The Too Much review reveals why this 2025 romantic comedy series showcases Lena Dunham’s return to television at her most refined. Dunham’s direction and co-creation with Luis Felber delivers authentic insights into modern dating and self-discovery across cultures.
What happens when you combine the awkwardness of post-breakup recovery with the chaos of starting over in a foreign country? You get romantic comedy perfection. Too Much (2025), created by Lena Dunham and Luis Felber, stands as one of the most genuine romantic comedies in recent television. This heartwarming series follows workaholic Jessica as she flees New York heartbreak for London, only to discover that love finds you when you least expect it. While the show operates on familiar romantic comedy territory, it succeeds because it never forces its emotional beats—every moment of connection and confusion feels completely authentic.
Synopsis
After a devastating breakup, New York workaholic Jessica (Megan Stalter) moves to London planning on being alone. She meets Felix (Will Sharpe) who causes her to reconsider finding love again. What begins as a plan for solitary healing transforms into an unexpected journey of romance and self-discovery in unfamiliar territory.
When a heartbroken New Yorker moves to London hoping for a love story, she falls for an indie musician who’s anything but the typical romantic hero. With the help of new London friends and the challenge of navigating British culture, Jessica must confront her patterns in relationships while discovering what she truly wants from love and life.
Plot & Themes
Too Much operates on a deceptively simple premise: sometimes the best way to heal is to throw yourself into completely unfamiliar circumstances. The London setting serves as both backdrop and catalyst for exploring deeper questions about cultural identity, emotional vulnerability, and the courage to remain open to love after heartbreak.
The series’ genius lies in its commitment to emotional authenticity. When Jessica struggles with British social customs or misreads romantic signals, the show never mocks her cultural confusion. These moments work because Dunham approaches them with genuine empathy, allowing viewers to feel Jessica’s disorientation without judgment.
Thematically, the series celebrates the transformative power of geographic displacement while acknowledging that running away doesn’t solve internal problems. Jessica’s journey isn’t just about finding love with Felix—it’s about learning to love herself enough to be vulnerable again.
Cinematography & Visuals
The cinematography captures the romantic appeal of London with visual warmth that serves the romantic comedy perfectly. The visual style emphasizes the contrast between Jessica’s sterile New York work environment and the organic charm of London’s neighborhoods, making her emotional transformation even more powerful through stunning location photography.
The series excels in intimate relationship moments. The sequences showing Jessica and Felix’s developing connection demonstrate perfect comedic timing and romantic framing. The camera captures awkward cultural misunderstandings and tender romantic beats with equal skill, never lingering too long on embarrassing moments.
London locations reward multiple viewings. Throughout episodes, the city becomes a character itself, with different neighborhoods reflecting Jessica’s emotional journey from isolation to connection.
Acting & Characters
Megan Stalter (also Kayla on Hacks) delivers a career-defining performance as Jessica. Her portrayal of a woman rebuilding herself after heartbreak transforms potentially clichéd romantic comedy situations into genuinely moving character moments. Stalter’s ability to balance vulnerability with strength makes Jessica’s journey feel universally relatable.
Will Sharpe brings nuanced charm to Felix, creating a love interest who feels like a real person rather than a romantic ideal. His chemistry with Stalter develops naturally, creating a relationship that feels earned rather than inevitable.
The supporting cast, including Emily Ratajkowski, Andrew Scott, Naomi Watts, and Jennifer Saunders, provides excellent ensemble work that makes London feel like a living, breathing community rather than a romantic backdrop.
Richard E. Grant and Stephen Fry add gravitas and British wit to the series, grounding the romantic storylines in authentic cultural details.
Direction & Writing
Lena Dunham’s direction maintains perfect comedic and emotional pacing throughout the series. Coming from her acclaimed work on Girls, Dunham understood that modern romantic comedies require delicate balance between humor and genuine emotion. Every cultural misunderstanding and romantic revelation is given space to breathe without sacrificing narrative momentum.
The writing by Dunham and Felber layers comedic and emotional beats at multiple levels:
- Cultural differences that feel authentic rather than stereotypical
- Romantic development that rewards careful attention to character growth
- Workplace dynamics that explore modern professional anxiety
- Family relationships that add depth without overwhelming the central romance
The series structure follows romantic comedy conventions while subverting them through genuine character complexity. This creates familiarity that makes the unexpected emotional moments land with greater impact.
Sound & Music
Luis Felber’s original music perfectly captures the indie London music scene while supporting the romantic narrative. The soundtrack blends contemporary British indie tracks with instrumental themes that reflect Jessica’s emotional journey.
The use of ambient London sounds creates immersive atmosphere. Street noise, pub chatter, and Underground announcements place viewers directly into Jessica’s London experience, making her cultural adaptation feel authentic.
Musical choices enhance rather than overwhelm romantic moments. Key scenes between Jessica and Felix are allowed to breathe with minimal musical interference, trusting the audience to connect with their developing relationship through natural chemistry.
Conclusion & Verdict
Too Much succeeds because it respects both its characters and its audience. Every element—from writing to performance to direction—works in service of authentic romantic storytelling without sacrificing comedic entertainment.
Strengths:
- Megan Stalter’s compelling lead performance that anchors every episode
- Authentic cultural details that avoid stereotypical portrayals
- Excellent romantic chemistry that develops naturally
- Strong ensemble cast that creates genuine London community atmosphere
Minor Weaknesses:
- Some romantic plot points feel slightly familiar despite fresh execution
- Occasional pacing issues in episodes focusing primarily on workplace dynamics
This series remains essential viewing for romantic comedy fans and anyone who appreciates character-driven storytelling about life transitions. Too Much works for audiences who enjoyed Emily in Paris, Fleabag, or Modern Love.
Rating: 8.5/10
Creators: Lena Dunham, Luis Felber
TV Rating: TV-MA
Starring: Megan Stalter, Will Sharpe, Emily Ratajkowski, Andrew Scott, Naomi Watts, Jennifer Saunders
For more romantic comedy reviews, check out our analysis of other Netflix original series. You can also explore the show’s London filming locations at the Internet Movie Database.
