So, the word on the street (and all over my Insta feed, darling) was that “Mid-Century Modern” was serving us “Golden Girls” but make it gay. And honey, as your resident expert in all things fabulous and slightly shady, I had to see if this was a sickening tribute or just a tragic attempt to snatch wigs that weren’t even glued on properly.
The premise? Three silver foxes – and I use “fox” loosely in one case, more like a charming chihuahua – decide to become roomies in Palm Springs after one of their clique shuffles off this mortal coil . We’ve got Nathan Lane as Bunny Schneiderman, a lingerie mogul with more money than sense and a shade game that could rival my own. He’s giving me Dorothy Zbornak vibes, but with better caftans, obviously. Then there’s Matthew Bomer as Jerry Frank, bless his heart. He’s the himbo of the group, a former flight attendant who’s sweet as pie but about as sharp as a marble. Our Rose Nylund, if she’d spent a little too much time in the tanning bed. And then we have the divine Nathan Lee Graham as Arthur Broussard, a former Vogue columnist who’s serving sophisticated shade with every syllable. He’s our Blanche Devereaux, always ready with a cutting remark or a tale of his glamorous past. And let’s not forget the legendary Linda Lavin as Bunny’s mother, Sybil. That woman is a comedic institution, serving Sophia Petrillo realness with a side of borscht and a whole lotta sass . Her final performance is a gift, and every time she’s on screen, it’s a masterclass in comedic timing .
Now, spill the tea: does it live up to the “Golden Girls” comparisons? Well, my little chickadees, it’s like this: imagine “The Golden Girls” got ahold of some poppers and decided to hit a circuit party in West Hollywood. It’s got that same heartwarming core of chosen family and hilarious banter, but “Mid-Century Modern” isn’t afraid to get down and dirty . Hulu’s got no network censors breathing down their necks, so the language is saltier than a sailor’s mouth, and the situations? Let’s just say they explore the joys of aging gay men with a refreshing lack of… restraint . And honey, sometimes you just need a comedy that doesn’t pull any punches, right?
The laughs are plentiful, thanks to the undeniable chemistry between these four incredible performers . Nathan Lane? Still a comedic god. Matt Bomer? Turns out, that pretty boy has got some serious comedic chops! And Nathan Lee Graham? His delivery is drier than the Palm Springs air, and I live for it. Linda Lavin? A true queen, serving us comedy royalty until the very end.
The setting, Palm Springs, is practically the fifth cast member . The mid-century modern vibes are definitely there – think sleek furniture and a whole lotta glass – though maybe not as in-your-face as the title suggests . They filmed most of it in the land of broken dreams (Los Angeles and Burbank), but they did a decent job of capturing that desert oasis aesthetic .
The critics seem to be gagging on it in a good way, with some solid scores on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. They’re calling it a “raunchy love letter to chosen family” and praising the cast’s chemistry . Some might say it’s a little old-fashioned with its multi-camera setup , but I say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Sometimes you just want a good old-fashioned sitcom to make you laugh until your sides hurt.
My final read? “Mid-Century Modern” is a delightful cocktail of nostalgia and naughtiness. It’s got the heart of “The Golden Girls” but with a modern, gay twist that feels fresh and fun. If you’re looking for a comedy that will make you laugh, maybe blush a little, and definitely appreciate the power of chosen family, then get your pretty little self over to Hulu and start streaming . Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go touch up my lipstick and maybe call my own chosen family for a viewing party. This is one show that deserves to be watched with your best Judy!