What inspired the creators of Mid-Century Modern to choose such a seemingly unrelated title? How do the show’s creators navigate the challenges of creating a sitcom in a modern streaming environment? In what ways does the performance of Linda Lavin pay tribute to her legacy in the genre? How does the series balance comedy with moments of sincerity? Can we see reflections of past sitcoms like The Golden Girls in the character development and storylines?
The architecturally inspired title of Hulu‘s Mid-Century Modern, a sitcom that has basically nothing to do with architecture, evokes something old yet current, rooted in nostalgia yet generally of-the-moment, behind a cultural curve yet never fully out of style. Despite the fact that the title has little connection to the content of the series, it’s easy to see why it appealed to creators Max Mutchnick and David Kohan. Mid-Century Modern is an aesthetic throwback to the broadest of broad multi-cams in the ’80s-and-’90s mode pioneered by the legendary James Burrows and directed here by none other than James Burrows, only topically retrofitted for the more progressive and relaxed streaming era.
Mutchnick, Kohan and Burrows broke new ground with Will & Grace, but like the Soap team in the ’80s, they faced many more barriers from the broadcast television landscape. No matter how old-fashioned Mid-Century Modern is, it’s easy to appreciate the liberation its creators feel in having what appears to be no barriers at all, in ditching the double entendres and puns and just kicking things off with the punchline, “You don’t look sad. You just look like a reluctant bottom.”
Will Truman would NEVER. I mean, Jack probably would. It happens that what Mid-Century Modern lacks is, well, grace. Not the straight woman played by Debra Messing, but the sense of borderline elegance that accompanied the farce on Will & Grace at its peak. With no barriers or restrictions around which to artistically pirouette, Mid-Century Modern ends up being both blunt and bland, occasionally pushing the envelope in creative ways, but more often forcing its exceptional core cast to compensate for stale, predictable punchlines with boundless professionalism and ample energy.
The reluctant bottom in question is Nathan Lane‘s Bunny Schneiderman, struggling to externalize his grief at the funeral of longtime chum George. Bunny, George, former Vogue fashion columnist Arthur (Nathan Lee Graham) and flight attendant and lapsed Mormon Jerry (Matt Bomer) used to be an inseparable quartet, but time, distance and now George’s death have pulled them apart. Lonely and worried about not having anybody to delete his online search history after his death, Bunny invites Jerry and Arthur to come live with him at his home in Palm Springs. They’ll form a family and support system all under the watch of Bunny’s mother, Sybil (Linda Lavin), a filter-free matriarch prone to quippy insults and hiding her son’s beloved Fig Newtons. For personal reasons and reasons of narrative convenience, they agree.
Lavin died in December, having completed three-quarters of the season, leaving it for Mutchnick and Kohan to honor the stage and screen legend, which happens in the suitably somber and emotional “Here’s to You, Mrs. Schneiderman.” The series was already, to that point, a lovingly rendered tribute to the brassy Alice star, whose every expertly delivered put-down and tart compliment earns a roar from the appreciative audience. If the series is designed to stir up the affection built up for vintage sitcoms, Lavin is giving the kind of performance that would have earned her multiple supporting actress Emmy wins back in the ’80s, when her competition would have included the women of The Golden Girls, a show Mid-Century Modern is aggressively attempting to emulate. Whether sentiment carries her to one last nomination here is unclear, but there’s an equal measure of mirth and melancholy to seeing Lavin go out in such fine form.
On the Golden Girls front, Bomer’s Jerry is very obviously patterned after Betty White’s Rose, substituting LDS memories for stories about St. Olaf. It’s a reminder of how difficult it is to write a character as naive-yet-wise as Rose Nylund was, because Jerry comes across as a collection of dim-bulb eccentricities instead of a person. The odd thing is that although Bomer isn’t a natural sitcom actor, when he’s freed from the flaccid “good-natured dumb himbo” punchlines that don’t even seem to be amusing the audience, he’s actually excellent. Before Lavin’s death shrouds the season’s homestretch in grief, the best dramatic beats come from Bomer, whose character gets some sweet scenes with a closeted young Mormon and one solid episode featuring Billie Lourd as Jerry’s long-estranged daughter.
