You're the Worst

You're the Worst

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	July 17, 2014 (2014-07-17)
Founder	Stephen Falk
Headquarters	Los Angeles , United States
Products	Television series

You're the Worst is a comedy-drama television series from the United States, created by Stephen Falk. Initially airing on FX, the show transitioned to its sister network FXX beginning with the second season. The narrative centers on Jimmy (Chris Geere), a self-centered writer, and Gretchen (Aya Cash), a self-destructive public relations executive, as they manage their complicated relationship alongside their friends Edgar (Desmin Borges) and Lindsay (Kether Donohue). The series debuted on July 17, 2014.

In September 2014, FX renewed the show for a thirteen-episode second season, which premiered on September 9, 2015, on FXX. This season delved into clinical depression and its effects on contemporary relationships. FX extended the series for a fourth season in September 2016, which began airing on September 6, 2017. Later, in November 2017, FX confirmed a fifth and final season that premiered January 9, 2019, concluding on April 3, 2019.

Plot

Jimmy and Gretchen first cross paths at the wedding of Vernon and Becca Barbara. Two years prior, Becca had turned down Jimmy's marriage proposal; he attends the event intent on spoiling her celebration. Gretchen works as a publicist for a rap group and is there as Lindsay's guest—Lindsay being Becca’s sister and Gretchen’s closest friend who enables her chaotic lifestyle. Jimmy resides in an upscale Silver Lake neighborhood, drives a BMW, and earns a living through magazine writing supplemented by modest royalties from a little-known novel he authored during a depressive episode.

Their connection sparks when Jimmy is removed from the reception after offending Becca while Gretchen tries to steal a wrapped present. Although both insist they are uninterested in relationships, they end up hooking up and gradually develop a closer bond over the ensuing weeks.

Meanwhile, Lindsay is married to Paul, an affluent but unremarkable man whose nerdy interests contrast sharply with her reckless tendencies. Their marriage deteriorates due to Lindsay’s relapse into substance abuse and infidelity. Becca shares similar dissatisfaction with her immature husband Vernon, who prefers spending time in his man-cave socializing.

Jimmy’s roommate Edgar is an Iraq War veteran suffering from PTSD. Initially intended as a temporary living arrangement, Edgar becomes an indispensable companion and support for Jimmy both personally and around the house.

Main

• Chris Geere portrays Jimmy Shive-Overly, a bluntly honest yet self-absorbed British writer based in Los Angeles.
• Aya Cash plays Gretchen Cutler, a cynical and reckless executive in music public relations.
• Desmin Borges appears as Edgar Quintero, an Iraq War veteran dealing with PTSD who is Jimmy’s roommate and close friend.
• Kether Donohue acts as Lindsay Jillian (née Cottumaccio), Gretchen’s best friend who chose financial security over love by marrying.

Recurring

• Janet Varney features as Becca Barbara (née Cottumaccio), Lindsay’s sister and Jimmy’s former girlfriend.
• Todd Robert Anderson plays Vernon Barbara, Becca’s immature husband and Lindsay’s brother-in-law; an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip replacements.
• Allan McLeod portrays Paul Jillian, Lindsay’s wealthy ex-husband and Executive Vice President of Wealth Management at a bank with limited duties.
• Shane Francis Smith appears as Killian Mounce, the pre-teen neighbor of Jimmy and Edgar.
• Brandon Mychal Smith plays Sam Dresden, Gretchen’s primary client who leads a rap trio but has a preference for Craft Movement furniture.
• Darrell Britt-Gibson acts as Shitstain (Dale), another member of Sam's rap group.
• Colin Campbell appears as "Barfly," often seen drinking during bar scenes.
• Giovonnie Samuels features as Brianna (season 1), assistant at Gretchen’s PR firm.
• Stephen Schneider portrays Ty Wyland (seasons 1–2, 4), a film director and Gretchen’s ex-lover who occasionally returns causing friction with Jimmy.
• Allen Maldonado plays Honeynutz (seasons 1–3), part of Sam's rap trio; revealed to be 45 years old in season 4 before being dropped from the group.
• Steve Agee acts as Dutch (seasons 1–5), who misinterprets a comment leading him to pursue a career change.
• Mageina Tovah features as Amy Cadingle (season 2), a friend of Paul’s.
• Tessa Ferrer plays Nina Keune (season 2), former ski champion and owner of Jimmy's preferred bar.
• Collette Wolfe appears as Dorothy Durwood (seasons 2–3), member of Edgar’s improv comedy group.
• Kathleen Rose Perkins portrays Priscilla (seasons 3–4), stylist who employs Lindsay as her assistant.
• Doug Benson appears as himself (seasons 3–5); Edgar works under him as a sketch writer.
• Samira Wiley plays Justina Jordan (seasons 3 and 5), Gretchen’s therapist.
• Colin Ferguson acts as Boone (season 4), Ty's friend who develops a connection with Gretchen.
• Anne Dudek features as Whitney, Boone's ex-wife (season 4).
• Brendan Jennings portrays Neil (season 4), Whitney’s current husband who is bullied by Boone.
• Johnny Pemberton appears as Max (season 4), fellow sketch writer and new colleague of Edgar.
• Phil Abrams plays Steeb Corniglia, host of the fictional Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! parody Tip of My Tongue (seasons 1 and 4).
• JoNell Kennedy acts as Yvette (season 5), Gretchen's superior at work.
• Brandon Black features as Honeynutz 2 (season 5), replacing Maldonado in the rap trio.
• Lou Taylor Pucci portrays Nock Nock (season 5), a rapper.

