La La Land

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  • TV-MA
  • 2010
  • 1 Season
  • 7.9  (396)

La La Land is a British-American hybrid reality TV series that aired on Showtime in 2010. The series features a minimalist, realistic design, and the only star is British comedian Marc Wootton, the creative genius behind the show's trio of eccentric characters. True to his tradition of delivering the element of surprise, Wootton keeps his audience laughing and guessing throughout the series.

In the series, Wootton brings to life three diverse characters: aspiring actor Gary Garner, struggling psychic Shirley Ghostman, and aspiring filmmaker Brendan Allen. Each of these characters embarks on their individual journey towards ‘stardom’ in the heart of the entertainment industry, Los Angeles, hence the title 'La La Land.'

It is important to note that, while it may look like an ordinary series at a glance, La La Land offers a clever twist in its plot. The so-called reality show format is a unique projection of the blurred line between fiction and reality. Sheron Wootton uses a quasi-structured approach to create characters that are genuine, relatable, and hilarious in their somewhat delusional pursuit of their dreams.

Gary Garner showcases Wootton’s mastery of inimitable comedy. Gary is a cheerful individual chasing his dream of becoming an actor. He consistently straddles between optimism and ignorance, which is hilariously offset by his lack of talent. An unwavering believer in his destiny to become a Hollywood star, Gary’s blissful ignorance of his debatable talent stands out as he cheerfully navigates the trials and tribulations of Hollywood.

Shirley Ghostman, meanwhile, is characterized as a medium of questionable legitimacy who claims to receive messages from spirits on the other side. She faces a constant struggle for recognition as a legitimate psychic in a city filled with sceptics and critics. Her perseverance and infectiously confident demeanor are as entertaining as they are baffling.

Brendan Allen is the embodiment of a dreamy filmmaker, however, his unique approach to filmmaking, inability to grasp basic film concepts, and offbeat style add a unique flavor of comedy to the series. His relentless pursuit of fame despite repeated failures, combined with his black and white view of the world, makes him an intriguing character to follow.

What sets La La Land apart is the unsuspecting public who unknowingly become part of the series. As Wootton interacts with regular people while in character, their reactions add a unique layer of humor to the show. While they believe they are simply encountering an eccentric individual, viewers of the show are aware that they are watching an elaborate and skillful performance. This well-executed interaction between the characters and the public adds a raw, unpredictable edge to La La Land.

La La Land's comedic genius lies in its ability to highlight the absurdities and eccentric nature of Hollywood's culture as the characters march ahead with their delusions. The series does not seek to ridicule the people it encounters, but rather to provide audience with a humorous lens through which to examine the human experience.

Although the show lasted only one season, it left an impression of trademark British humor infused with an American twist. The characters, the setting, and the unique approach to the plot made it a much-beloved series for as long as it lasted. With La La Land, Wootton seized the opportunity to comedy to narrate tales about the pursuit of dreams are brazenly outlandish and yet, somehow, touchingly relatable. Figuring out where the character ends and the real world begins is part of the fun in this clever and boundary-pushing show.

In addition to Wootton's superb performance, the series also features excellent camera work, a punchy and lively soundtrack, and careful pacing that allows the comedy to breathe while keeping the audience engaged.

La La Land is a perfect watch for those who love dry, quirky humor. It offers hearty laughter throughout, delivering comedy that is sometimes loud, at times subdued but always entertaining. Whether you are a fan of Marc Wootton’s unconventional storytelling, a lover of reality TV, or simply a seeker of comedy, La La Land is a must-watch.

La La Land
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Seasons
Episode 106
6. Episode 106
March 1, 2010
In the Season One finale, Gary tries to persuade a cult film director to invest the budget of their short in...
Episode 105
5. Episode 105
February 22, 2010
Brendon focuses on the custody battle of his estranged son.
Episode 104
4. Episode 104
February 15, 2010
Gary finally books an audition – a TV commercial for a mattress store chain – and hires an acting coach to help him prepare. He proves to be a difficult student and things go from bad to worse when he takes the coach’s advice to shadow a mattress salesman at work. Meanwhile, Shirley attempts to set up a psychic hotline to sell spiritual alarm clocks and outdoor lanterns. After hiring a staff of operators, Shirley coaches his new recruits on how to persuade callers that his products will allow them to communicate with the dead. Brendan decides to become the first right-wing Michael Moore and make a documentary celebrating the work of the Minutemen, a volunteer organization on a crusade to keep illegal immigrants out of America.
Episode 103
3. Episode 103
February 8, 2010
Brendan rescues a condor.
Episode 102
2. Episode 102
February 1, 2010
Shirley, Brendan, and Gary continue to try to get noticed.
Pilot
1. Pilot
January 25, 2010
In the Season One premiere, Gary settles into the Laurel Canyon mansion of Ruta Lee, a Golden Age actress he...
Description
  • Premiere Date
    January 25, 2010
  • IMDB Rating
    7.9  (396)