This synergy allows for authentic character portrayals and dynamic storytelling.

Notable Quote:

"We have a Venn diagram of taste and, like, jokes and, like, tone that we believe is right for the show. And also, we are all our own circles."
— Stephanie Hsu [24:37]

8. Anticipation for Season Two

As the first season concludes with a significant cliffhanger, Alison Stewart expresses enthusiasm for a potential second season, underscoring the show's impactful storytelling and its resonance with the audience.

Notable Quote:

"We have so much to explore. [...] from the end of season one, we've set up this big cliffhanger."
— Ninatchka Khan [28:04]

Conclusion

The episode provides an in-depth look into 'Laid', exploring its innovative approach to romantic comedy by integrating dark, mysterious elements. Through engaging conversations with Stephanie Hsu and Ninatchka Khan, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the show's themes, character development, and creative processes. The blend of humor, romance, and suspense positions 'Laid' as a standout series poised for a compelling continuation.

Notable Moments in the Podcast:

• Character Insights: Stephanie discusses Ruby's internal struggles and growth throughout the series, emphasizing her journey from self-centeredness to self-awareness.

• Tone and Style: The creative team elaborates on balancing comedic elements with dark, unexpected plot twists to keep the narrative fresh and engaging.

• Cultural References: The show is rich with pop culture nods, enhancing its relatability and depth, as discussed by both guests.

For more information on 'Laid' and upcoming episodes, visit Peacock or follow WNYC's All Of It podcast.