Yahoo Lifestyle Matt Bomer and Nathan Lane’s Gay Sitcom ‘Mid-Century Modern’ Is a Pleasing Spin on ‘Golden Girls’: TV Review
“Will & Grace” creators Max Mutchnick and David Kohan have reteamed for Hulu’s newest original sitcom, “Mid-Century Modern.” The series is a mostly delightful comedy that blends the wit of their groundbreaking sitcom with the charm of “The Golden Girls.” Set in Palm Springs, the series follows three gay male best friends of a certain age who find themselves living together following an unexpected death. While co-habitating, the trio navigates aging, grief, love, long-held secrets and everything in between. Though the show does lean into several stereotypes of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s all done in good humor and with a bit of flair. It’s also an interesting rarity in the streaming age — a James Burrows (“Friends,” “Will & Grace”)-directed, multi-camera sitcom filmed before a live audience.
“Mid-Century Modern” begins at a funeral. Bunny Schneiderman (Nathan Lane), a successful brassiere magnate, and former fashion journalist Arthur Broussard (Nathan Lee Graham) are seen standing over the casket of their friend George. While Bunny dramatically attempts to cry, Arthur expresses his horror at the suit George has been buried in. Shortly thereafter, their other (40-something) bestie, Jerry Frank (Matt Bomer), a frazzled flight attendant, comes bursting through the funeral home doors, still in uniform and pulling his suitcase behind him.
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Later, at the sprawling home Bunny shares with his mother Sybil (the late Linda Lavin), the friends reminisce about their three-decades-long bond and how to move forward following George’s death. Facing their own mortality and living in different cities across the country, they decide to embrace the future as a unit. After some arguing and confusion, including Bunny nearly ousting his friends to play sugar daddy to a new prospect, the men (and Sybil) decide to move in together.
“Mid-Century Modern” certainly isn’t groundbreaking, but it has many hilarious moments. Bunny, Arthur, Jerry and Sybil have unique backgrounds and an air of familiarity. Bunny, the Dorothy of the bunch, is constantly searching for the life-changing romance he’s never experienced, and he doesn’t quite believe he’s worthy of it. Arthur is an eclectic mix of Blanche and the legendary André Leon Talley, who hasn’t gotten over the shock of being ousted from the New York City fashion scene, and often allows his controlling nature to run amuck. Jerry, the Rose of the group, is a cheery, beautiful, former Mormon who is more brawn than brains. Finally, Sybil skillfully steps into Sophia’s shoes as the overbearing house mother who is critical but well-meaning to a fault.
With fewer restrictions on Hulu, Mutchnick and Kohan eagerly lean toward crasser humor and four-letter words in this show. Still, as with most multi-camera sitcoms, especially today, several episodes of this 10-episode first season are much stronger than others. Episode 2, “Working Girls,” focuses on Arthur’s new role as a salesman at a luxury boutique and Jerry’s lifelong obsession with Donny Osmond, giving fans further insight into their backstories. In Episode 5, “Hello, Fisty’s,” the trio returns to Fire Island for a nostalgic vacation. During the trip, Bunny is forced to address his self-loathing when an acquaintance from the past offers him an alternative perspective of his love life. Other episodes induce giggles but don’t have the same punch and impact as those previously mentioned.
In addition to the jokes centering on current social issues like sexuality, gender, race and class, the Ryan Murphy-produced series works because of the ensemble. A huge aspect of this is Lavin’s performance as Sybil. Unfortunately, following her death in late 2024, “Mid-Century Modern” was left to wrap up its final two episodes without her. Her cutting zingers and sharp quips added to the comedy’s spice. In her absence, the show feels even less distinct. Pamela Adlon is great as Bunny’s recently divorced sister, Mindy, but she is no replacement for Lavin.
“Mid-Century Modern” isn’t anything we haven’t seen before. Though the one-liners are biting and the cast is energetic, the series won’t shift the sitcom landscape, but it isn’t trying to. Instead, the show offers more than a few laugh-out-loud moments, a new portrayal of golden-age friendships and some genuinely delightful guest stars. With everything going on globally, this feel-good, low-stakes show might be exactly what audiences are searching for.
All 10 episodes of “Mid-Century” premiere on March 28 on Hulu.
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