This week marks a significant milestone for Elisabeth Moss and Lindsey McManus as they celebrate the premiere of Apple TV’s “Imperfect Women.” This is the first project they embarked on after establishing their production company, Love & Squalor, six years ago.
“The book ‘Imperfect Women’ was the very first thing we discussed as partners,” Moss, who stars in the series alongside Kate Mara and Kerry Washington, shared with Variety.
In the fall of 2019, Moss sent McManus the Araminta Hall novel, hoping they could collaborate on it, despite no formal agreement or contract, and with concerns that McManus might partner with someone else. Moss noted, “I wonât say who it is, but once I heard who it was, I was like, âSheâs definitely going to pick them. But now it seems really funny to me.â
McManus, who had previously managed Diablo Cody’s production company Vita Vera and worked as a scripted television and talent agent at WME, read the book, loved it, and prompted Moss to acquire the rights. Two months later, it became the first project they presented to studios and networks, according to Moss.
Moss explained that their initial collaboration was based on “emails andâ” to which McManus added, “Vibes.” They were in meetings, improvising as they went along. Moss recalled people asking them, “How long have you been together? Three weeks!”
The pitching for “Imperfect Women” started during the early COVID-19 pandemic, when the entertainment industry came to a standstill. This delay allowed Moss and McManus to refine their vision for Love & Squalor, which emphasizes intuition and teamwork with like-minded people.
“We met with everyone we liked, whether they had broken out yet or not, like Paul Mescal or Julia Garner,” Moss stated.
“Anyone we thought of, weâd email their reps asking for a meeting,” McManus, who leads Love & Squalor’s film and television projects, added.
This approach fostered alliances with industry figures like Denise DiNovi, Warren Littlefield, Lucky Chap, Simpson Street, Red Hour, Great Scott, A24, and Appian Way.
From 2020 to now, Moss, known for “Mad Men,” has produced or executive produced six works, three with McManus: the series “Shining Girls” and “The Veil,” and their first film “Shell,” directed by Max Minghella. During their partnership, Moss and McManus have each become first-time mothers.
With more projects in the pipeline, Moss emphasizes that their collaboration with Hulu and Disneyâs 20th Television is not just for the title of Executive Producer.
“From the beginning of ‘Handmaid’s,’ I wanted to be genuinely involved as a producer,” Moss said. “I needed someone who saw this as more than just a vanity title.”
Warren Littlefield, EP of “The Handmaidâs Tale,” noted that Moss was already performing the duties of an executive producer during the first season, far beyond her acting role.
“Never underestimate Lizzie,” Littlefield told Variety. “Her desire to learn and grow is astounding.” He recalled a moment at the Producers Guild Awards, saying, “So Lizzie Moss actor, not bad. Lizzie Moss producer, look out.” After the first season, they advocated for Moss to be credited as an EP, recognizing her equal contribution.
After working closely with Moss on “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Littlefield has joined her and McManus for “The Testaments,” debuting April 8, and another Hulu project, “Conviction.”
“Lindsey brings her expertise and aligns seamlessly with Lizzie,” Littlefield remarked. “That defines their partnership.”
With more projects in the works, McManus and Moss view the release of “Imperfect Women” as a testament to their dedication to quality over time.
“The book’s structure, with its three perspectives, was something we needed to figure out,” Moss said, highlighting that Apple showed interest early in the process.
Challenges for “Imperfect Women” included Moss’s ongoing role as June Osbourne in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which wrapped in February 2025. With that commitment concluded, Moss and McManus focused on completing “Imperfect Women,” featuring Moss, Kerry Washington, and Kate Mara.
While promoting “Imperfect Women,” Moss and McManus are also preparing for the release of “The Testaments.” Moss has been involved in production aspects, drawing from her experience with the world of Gilead in “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
ââThe Testamentsâ is newer, more YA-oriented,â Moss said. âItâs a fresh cast and look. The best part of a partnership is sometimes doing less, especially when I have acting commitments. On ‘Imperfect Women,’ I could let my partner handle certain tasks.”
This collaborative approach has continued as Love & Squalor expanded, with Maura Towey joining as director of development and Carlota Pino as director of operations.
“Our aim is to keep creating and owning our projects,” McManus stated. “If there were a motto above our door, it would be ‘Make Stuff.’ Weâre grateful to have been consistently active in production since we started, which is rare.”
