You know that feeling when you hear a premise for a show and think, "Wait, that’s actually insane"? That is exactly what happened when Peacock announced Laid. It is based on an Australian series by Marieke Hardy, but this American reimagining is taking a massive swing. The story follows a woman who finds out her former lovers are dying in bizarre ways. To stop the body count, she has to revisit her romantic past. It’s dark. It’s weird. Honestly, it’s exactly what the streaming landscape needs right now. But a show like this only works if the actors can balance the "dead ex" trauma with genuine comedic timing.
The Laid TV series cast is finally coming into focus, and it is a fascinating mix of Oscar-nominated talent and reliable comedic heavyweights.
The Lead: Stephanie Hsu is Driving the Chaos
Stephanie Hsu is everywhere, and for good reason. After her massive breakout in Everything Everywhere All At Once, she could have easily just chased blockbuster roles. Instead, she’s leading the Laid TV series cast as Ruby. Ruby is the person at the center of this accidental death spree.
It’s a tricky role. You have to be likable enough that the audience doesn’t just think you’re a curse, but frantic enough to justify the "revisiting the exes" plotline. Hsu has this specific energy—a blend of high-octane anxiety and deep vulnerability—that makes her perfect for a dark comedy about mortality and bad dating choices. She isn't just a funny actress; she’s an actor who understands the physical comedy of panic.
The Supporting Players: Zosia Mamet and Michael Angarano
A show about a woman whose exes are dropping like flies needs a solid support system. Or at least a funny one.
Zosia Mamet joins the cast as AJ. If you watched Girls or The Flight Attendant, you know Mamet is the queen of the "best friend who is slightly more unhinged than the lead" archetype. In Laid, she’s playing Ruby’s best friend. Expect a lot of deadpan reactions to very morbid situations.
Then we have Michael Angarano. He’s been around forever—literally since he was a kid in Sky High and Almost Famous. Recently, he’s been doing incredible work in things like Oppenheimer and The Knick. In this series, he plays Richie. The dynamic between Hsu, Mamet, and Angarano is essentially the engine of the show. If their chemistry doesn't click, the "dead ex of the week" formula gets old fast. Luckily, these are three of the most grounded performers in the business.
🔗 Read more: Bad For Me Lyrics Kevin Gates: The Messy Truth Behind the Song
Why Tommy Dorfman is a Vital Addition
Adding to the core group is Tommy Dorfman. Known largely for 13 Reasons Why, Dorfman has become a significant voice in the industry. Her casting adds a layer of contemporary relevance to the show’s exploration of identity and relationships. While we don't know every single detail of her character's arc yet, her presence suggests that the show is going to explore a wide spectrum of the "dating history" map.
The Guest Stars: Who are the "Dead" Exes?
This is where the Laid TV series cast gets really interesting. Because the show revolves around Ruby visiting her past lovers, the series is structured to feature a "who's who" of guest stars.
We’ve seen confirmation of some heavy hitters.
- Andre Hyland: Known for his unique, slightly offbeat comedic style.
- Olivia Holt: Bringing that former Disney-star-turned-prestige-actor energy.
- David Rysdahl: Who was absolutely haunting in Fargo Season 5.
- Finneas O'Connell: Yes, Billie Eilish’s brother. He’s been dipping his toes into acting more and more, and his inclusion here is a huge draw for a younger demographic.
The "Ex of the Week" format allows the show to cycle through different comedic tones. One episode might be a slapstick disaster, while the next is a melancholic look at "the one that got away"—before they, you know, die.
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Powerhouse
You can't talk about the cast without talking about who is directing them. Nahnatchka Khan is executive producing and directing. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because she gave us Fresh Off the Boat and Always Be My Maybe. She has a specific knack for making "high-concept" premises feel like real life.
She's working alongside Sally Bradford McKenna. The collaboration between these two suggests that Laid won't just be a series of "freak accident" gags. It’s going to have teeth. It's going to talk about how we treat our past partners like ghosts even before they actually become ones.
💡 You might also like: Ashley Johnson: The Last of Us Voice Actress Who Changed Everything
The Source Material vs. The Peacock Version
The original Australian version of Laid was cult-famous for being unapologetically bleak. The American version seems to be leaning into that, but with a slightly glossier, fast-paced "Peacock" vibe.
The challenge for the Laid TV series cast is to maintain that Australian "no-BS" attitude while making it work for a US audience. Usually, when we adapt these shows, we make them too sweet. From everything we’ve seen about the casting of Stephanie Hsu, it doesn't look like they're going for "sweet." They're going for "stressed out and slightly traumatized."
Why the Casting Matters for Peacock's Strategy
Streaming services are in a weird spot in 2026. Everyone is looking for that "bingeable" dark comedy that feels like Dead to Me or The Flight Attendant.
By securing Stephanie Hsu right after her Oscar nomination, Peacock signaled that they aren't just making a "filler" sitcom. This is a prestige play. The Laid TV series cast represents a shift toward "talent-first" development. You hire the people who can carry a scene with nothing but a facial expression because, frankly, when your plot is "everyone I've slept with is dying," you need to be able to sell the absurdity.
What to Expect from the Performances
Expect a lot of rapid-fire dialogue. Expect Zosia Mamet to deliver lines that make you uncomfortable in a good way. Expect Michael Angarano to be the "straight man" who eventually cracks.
But mostly, expect Stephanie Hsu to carry the emotional weight. The show lives or dies—pun intended—on whether we care about Ruby’s journey. If she just feels like a harbinger of doom, the show is a horror. If she feels like a woman trying to navigate the messiness of her 20s and 30s, it’s a masterpiece.
📖 Related: Archie Bunker's Place Season 1: Why the All in the Family Spin-off Was Weirder Than You Remember
Real-World Implications of the "Cursed" Narrative
There's a subtle psychological layer here that the cast is reportedly leaning into. It’s the idea of "romantic baggage." We all have exes we wish would just... disappear (metaphorically). Seeing that play out literally provides a weirdly cathartic experience for the viewer. The actors have mentioned in various press snippets that the show explores the "butterfly effect" of our choices. One bad breakup ten years ago might be the reason for a literal piano falling on someone's head today.
Final Thoughts on the Ensemble
The Laid TV series cast is one of the most balanced ensembles we’ve seen in a comedy pilot in years. It doesn't rely on one single "superstar" to do all the heavy lifting, even if Hsu is the clear lead. It feels like a genuine troupe.
If you are a fan of dark humor, or if you've ever looked back at your dating history and winced, this is going to be your new obsession. The show manages to take a terrifying premise and turn it into a commentary on how we connect with people in a digital, disposable age.
Actionable Insights for Viewers:
- Watch the Original: If you want to see where the DNA of this show came from, find the original Australian Laid. It’s only two seasons and provides a great roadmap for what to expect.
- Follow the Guest List: Keep an eye on the weekly guest stars. The show is designed to be a showcase for character actors you recognize but can't quite name.
- Context is Everything: Treat this as a "horror-comedy" rather than a standard sitcom. The stakes are literal death, so don't expect a "happily ever after" in every episode.
- Check the Credits: Look for Nahnatchka Khan’s influence in the pacing; her shows tend to move fast, so don't blink or you'll miss a joke.
The series is set to be a cornerstone of Peacock’s scripted lineup this year. Given the pedigree of the actors involved, it’s safe to say the "dead ex" trope is about to get a major, much-needed facelift.