Laid Season 1 cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the upcoming Peacock rom-com

Peacock's latest dark comedy Laid is already generating buzz, thanks to its unique mix of humor, mystery, and a dash of the macabre. The story revolves around Ruby, a woman who discovers her former lovers are mysteriously dying one by one. With a stellar cast and a quirky premise, the show offers plenty of laughs, suspense, and heartfelt moments.

Here’s a closer look at the main characters.

Cast and character guide

Stephanie Hsu as Ruby

Ruby is the heart of Laid. A Seattle-based party planner, her life takes a bizarre turn when her exes start dropping dead. Stephanie Hsu brings wit, charm, and emotional depth to this complex character. Ruby’s personality is a mix of humor and vulnerability, making her relatable despite the absurdity of her situation.

She is known for -

Everything Everywhere All At Once (as Joy Wang/Jobu Tupaki)
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (as Mei Lin)

Zosia Mamet as AJ

AJ is Ruby’s quirky best friend and roommate, a true-crime enthusiast who helps Ruby investigate the mysterious deaths. Zosia Mamet’s portrayal adds both humor and heart, making AJ a standout character.

Notable past works -

Girls (as Shoshanna Shapiro)
The Flight Attendant (as Annie Mouradian)

Michael Angarano as Richie

Richie is a trivia host with a quirky charm who plays a key role in Ruby’s quest for answers. His unpredictable personality keeps the story engaging.

He's mainly known for -

This Is Us (as Nicky Pearson)
Sky High (as Will Stronghold)

Tommy Martinez as Isaac

Isaac, Ruby’s dashing new client and love interest, adds a romantic angle to the story. His chemistry with Ruby injects warmth into the otherwise dark narrative.

Known for his works like -

Good Trouble (as Gael Martinez)
Riverdale (as Malachai)

Andre Hyland as Zack

Zack, AJ’s boyfriend and a struggling video game streamer, brings a lighter, comedic element to the show.

Other cast members:

Simu Liu as Brad
Chloe Fineman as Chelsea
Finneas O’Connell as Jason
Uli Latukefu as Caleb
David Denman as Corbin the Clown
Olivia Holt as Vicki

Plot of Laid

Laid cleverly intertwines themes of love, death, and self-discovery. The story begins with Ruby, a party planner living in Seattle, who is blindsided by the sudden death of one of her ex-boyfriends. Soon after, another former lover dies, and Ruby realizes that all her past hookups are meeting the same grim fate.

This chilling pattern forces Ruby to revisit her dating history and confront unresolved emotions. With the help of AJ, her crime-obsessed roommate, Ruby sets out to warn her remaining exes about their impending doom. Along the way, she faces uncomfortable truths about her relationships and tries to shield her new love interest, Isaac, from a similar fate.

At its core, Laid is a celebration of the bond between Ruby and AJ. Their banter, shared history, and unwavering support for one another provide emotional depth and comedic relief.

The show’s humor leans heavily on the absurdity of the situation. Deaths are portrayed with a mix of shock and comedy, reminiscent of Final Destination but with a lighter twist.

Through Ruby’s journey, Laid explores the highs and lows of modern dating. It’s as much a story about death as it is about love, heartbreak, and personal growth.

Stephanie Hsu shines as Ruby, capturing her struggles with charm and relatability. Zosia Mamet steals scenes with her portrayal of AJ, whose passion for solving mysteries adds a dynamic layer to the story.

However, the show isn’t without flaws. While the premise is intriguing, the narrative sometimes overcomplicates itself, especially when delving into the “why” behind the deaths. The tonal shifts between humor and mystery don’t always land smoothly.

Laid is bold, creative, and unlike anything else on TV. While it occasionally stumbles in its execution, the strong performances and unique concept make it worth a watch. The chemistry between the cast and the clever mix of dark humor and heartfelt moments keep viewers hooked.

Whether or not a second season is in the works remains to be seen, but for now, Ruby and AJ’s chaotic adventures provide plenty of entertainment.