The Apple TV+ hit series ‘The Studio’ has made headlines recently by earning a record-breaking 23 Emmy nominations, the most for any freshman comedy. Set within the high-pressure world of the fictional Continental Studios, the characters often find themselves immersed in their demanding jobs, leaving little room for personal lives outside of work.
However, when they do step out, the portrayal of Los Angeles in the series is both sardonic and endearing, depicting a city where dreams can materialize—as long as you can manage the perils of the infamous 405 freeway, notorious for its heavy traffic at nearly any hour.
Evan Goldberg, one of the show’s creators, alongside co-director Seth Rogen, describes L.A. as a paradoxical place: “L.A. is a wild, crazy, partially s—, madhouse. But it’s also a magical, artistic haven of crazy people with a lot of ambition and/or creative energy they want to share.”
We delved into the insights of the Emmy-nominated cast members—Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Hahn, Catherine O’Hara, and Seth Rogen—regarding how their characters channel the city’s creative energy when they take a breather from their stressful roles. Here’s the unofficial ‘The Studio’ guide to Los Angeles.
Ike Barinholtz portrays Sal Saperstein, a creative executive at Continental Studios who juggles life as a divorced dad while grappling with the anxieties that come with Hollywood’s changing landscape.
His preferred neighborhood is the Hollywood Hills, drawn in by its prestigious name and the allure of single life among the hills. Sal believes that successful individuals in the entertainment business should reside in style, even if it’s just a bachelor pad, as he only sees his kids twice a month.
His most recent concert outing at the Hollywood Bowl was a lackluster date with a young actress to see Imagine Dragons, which didn’t live up to expectations. In terms of fashion, Sal holds a nostalgic preference for Tim Robbins’ oversized Armani suits from ‘The Player,’ often shopping at Nordstrom for earth-toned attire.
Sal’s go-to date spot is the Sunset Tower, although he harbors a bit of resentment toward the San Vicente Bungalows after an incident regarding a photo-taking ban on his date.
For wellness, he swears by IV therapy, which provides a quick recovery after nights out. He also favored the now-closed ArcLight for its parking convenience and weed-friendly policy, but now considers the Chinese Theatre for outings with his daughters.
Sal was originally on board with a cardio boxing routine at home but often cancels sessions, essentially paying for nothing. He cherishes memories at The Grove, likening it to a meaningful spot from his past with his children.
To cope with rush-hour stress, Sal resorts to his handy vape pen and a collection of classic rock playlists, reflecting on icons like Ozzy Osbourne with admiration. He’s distressingly aware of his proximity to the infamous USC cheating scandal, having connections to those involved.
Sal’s social media feeds often spotlight vacation spots and insider views of Hollywood’s beauty industry, hinting at his potential interest in cosmetic procedures as he ages. When it comes to power lunches, he opts for a grilled chicken paillard paired with two martinis, dubbing himself a Vesper enthusiast.
In Sal’s view, the most pressing complaint about L.A. is the inconvenience of navigating LAX, which frustrates even the most affluent: “Why are we not moving?”
Kathryn Hahn portrays Maya Mason, a bold marketing executive who confidently asserts her creativity.
Her favorite place? Sycamore Avenue, where she relishes the culinary delights of Tartine and the trappings of Just One Eye’s high-end fashion.
Maya’s closet is filled with pieces from Fear of God, a brand her stylist lauds for its raw edge. While she hasn’t dated much due to her commitments, she is a member of the San Vicente Bungalows and finds the social scene much more appealing than the Soho House.
Her wellness secret is rooted in Ayurveda, with a penchant for colonics to maintain health. She humorously admits to watching movie screeners while enveloped in an infrared sauna blanket rather than enjoying traditional cinema.
Maya has little love for The Grove, citing its parking challenges, mirroring her disdain for the Hollywood Bowl.
Her coping mechanism during rush hour? The soothing screams of frustration or the presence of colleague Matt Belloni. Local news stories are a sore point, especially those involving road closures for marathon events.
Maya’s Instagram and TikTok algorithm favors mukbangs, a reflection of her wild indulgence. When lunching, she favors Il Pastaio’s chicken paillard, with specific requests for extra pounded portions and a sparkling water with three lemons.
Her main complaint, however, remains ever-present: continuing the hunt for parking, especially in canyons.
Catherine O’Hara brings Patty Leigh to life, the no-nonsense former studio head turned mentor at Continental Studios.
Culver City is her favorite neighborhood, where she finds historic significance and accessibility to various studios integral to her work. It’s been a while since she saw a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, though memories of Garry Shandling linger fondly.
Patty’s wardrobe features a plethora of Max Mara pieces, filled with warm hues that reflect her autumnal preferences.
For dates, she loves the communal atmosphere of Chinois on Main or Mr. Chow, where shared dishes create a comfortable dining context and plenty of opportunities to size up her date’s chopstick skills.
In terms of wellness, Patty insists that a solid five hours of uninterrupted sleep suffices. Movie-watching occurs at her exquisite home theater, equipped with plush seating and superior sound systems.
She is not a fan of The Grove, lamenting the fires that hit her favorite spots, although she holds hope that the Palisades location will revive.
Yacht rock fills her car during lengthy commutes, the soothing offerings of Michael McDonald and Christopher Cross helping her through maddening traffic jams.
Social media is a minor distraction for her, often perused only out of boredom or insomnia. During power lunches, she tends toward healthy salads with opted-for proteins but has admittedly reduced her wine intake after some mishaps.
In all her frustrations about L.A., one theme prevails: the ceaseless battle against traffic.
Lastly, Seth Rogen plays Matt Remick, the newly appointed head of Continental Studios trying to navigate his dual love for filmmaking and commercial success.
He is enamored with Old Hollywood hot spots like the Chateau Marmont and Musso and Frank, reveling in the legendary charm of classic locales.
His last attendance at the Hollywood Bowl was for a thematic evening featuring film scores, an area in which his musical taste aligns with cinematic brilliance rather than mainstream releases.
Rogen’s wardrobe illustrates his affection for luxury, with items from the pricey Italian label Brunello Cucinelli decorating his closet. When he ventures out, it’s primarily to Dan Tana’s, cozy and familiar, a place where the staff knows him well.
While he discusses wellness topics and engages in high-end health consultations, reality doesn’t reflect much action on his commitments to a healthy lifestyle.
He stands as one of many Hollywood figures who often cite exquisite dietary choices yet leave lunches uneaten due to the distractions of conversation.
Although the Cinerama Dome once served as his favorite viewing spot, he has adjusted, now favoring the Chinese Theatre for its history and luxurious ambiance.
His workout routine mainly constitutes office stair climbs, as he labels standing as a form of exercise.
While he is somewhat tolerant of The Grove, it’s the Farmers Market that contributes to his appeal, bolstered by its Old Hollywood nostalgia.
Matt’s frustrations revolve around industry news, particularly regarding film production drops and subsidy issues affecting California. Instagram and TikTok curate a feed filled with film discussions and nostalgic pieces by filmmakers.
For power lunch, Matt opts for healthy dishes but seldom makes a dent in them as work-related conversations dominate his meals.
While the characters live busy lives forged within the confines of their careers, they still find ways to enjoy the vibrant vibrancy of Los Angeles.
Whether it’s Sal’s tumultuous dating experiences, Maya’s stark preferences, Patty’s memorable eateries, or Matt’s affinity for vintage Hollywood, the city reflects their aspirations and unique personalities.
As ‘The Studio’ continues to garner acclaim, audiences are left enchanted by the characters navigating a world where ambition intertwines with the wild spirit of L.A.
image source from：latimes
