I Love LA season 1 episode 8 (finale) ending explained: How does the ending set up for season 2?

I Love LA season 1 released its final episode on December 21, 2025. The eighth episode changed the backdrop to New York, where Maia, Tallulah, and Alani head for the Formé dinner.

Dylan and Maia's fight pushes them to take a seven-day break, but both remain restless and anxious about the situation. Antoine's underwhelming dress preparations for Tallulah push the latter to take a risky step. While Charlie explores his feelings for Andrew, Alani witnesses a shocking incident involving her parents.

Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers for I Love LA season 1 episode 8. Reader's discretion is advised.

As Alani's father luckily survives a stabbing attack, the incident causes a major traffic issue in the city. The situation makes it difficult for Maia and Tallulah to reach the event. The two take the subway to the venue, and the series ends at this point, keeping the viewers intrigued about the dinner and what lies ahead for the characters.

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I Love LA season 1 finale ending explained: How does Maia and Tallulah's journey to Formé dinner end?

A still from the series (Image via YouTube/@HBO)

Maia had tried every possible method to grab a spot for Tallulah at the Formé dinner in the previous episode. Having achieved that feat, the two, along with Alani, come to New York in the final episode of I Love LA season 1.

While confusion and chaos continue to unfold in each character's life, Maia and Tallulah's big moment with the high-profile event takes center stage in the episode. Towards the end, Maia manages to seek Charlie's help in getting an outfit for Tallulah that could help her become the 'moment' of the party. It is a big risk she takes against Antoine, who had prepared another outfit for Tallulah. However, her efforts show that she was ready to do anything to make her friend grab the spotlight.

As the two prepared to leave, they witnessed a confusing situation at the hotel lobby. On asking around, they find out that there was huge traffic due to a stabbing attack on an actor (who happens to be Alani's father). While this meant that they could not reach the venue by road, the two rushed to the subway and took the train to the party. This marked an intriguing moment in the finale, as the two, dressed up for the party, rushed through the subway to reach their destination. It reflected their journey in the series, as they took their unique selves through the ups and downs of their lives and raced to gain success.

The episode ends with the two en route to the event. This final moment keeps the viewers eager to find what lies ahead in Maia and Tallulah's journey to fame and success.

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Why does Maia not tell the truth to Tallulah about Ben?

A still from the series (Image via YouTube/@HBO)

Maia's ex-boss, Ben, posed a new opportunity for the protagonist in I Love LA season 1 episode 8. After her exit from Alyssa180 and rift with Dylan, Maia's interaction with Ben at a restaurant in the latest episode promised her a chance to have a romantic moment and a career opportunity with him.

However, it turns out that he was just playing with Maia's mind to get things done. Expecting an intimate moment with him in the hotel room, Maia is hit with reality instead. While he does make a big offer to get her and Tallulah to his company, Ben's attitude of using her did not sit right with her. Maia discusses this with Charlie in the final episode and expresses that she will not go ahead with the offer.

However, in the end, she lies to Tallulah that Ben never made a job offer. She does so because the former had wanted her to take the job and join his company. Maia believed this could be disappointing for her friend and decided against telling her the truth at the end.

Also read: I Love LA season 1 episode 7 ending explained: Is it an end for Maia and Dylan?

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What's behind Dylan's final moment?

A still from the series (Image via YouTube/@HBO)

Dylan and Maia's fight had created huge gaps in their relationship in I Love LA season 1 episode 8. While the two were constantly thinking about the other, their personal beliefs and inhibitions kept them from having a heart-to-heart talk.

As Maia gets annoyed by Dylan's nonchalant replies to her texts, the latter feels ignored and unimportant in the relationship. Dylan vents out about his concerns to Charlie in the episode while also helping him realize his feelings for Andrew. As Maia calls Charlie and the two expect her to miss Dylan, they are disappointed when her only concern is Tallulah's outfit for the event.

Towards the end of the episode, the viewers are left shocked to know that Dylan cheated on Maia with his colleague, Clare. Maia doubted her in the beginning, but it was Maia's ignorant and detached behaviour that pushed Dylan to take the step.

This new development promises twists and turns in the two characters' relationship in the next season.

Also read: I Love LA season 1 cast and characters: Meet the stars behind the series and the roles they play

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Watch I Love LA season 1 on HBO Max.

Edited by Eeshna Dashottar