Too Much: A Rom-Com That Doesn’t Quite Hit the Mark

 

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Lena Dunham’s latest Netflix series Too Much arrives with a bold voice, an eccentric lead, and a lot of emotional baggage. 

Created by Dunham and starring comedian Meg Stalter as the erratic, heartbroken New Yorker Jessica, the show attempts to blend offbeat comedy with a cross-cultural romance in London. Unfortunately, while the premise holds promise, the execution feels flat.

A Rom-Com That Struggles to Engage

From the first episode, Too Much sets itself up as a quirky, self-aware romantic comedy. Jessica, reeling from a breakup and an over-the-top life in New York, relocates to London and falls into a whirlwind connection with the reserved and emotionally withdrawn Felix (Will Sharpe). It’s a classic opposites-attract setup—but instead of sparking excitement, the pacing feels sluggish, and the story never quite takes off.

As a viewer, I found it difficult to stay engaged. The stakes feel low, the emotional shifts abrupt, and while the dialogue aims for clever, it rarely lands as funny or profound. The series leans into awkwardness and emotional messiness—a hallmark of Dunham’s style—but without the punch or freshness that Girls once brought to the table.

Besides, it feels like a bad remake of Emily in Paris.

Meg Stalter Tries Her Best, But the Writing Doesn’t Help

Stalter is known for her high-energy, absurdist comedic persona, and she brings that flair to Jessica. However, the character often feels trapped between being a caricature and someone we’re meant to empathize with. 

Her impulsive behavior may resonate with some viewers, but it comes off more erratic than endearing. Will Sharpe’s Felix, meanwhile, is underwritten and emotionally distant, which makes it hard to invest in their dynamic.

Aesthetically Pleasing, But Emotionally Hollow

Visually, Too Much is well-crafted. London is charming, the sets are thoughtfully designed, and there’s a soft, almost melancholic tone that suits the story’s premise. Still, good aesthetics can’t save a series that doesn’t quite connect. 

The emotional beats feel forced rather than earned, and while there are moments of sincerity, they’re often buried beneath stylistic choices that don’t pay off.

Is Too Much Worth Watching?

If you’re a fan of Lena Dunham’s previous work, or you’re looking for a rom-com that explores messier, less polished relationships, Too Much might appeal to you. But for many viewers—myself included—it’s a slow, meandering watch that lacks spark, humor, and narrative momentum.

There’s potential here, but it’s never fully realized.