Distinguished Guest Appearances

• Thomas Middleditch portrays the "Hipster Ringleader," who competes with Edgar during Sunday Funday events (seasons 1 and 5)
• Marc Evan Jackson appears as Vernon, the therapist for Becca and Barbara, advising them to sever ties with toxic individuals; he also counsels the rap trio (seasons 1 and 2)
• Sandra Bernhard features as herself (season 1)
• Henry Rollins makes a guest appearance as himself (season 2)
• Erik Griffin plays Trace, a radio personality who facilitates the on-air dispute between Sam and the rappers (season 2)
• Justin Kirk acts as Rob (season 2)
• Tara Summers takes on the role of Lexi (season 2)
• Ben Folds appears as himself across seasons 3 through 5
• Brian Posehn guest stars as himself (season 3)
• Raymond J. Barry portrays Burt, a resident of a trailer park retirement community (season 4)
• Dee Wallace acts as Gail, Burt’s neighbor (season 4)
• Merrin Dungey features as Candace, Jimmy's new representative in publishing (season 4)
• Zosia Mamet plays Heidi, a friend from Gretchen’s middle school days (season 4)
• Robin Riker appears as Faye Cottumaccio, an actress and mother to Lindsay and Becca (season 4)
• Lou Diamond Phillips guest stars as himself, one of Faye’s former romantic interests (season 4)
• Lucy Montgomery plays Katherine, Jimmy’s ex-classmate from English class (season 4)
• Amy Pietz portrays Adrienne, an erotica author whom Jimmy encounters at a book expo (season 4)
• Andy Daly appears as himself (season 4)
• Paul F. Tompkins features as himself (season 5)

Production

The pilot episode of You're the Worst, penned by Stephen Falk, was announced on July 17, 2013. Casting was finalized by September 19, 2013. FX officially ordered the pilot to series on January 24, 2014, commissioning an additional nine episodes for its inaugural season. The series received renewal for a third season on December 2, 2015, which premiered on August 31, 2016.

Filming predominantly takes place on location. Jimmy’s residence is situated in Silver Lake, Los Angeles. For the third season, an expanded replica of the house’s interior was constructed on a sound stage to facilitate improved camera maneuverability.

Season One

Season one achieved a Metacritic score of 65 out of 100 based on evaluations from 20 critics, signifying "generally favorable reviews." It secured the fourteenth position among critics' favorite television programs in 2014. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 82% approval rating from 34 critic reviews, averaging a score of 7.3 out of 10. Reviews highlighted its witty script and compelling chemistry that expertly combines comedic elements with a cynical tone. The A.V. Club included it among the top ten television series of the year. Vanity Fair described it as "The perfect love story of our time," while David Wiegand from the San Francisco Chronicle hailed it as the best sitcom released in 2014.

Season Two

The second season garnered a Metacritic score of 82 out of 100 from fourteen critics, reflecting "universal acclaim." On Rotten Tomatoes, it received a high approval rating of 97% based on thirty-four reviews, with an average rating of 8.5 out of ten. The critical consensus praised its skillful balance between character development and bold humor, which elevated both the writing quality and performances.

Season Three

For its third installment, the series earned an impressive Metacritic score of 85 out of 100 from fourteen critics, indicating "universal acclaim." Rotten Tomatoes reported a flawless approval rating of 100% based on twenty-nine reviews with an average score of 8.4 out of ten. Critics commended You're the Worst for addressing serious subject matter with intelligence, emotional depth, and sharp wit as its main characters begin to mature and evolve.

Season 4

The fourth season continued to garner widespread critical acclaim, achieving a Metacritic score of 84/100 based on 5 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim." On Rotten Tomatoes, it earned a perfect 100% approval rating from 15 critics, with an average score of 8.5/10. Reviewers praised the series for its adept fusion of humor and drama while preserving its unique narrative voice.

Season 5

The final season sustained the series' high praise, receiving an 86/100 rating on Metacritic from 5 critiques and maintaining a flawless 100% approval on Rotten Tomatoes from 13 reviews, with an average of 8.3/10. Critics highlighted the season for providing a well-suited conclusion that combined the show's trademark sharp wit with genuine emotional depth.

The concluding episode was met with extensive positive feedback. Ben Travers of IndieWire assigned it an "A," commending creator Stephen Falk for delivering a fulfilling finale that solidified the main characters as groundbreaking figures within romantic comedy satire. Similarly, Vikram Murthi from The A.V. Club awarded an "A," emphasizing the show's insightful portrayal of modern relationships and clinical depression, culminating in characters opting for meaningful bonds to confront life's challenges.

Accolades

During the 5th Critics' Choice Television Awards, the show earned a nomination for Best Comedy Series. At the 6th Critics' Choice Television Awards, it was again nominated for Best Comedy Series, with Aya Cash and Kether Donohue recognized in the categories of Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, respectively. The 32nd TCA Awards included nominations for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy for the series and Individual Achievement in Comedy for Aya Cash.