The new comedy Mid-Century Modern, created by Max Mutchnick and David Kohan of Will & Grace fame, has burst onto the scene with a dazzling premiere that’s already sparking chatter among fans and critics alike.
Set against the retro-chic backdrop of Palm Springs, the show centers on three gay friends navigating everything from flamboyant pool parties to unexpected career mishaps, all while embracing the sunny and sometimes surreal vibe of desert living.
Among the standout characters is the resourceful businessman Bunny Schneiderman, played by Nathan Lane, who struts through each scene with a quick wit and an even quicker comeback.
The handsome Matt Bomer stars as an ex-Mormon flight attendant named Jerry Frank, bringing a dash of wide-eyed optimism to the group dynamic.
Rounding out the trio is the ever-fashionable Nathan Lee Graham, portraying the scene-stealer Arthur Broussard, a tastemaker whose commentary is as stylish as his wardrobe.
Early viewers have been treated to a show that thrives on comedic tension, tossing around clever one-liners and zany physical gags that harken back to classic multi-cam sitcoms.
The playful banter is reminiscent of Will & Grace, yet there’s a fresh energy here, thanks to the sun-drenched aesthetics and an ensemble unafraid to lean into the absurd.
The Tummy Tingles That Started It All
In a recent interview, Nathan Lane delighted fans by recounting how his earliest celebrity crush was sparked by Alain Delon in the film The Yellow Rolls-Royce.
He confessed that seeing Delon onscreen left him wondering why he felt “funny in his tummy” and why he never wanted that moment to end.
Nathan Lee Graham chimed in with a memory of Mahogany, revealing how watching Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams share the screen made him realize his own romantic leanings.
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Meanwhile, Matt Bomer admitted that Albert Brooks in Broadcast News and Kevin Costner in Dances with Wolves and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves ignited his early crushes, hinting that he’s always had a sophisticated taste in leading men.
These candid confessions have given fans a glimpse into the personal histories behind the actors now lighting up Mid-Century Modern.
Early Reviews Are In
Following yesterday’s premiere, industry insiders have wasted no time weighing in on Mid-Century Modern.
Variety praised the show’s “vibrant, cleverly crafted celebration of midlife and friendship,” while The Hollywood Reporter noted that the comedic beats are crisp and the dialogue bursts with the kind of wit that made Will & Grace a phenomenon.
Over at Entertainment Weekly, reviewers applauded the production design, describing each scene as a “postcard from a sun-drenched era,” with pastel hues and retro furniture accentuating the show’s mid-century theme.
Critics also highlighted the ensemble’s chemistry, calling it a perfect balance of playful banter and heartfelt camaraderie.
Though the show leans heavily into comedic escapades, viewers can expect the occasional introspective moment that touches on universal themes of aging, love, and identity.
From the pastel perfection of the sets to the breezy pace of the script, Mid-Century Modern appears poised to cement itself as a standout in the ever-growing lineup of LGBTQ+ television.
With each glowing review, it’s clear that this new sitcom has successfully blended nostalgia, humor, and modern flair to create something that feels both timeless and refreshingly relevant.
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