Check Out 'It Could Be Worse' - The Series That Puts the 'Dramedy' in Disaster
It Could Be Worse is the kind of series that sneaks up on you: one moment, you're laughing at an awkward audition or a failed hookup, and the next, you're cringing in secondhand embarrassment. This sharply written dark comedy dives headfirst into the world of show business through the lens of Jacob Gordon, a young actor plagued by self-doubt, bad luck, and the relentless pursuit of success in New York City. With its fast-paced storytelling, uncomfortable realism, and biting humor, It Could Be Worse turns the chaos of ambition and anxiety into painfully relatable entertainment.
This cult-favorite "dramedy" explores what happens when the line between personal disaster and professional opportunity gets very, very blurry. With a tone that echoes the best of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Fleabag, and Girls, the series manages to be hilarious and deeply human at the same time. Created by Wesley Taylor and Mitchell Jarvis, both of whom have Broadway backgrounds, It Could Be Worse is a self-aware, semi-autobiographical portrait of what it means to chase dreams in the era of social media, side hustles, and emotional breakdowns.
About the Series
It Could Be Worse first debuted online in 2013 as a web series before being picked up by Pivot TV, a now-defunct cable channel. Its indie roots are evident in its raw, confessional style and quick, punchy episodes, many of which run under 10 minutes. The brevity of the show only adds to its addictive quality — each episode feels like a delicious glimpse into a disaster that keeps unfolding.
At its core, the show follows Jacob Gordon, an openly gay actor who is trying (and often failing) to balance his career and personal life. Whether it's dealing with a neurotic agent, a series of humiliating auditions, or awkward encounters with exes, Jacob's journey is a chaotic mix of self-inflicted wounds and systemic absurdities. But what makes the show truly engaging is its honesty. Jacob's emotional breakdowns, his sense of inadequacy, and his spiraling over minor setbacks are never played for cheap laughs — they're the heart of the story.
Beyond the humor, It Could Be Worse also tackles themes like sexual identity, rejection, ambition, mental health, and the crushing pressure of success. It does so with a tone that feels authentic, vulnerable, and always a bit unhinged. The creators lean into the messiness of life, refusing to offer clean resolutions or easy growth. And somehow, that makes it all the more satisfying to watch.
The series also reflects the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ performers in the entertainment industry. Through Jacob's perspective, viewers are exposed to the microaggressions, the internalized shame, and the fight for visibility that many queer artists endure. Yet, these elements are handled with sensitivity and sharp wit, elevating the show from a simple comedy to a statement about resilience and self-acceptance.
Meet the Cast and Their Iconic Roles
One of the biggest strengths of It Could Be Worse lies in its cast, which features a mix of Broadway talent, television regulars, and surprise celebrity cameos. Wesley Taylor stars as Jacob Gordon, bringing an earnestness and dry wit that makes even the most mortifying scenes compelling. His portrayal of a struggling artist on the edge of emotional collapse is both hilarious and heartbreakingly familiar.
Jacob Gordon (Wesley Taylor)
Jacob is our guide through the madness. Endearingly insecure and relentlessly self-critical, he embodies the millennial dreamer: deeply talented, utterly unsure, and often his own worst enemy. Taylor brings a vulnerability to the role that makes Jacob feel real, even in his most exaggerated moments. His evolution throughout the series is subtle but powerful, reflecting the emotional rollercoaster of anyone trying to 'make it' in a tough industry.
Sam (Mitchell Jarvis)
Jacob's best friend and occasional voice of reason, Sam, is a mix of chaos and charm. Jarvis's comedic timing is spot-on, and his chemistry with Taylor adds depth to their on-screen friendship. Sam is often the person pushing Jacob to be bolder, even when the advice is catastrophically bad. Yet, beneath his comic exterior, Sam also deals with insecurities that occasionally peek through, offering a fuller character arc.
Ben (Gideon Glick)
Jacob's boyfriend, Ben, is one of the show's most grounded characters. He offers stability and compassion, but even their relationship isn't immune to the pressures of ambition and insecurity. Their ups and downs give the series emotional weight beyond the laughs. Ben is a mirror to Jacob's inner conflict, and their scenes together often reveal deeper truths about identity and intimacy.
Veronica Bailey (Alison Fraser)
Jacob's ruthless and eccentric agent, Veronica, is a scene-stealer. She delivers brutal one-liners with theatrical flair and zero patience for Jacob's neurotic spirals. Fraser's performance injects a shot of absurdity into every episode she appears in. Her character represents the cutthroat nature of showbiz but with an exaggerated, almost satirical edge that keeps her from becoming a villain.
Guest Appearances
The show also features cameos from notable actors like Audra McDonald, Debra Monk, and Richard Kind, whose surprise appearances elevate the comedy while adding a meta-theatrical layer to the series. These appearances not only offer delightful surprises for Broadway fans but also reflect the creators' deep connections within the theatre community.
Season Overview and Episode Breakdown
Season 1
The first season introduces Jacob's world with a flurry of failed auditions, uncomfortable hookups, and existential spirals. It sets the tone for what's to come: fast-paced, self-deprecating, and oddly heartwarming. Each episode peels back another layer of Jacob's life as a young gay actor trying to make it in New York while barely keeping it together.
Some standout episodes include:
- "Pilot": Jacob bombards his agent with a series of panicked voicemails about an upcoming audition.
- "It's a Small Room": A claustrophobic callback turns into a social minefield.
- "The Talkback": A nightmare Q&A session reveals Jacob's worst insecurities.
Season 2
In Season 2, the stakes are higher, and the disasters are bigger. Jacob books a role in a national tour, but success doesn't magically fix everything — if anything, it makes the pressure worse. New characters are introduced, and relationships are tested as Jacob spirals further into anxiety and confusion.
Highlights include:
- "Out of Town": Jacob grapples with leaving his life behind for a touring job.
- "Callbacks and Comebacks": Old faces resurface with new baggage.
- "The Breakdown": An emotional climax that cements the show's blend of comedy and tragedy.
Though the episodes are short, the show manages to pack a lot into each scene, creating a binge-worthy experience that balances slapstick with sincerity. From navigating identity crises to sabotaging his opportunities, Jacob's story is one of beautiful imperfection.
Where You Can Catch It
Previously airing online and briefly on Pivot TV, It Could Be Worse can now be viewed in its entirety on multiple platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. A few episodes remain available through the show's original web channels and Vimeo. It's ideal for a weekend binge — or even a long evening — given its format and brevity.
Available on a freely accessible platform and filled with short, digestible episodes, It Could Be Worse is also a great entry point for viewers who are less familiar with LGBTQ+ storytelling or indie web series. Its tone, though steeped in comedy, also unlocks a door to the necessary conversation around mental health, ambition and the pressure to perform happiness online and in real life.
Final Thoughts
It Could Be Worse isn't grabbing neighbor/nosebleed-level ratings that some larger network comedies do, but it more than compensates in terms of freshness, sharp writing, and emotional resonance. It's a show for anyone who's ever wondered whether they're one bad audition away from a meltdown — and who's learned to take a giggle at the madness.
What distinguishes the series, though, is its emotional fidelity. It provides no redemption arcs and no heroic success stories. Instead, it presents a portrait of the messier live-rounds of creative ambition, where talent doesn't always equal opportunity and love doesn't conquer neurosis. In that effort, it becomes an act of narrative honesty.
Fusing moments of comically bad luck with poignant self-reflection, the series demonstrates that often, the worst experiences translate to the most entertaining narratives. And if you're ever feeling low about your own mistakes, remember: It could always be worse.