The recently aired HBO comedy series “Minx” tells the fictional story of the birth of the first erotic magazine for women.

The series follows aspiring magazine editor Joyce Prigger (Ophelia Lovibond). As she works to sell her feminist magazine “The Matriarchy Awakens,” she’s approached by Doug Renetti (Jake Johnson), a publisher of low-budget porn magazines. After a bit of convincing, Joyce reluctantly agrees to collaborate to create the first erotic magazine for women: “Minx.”

Immediately, Joyce is out of place. She’s stuck up and talks down to the other characters because of the perceived cheapness of their jobs. What makes it enjoyable, however, is that she’s proven wrong time and time again. Joyce is shown to be inexperienced and is unable to relinquish control. Her character is contrasted with the other employees, who are all more agreeable. Most notably is centerfold Bambi (Jessica Lowe), who, upon meeting Joyce, reveals she’s been given a major role in the new magazine. Bambi, who looks like a typical blonde bimbo, falls in and out of the stereotype, proving to be more valuable than Joyce initially realizes. In the first episode, Johnson’s character Doug states “people can be more than one thing,” and I think that’s what the show relies on.

The best parts of these first four episodes are the relationships built up as they push the first issue of “Minx.” In addition to Bambi, other contributors to “Minx’s” first issue include Richie (Oscar Montoyo), the makeup artist turned photographer; Tina (Idara Victor), Doug’s secretary and longtime friend; Shane (Taylor Zakhar Perez), the first coverboy and Shelly (Lennon Parham), Joyce’s older sister and housewife. The dynamics point to a successful sitcom, since often the cast makes or breaks a show. Most notably, Parham’s Shelly provides welcome relief next to Joyce, able to traverse the upper-middle class life she leads as well as the porn studio with funny one liners and friendly banter. Johnson, too, does well to make me want to keep watching. He’s charming, entrepreneurial and just sleazy enough to still be likable. Johnson seems to be expanding his horizons after so often being cast as different versions of his “New Girl” character  Nick Miller.

The visual aesthetics are another draw for this show. Its costumes are reflective of characterization and stick to the bright colors and patterns of the early ’70s without being overly nostalgic. The sets and cinematography work to emphasize the plot, too. The visuals keep a sense of familiarity without being overwhelming. While these things point to the show being enjoyable enough, it’s still lacking in some places. Often, Joyce seems to be unable to move past her uptight characterization. Each time we think she’s improved, the next episode starts and she’s back to where she started. It’s also sometimes heavy handed and often falls into obvious tropes where it could’ve been more subtle. I hope, for the sake of the more likable parts of the show, it will move past Joyce’s inability to change and further toward the exploration of the relationships between the characters.

Aside from its minor drawbacks, the show is funny, light-hearted and easy to forgive. It’s not trying to be anything other than a comedy about the conception of an erotic magazine for women — and it gets the job done. In my opinion, “Minx” has potential to be really good, especially thanks to the performances of Johnson and Parham, and I hope it will continue to improve as I  keep watching.