Maya Rudolph Shines, but Apple TV+’s Loot Can’t Overcome a Lackluster Premise

There’s no getting around the obvious: Loot was destined to be a tough sell. A heartfelt comedy about a benevolent billionaire was always likely to raise some eyebrows, but amidst skyrocketing costs of living, it risks sounding completely obtuse to the current moment. Perhaps for good reason. While the affable cast pulls off some touching moments and laughs, Loot never justifies its pleasant but toothless existence.

The Apple TV+ series comes from Emmy-winning writers Matt Hubbard and Alan Yang. The pair previously collaborated with Maya Rudolph for their 2018 show Forever, and it’s a real treat to see her now helm Loot after consistently bringing her comedic gold touch to every project she’s involved in. Rudolph stars as Molly Wells, formerly Molly Novak, a recent divorcee still reeling after her former husband John (Adam Scott) cheated on her. She’s also now the third wealthiest woman in the country with $87 billion to her name, thanks to John’s tech empire and no prenup.

Wrapped up in her luxurious life, Molly never even knew she owned a charity foundation bearing her name that does locally focused work in Los Angeles. That changes when she receives a call from the foundation’s no-nonsense Sofia Salinas (the always wonderful Michaela Jaé Rodriguez), who’s concerned over Molly causing bad optics with her public spiral. She really just wants Molly to lie low until the bad press blows over, but Molly hopes this could be the answer to her crisis. Maybe philanthropy can give her purpose again. Or, at the very least, a way to fill her time.

Hubbard and Yang know their way around a workplace comedy, with combined credits that include 30 Rock, Superstore, and Parks and Recreation. Loot especially emulates the latter’s feel-good vibes and efficiently draws up endearing characters. The Wells Foundation’s two powerhouse women get rounded out by Arthur (Nat Faxon), a mild-mannered accountant and fellow divorcee, as well as Molly’s Dragon Ball-obsessed cousin, Howard (Ron Funches), who has a heart of gold. She also brings along her pampered assistant Nicholas (Joel Kim Booster, having a moment), who doesn’t really understand why Molly wants to leave behind their leisurely lifestyle.

Additional characters deliver good one-liners, but it’s a smart choice to keep the core ensemble small. This allows for them to have distinct, individual relationships with each of their coworkers. The show’s biggest strength is in its odd-pairing dynamics, like Molly and Arthur’s tender flirtationship and Nicholas and Howard’s burgeoning friendship. The latter especially becomes a series highlight. As Nicholas explains, he’s hot because he’s emotionally unavailable. His walls seem at odds with Howard’s goofy exterior, but he can’t help being won over into a lovely, supportive bond.

Also fascinating is Molly’s prickly but warm relationship with Sofia, who she encourages to loosen up. There are some tricky power dynamics here considering Molly often defers to Sofia’s judgment while still technically being the boss. Both operate on the fine line of knowing Molly always has the ultimate final call. But played delightfully by Rodriguez, Sofia makes for a compelling character. She has enough interiority to feel like more than the “tough boss” trope, priding herself on being intimidating but also worrying her charm won’t come across on Zoom. Sofia dedicates her life to bettering her community and morally opposes billionaires. But in spite of herself, she can’t help being impressed by Molly nor help rooting for her—even when that confidence doesn’t feel entirely earned.

Here lies Loot’s inescapable problem. The show wants you to always be rooting for Molly so badly that it sacrifices every opportunity to wrestle with her status in more intriguing ways.