Matt Bomer and Nathan Lane’s Gay Sitcom ‘Mid-Century Modern’ Is a Pleasing Spin on ‘Golden Girls’: TV Review

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As a huge fan, I’m thrilled to share that the visionary duo behind “Will & Grace,” Max Mutchnick and David Kohan, have reunited for Hulu’s freshly minted sitcom titled “Mid-Century Modern.” This delightful series seamlessly blends the sharp wit of their pioneering show with the endearing charm reminiscent of “The Golden Girls.” Nestled in Palm Springs, the story revolves around three gay male friends of a certain age, who find themselves sharing a roof after an unexpected passing. As they navigate the complexities of aging, grief, love, and long-hidden secrets, their journey is both poignant and amusing.

While it may lean into certain LGBTQ+ community stereotypes, the approach is lighthearted and infused with a touch of panache. Moreover, it’s intriguing to note that in this digital era, “Mid-Century Modern” is a unique find – a James Burrows (“Friends,” “Will & Grace”) directed, multi-camera sitcom, filmed live before an audience, reminiscent of the good old days.

The story of “Mid-Century Modern” commences at a funeral. Bunny Schneiderman, a prosperous brassiere entrepreneur, and Arthur Broussard, once a fashion journalist, are seen standing near George’s casket. While Bunny melodramatically tries to shed tears, Arthur voices his disapproval of the suit George was buried in. Soon afterward, their long-time friend Jerry Frank, a harried flight attendant, rushes into the funeral home, still wearing his uniform and trailing his luggage behind him.

In the spacious residence that Bunny and his mother Sybil (the late Linda Lavin) call home, they gather to recall their three-decade friendship and contemplate ways to navigate life after George’s passing. Facing the reality of their mortality and living in various cities nationwide, they choose to face the future united. After some disagreements and misunderstandings, such as Bunny considering expelling his friends to court a new potential benefactor, they ultimately decide to live together – with Sybil included in this plan.

Mid-Century Modern” may not be revolutionary, but it’s filled with amusing scenes. Characters like Bunny, Arthur, Jerry, and Sybil each bring their distinctive pasts and a sense of relatability. Bunny, who resembles Dorothy, is perpetually seeking the life-altering romance he’s yet to encounter, and doubts his own worthiness for it. Arthur combines traits from Blanche and fashion icon André Leon Talley, still stunned by his dismissal from New York City’s fashion scene, often letting his controlling side take over. Jerry, reminiscent of Rose, is a cheerful, attractive ex-Mormon who leans more towards brawn than intellect. Lastly, Sybil takes on the role of Sophia as the domineering house mother, both critical and well-intentioned to a fault.

In this series on Hulu, creators Mutchnick and Kohan are less restrained, opting for bolder humor and explicit language. However, it’s worth noting that like many multi-camera sitcoms, especially modern ones, the strength of episodes can vary. For instance, the second episode, “Working Girls,” delves deeper into Arthur’s career transition as a salesman at a high-end store and Jerry’s longstanding fascination with Donny Osmond. On the other hand, Episode 5, “Hello, Fisty’s,” brings the trio back to Fire Island for a nostalgic getaway, where Bunny is compelled to confront his self-hatred when an old acquaintance challenges his perspective on his romantic life. Other episodes are amusing but may not have the same power and resonance as these standout episodes.

Beyond the humor that tackles contemporary topics such as sexuality, gender, race, and social class, what makes “Mid-Century Modern” stand out is its stellar cast, particularly Sarah Paulson’s portrayal of Sybil. Tragically, after her passing in late 2024, the series was forced to conclude its last two episodes without her. Her quick-witted one-liners and sharp comebacks gave the comedy an extra kick. In her absence, the show seems to lose a bit of its unique charm. While Pamela Adlon delivers a strong performance as Mindy, Bunny’s recently divorced sister, she cannot fill the void left by Paulson.

Although ‘Mid-Century Modern’ doesn’t bring anything groundbreaking to the table, its witty dialogue and lively performances make it a fun addition to the sitcom genre without aiming to revolutionize it. The series provides plenty of hilarious moments, explores heartwarming depictions of golden-age friendships, and introduces some charming guest stars. Given the current global situation, this light-hearted, low-pressure show could be just what viewers are looking for as a comforting escape.

All 10 episodes of “Mid-Century” premiere on March 28 on Hulu.

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2025-03-27 19:49