Exclusive Interview: Stephanie Hsu and Zosia Mamet on ‘Laid,’ Chosen Family, and Redefining Representation in Storytelling

Peacock’s new original comedy Laid is anything but your typical rom-com. When Ruby (Stephanie Hsu) discovers her exes are dropping like flies—literally—she enlists her best friend AJ (Zosia Mamet) to help figure out why her body count is turning into a body count. Together, they dive headfirst into her romantic past, armed with a sex log that’s as incriminating as it is enlightening. Equal parts twisted and laugh-out-loud funny, Laid playfully asks: what happens when the real baggage in a relationship turns out to be you?

At its heart, Laid is driven by exceptional performances that bring depth to its twisted humor and sharp storytelling. Stephanie Hsu shines not only as the lead but also as an executive producer, delivering a layered portrayal of Ruby—a character whose flaws and reluctance to take accountability make her both infuriating and endearing. Hsu skillfully navigates Ruby’s journey, capturing her resistance to face uncomfortable truths while still making her someone audiences can root for. Over the course of Season 1, as Ruby is confronted with the fallout of her choices, her evolution feels raw and authentic, adding a deeper emotional resonance to the show.

Zosia Mamet brings warmth and depth to AJ, Ruby’s best friend and steadfast ally. Rather than challenging Ruby outright, AJ offers unconditional support, serving as the rock Ruby desperately needs as she grapples with the chaos of her life. Their friendship becomes the heart of the show.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Stephanie Hsu and Zosia Mamet about bringing Laid to life, exploring chosen family, and redefining representation in storytelling.

PC: Stephanie, you shared this beautiful sentiment about protecting your artistic heart and working with people and projects that call to you and challenge you creatively. What was it about Laid that spoke to you?
Stephanie: Definitely the premise of the story. It’s wild and insane. It feels like such a juicy arc to jump into and sink your teeth into. But I have to say, when I met Nahnatchka [Khan], Sally [Bradford], and Jen [Carreras], it felt like we were old pals. It was so fun—we just giggled the whole time. When they first pitched it to me, I had some questions, and they immediately said, “Hey, if you come on board, you’re part of this. We want to hear your thoughts. We can always shift the story or anything to something that resonates with you and feels exciting to you.” It was so collaborative right from the start, and that seed only continued to grow. It felt like such a no-brainer. Every single person we have on board with us is truly amazing.

PC: Beautifully said. Zosia, at the heart of this story is this female friendship and how often it’s stronger than any romantic relationship. These women not only support each other but also hold each other accountable. I know that chosen family has been such a running theme within the show, your life, and your career. Who have been the women in your own life who have held space for you in a similar way? Did you channel them into that dynamic between AJ and Ruby?
Stephanie: Beautiful question.

Zosia: What a beautiful question.

Stephanie: Someone’s a poet. [laughs]

Zosia: I’ve been really lucky in my life to have incredible chosen family. I think chosen family is both a wonderful gift and a big responsibility because, unlike family, it’s not something given. With family, we’ll always be there for each other no matter what because we’re blood. Chosen family, on the other hand, requires a bit more care—it’s delicate and precious. I tried to bring that to this dynamic as well and think about the people who have done that for me. It’s easy to forget and take those people for granted.

That’s something that happens between these two characters, too. It’s about reminding yourself that you weren’t born into this relationship; you chose this person, and they chose you. Sometimes you have to nurture that friendship a little more, realize that you might be leaning too hard on them without acknowledging it, and remember to say thank you.

PC: Yeah. Stephanie, apologies for the long-winded question, but you’ve been such a trailblazer for our community. So much of Ruby’s journey throughout this series is about self-discovery and her past. You’ve been so open about the fact that if you don’t see yourself reflected in the media you consume, it’s almost impossible to imagine that it’s a possibility. Not only are you leading this fantastic series where the character’s storyline isn’t tied to her racial identity, but you’re also an executive producer making that change happen. What would you say to that young girl who fell in love with storytelling after making a lemonade ad, who almost couldn’t imagine this was possible? Have you had time to reflect on the fact that you’re ensuring future generations of people who look like us won’t have to experience something similar? What has this moment meant to you?
Stephanie: You need to write a book. You’re giving us research and poetry. Thank you so much for asking that question and for saying that. One of my favorite things—and one of the biggest opportunities of my life—about being part of this show is the fact that I get to be the lead, and it’s literally not about race. That, to me, is so exciting. We talked about it once, and then we just got to tell the story.

What would I tell that girl? I don’t even know. I feel very grateful that I am part of a wave of people who get to be examples that we literally didn’t have when we were growing up. I hold that responsibility close to my heart. I’m grateful I get to carve out more space, and I’m excited for the next wave of storytellers who get to tell stories that aren’t confined to the bubble of identity politics. They can just tell universal stories, where kids from all different backgrounds—well, hopefully not kids watching this show, but teenagers or whoever—can look and say, “She’s hot, and she’s not like a Barbie.”

That feels really cool. That’s deep messaging that changes how people think about each other and themselves.

Make sure to follow Stephanie (Instagram) and Zosia (Instagram). Season 1 of Laid is now available on Peacock.