‘Mid-Century Modern’ TV Review: Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer and Nathan Lee Graham are a Golden Team of Spiritual Sisters [B]
The new multi-cam comedy series, 'Mid-Century Modern,' created by David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, opens with a funeral, a common comedic device allowing for a shift in character dynamics and providing opportunities for humor amidst grief. The series introduces three lifelong friends—Bunny (Nathan Lane), Arthur (Nathan Lee Graham), and Jerry (Matt Bomer)—mourning the loss of their fourth friend, George. The show quickly establishes its comedic tone, moving past somberness to embrace sharp wit and banter among the trio.
Bunny, who runs a successful chain of women’s underwear boutiques, resides in Palm Springs. Arthur, recently let go from Vogue magazine, lives in New York, while Jerry, an ex-Mormon flight attendant, is a single father. Bunny proposes that Arthur and Jerry move into his "slightly garish mid-century modern home," characterized by its chic kitchen and rooms with leopard print accents. Despite their differing personalities, their cohabitation creates a fertile ground for comedic situations. Bunny is portrayed as self-deprecating, Arthur as exceptionally sarcastic, and Jerry as an "mercilessly upbeat Ken doll" with a golden retriever energy, balancing his earnestness with sharp comic timing.
Nathan Lane and Nathan Lee Graham deliver strong comedic performances, with Graham particularly noted for his energetic portrayal. Matt Bomer, in the challenging role of Jerry, effectively captures the character's blend of naiveté and wit. The show, while built on the comedic rule of three, soon expands its core group, mirroring successful ensembles like 'The Golden Girls.' This expansion occurs with the unexpected arrival of Bunny’s mother, Sybil, played by Linda Lavin in her final role before her passing in late 2024. Lavin's portrayal of Sybil is described as a feisty, salty character, delivering memorable lines and comedic moments, including hiding Fig Newtons, outsmarting scam callers, and rekindling an old romance with guest star Judd Hirsch. Pamela Adlon also joins the cast as Mindy, Bunny’s sister, a rebellious and confrontational character.
The review highlights the typical characteristics of a pilot episode, noting the initial absence of strong language in deference to potential network sales, with the show eventually landing on Hulu. From the second episode onward, the language becomes more explicit, a departure from typical multi-cam sitcoms but used effectively within the show's context. A common pitfall of multi-cam comedies, the brevity of scenes often reduced to setup and punchline, is acknowledged. However, the show's humor ranges from classic groan-worthy jokes to more current pop culture references, such as tracking Nicole Kidman's wigs and a quip about PrEP during a pill-sorting scene. The series also incorporates musical elements, with characters frequently breaking into choreographed song and dance routines, including a humorous rendition of "Cell Block Tango" during a pill sequence.
'Mid-Century Modern' features a roster of guest stars who contribute to the episodic narratives and provide additional comedic support. These include Richard Kind as a suitor for Bunny, Cheri Oteri as a quirky flight attendant, Jesse Tyler Ferguson as a sassy sales assistant, Stephanie Koenig as a right-wing politician, Zane Phillips as a Fire Island hook-up for Jerry, and Rhea Perlman as Sybil’s best friend. The article concludes by praising the show's adherence to classic comedic structures, suggesting that its success lies in its strong foundation and well-executed comedic elements rather than relying on gimmicks. The series is rated B, and all 10 episodes are scheduled for release on March 28 on Hulu.
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