Graham and Lane are more instantly comfortable with the format, hitting each punchline hard, like it’s a source of pride to be able to introduce the audience to jokes about pillow queens, starfishing and a bar named Fisty’s. They’re funny in similar ways, one with an excess of confidence covering for his inner insecurities and one with an additional level of Jewish stereotyping embellishing his outer insecurities. The warmth between the three leads is believable and although the tendency to have Lane, Bomer and Graham break into choreographed song and dance routines for episodic climaxes quickly feels lazy, a cold open homage to Chicago produced my biggest laugh of the 10-episode season.
The four leads, plus the creative talent behind the camera — additional producers include Ryan Murphy, Don Roos and Suzanne Martin — are a big enough draw for an impressive guest cast as well. Pamela Adlon is a standout as Bunny’s sister (a character I’m sure the producers would love to use as a Lavin replacement in a second season), with Richard Kind, Judd Hirsch and Rhea Perlman among other welcome favorites. Stephanie Koenig from English Teacher makes a less successful guest appearance as a pastiche of a Republican congresswoman whose lone episode proves conclusively that issue-oriented humor is not what this show does well.
Instead, Mid-Century Modern is more at ease with simple, situation-driven plots. There’s an episode set largely in a bar (or “generic bar set”) in Fire Island, another on a cross-country flight (or “generic airplane set”) and various other installments lounging around Bunny’s Palm Springs house, which seems to be a magnet for young hunks whom the gang pursue in ways that are meant to be charmingly predatory. I made more frequent note of funny things the stars were doing than funny things the show achieved, as more than a few episodes flounder in callbacks and repetition, without building the humor to a graceful crescendo.
The show is determined to have heart, and pauses the laughs at multiple points for sincere beats that can be summarized simply as: “It was a long journey that brought us to this place where we can laugh about some of this stuff without subterfuge.” And it isn’t wrong! Mid-Century Modern may be the best show of 1987 that couldn’t have possibly been made in 1987. It back-fills a cultural void in a way that represents moving forward and backward at once, albeit probably more the latter.
Nathan Lane and Matt Bomer Shine in Hulu’s Upcoming Sitcom: A Perfect Blend of Comedy and Heart
In an era where streaming services are continually reshaping the landscape of television, Hulu is making headlines with its latest sitcom featuring two of Hollywood’s most dynamic talents: Nathan Lane and Matt Bomer. This new series promises to be a delightful blend of humor, heart, and profound social commentary, bringing together the legendary comedic chops of Lane and the versatile and charismatic performances of Bomer.
The Genesis of the Project
As audiences become more discerning, the demand for fresh and innovative sitcoms has increased. Hulu recognized this shift and has set its sights on producing content that not only entertains but also resonates on multiple levels. The partnership with Nathan Lane—a seasoned actor with Broadway roots and an extensive background in both theater and film—and Matt Bomer—a multi-talented actor known for his dramatic roles and charming screen presence—marks a significant investment in a comedy that aims to push boundaries.
The show marks a collaboration of experienced creators who have a vision for something both traditional and revolutionary in the sitcom genre. With a talented writing team led by industry veterans who have a knack for blending comedy with real-life issues, the sitcom is designed to appeal to a wide audience while remaining grounded in relatable storytelling.
Nathan Lane: The Comedic Maestro
Nathan Lane has long been recognized as a titan of comedy, effortlessly blending wit and warmth in a career that spans decades. From his unforgettable roles in "The Producers" to his work in "The Birdcage," Lane has made a career out of creating memorable and engaging characters. His ability to tackle serious themes while maintaining a lighthearted tone is one of his hallmark traits.
In this new sitcom, Lane steps into the role of a flamboyant but wise patriarch, drawing on his own experiences to create a character that is both humorous and deeply relatable. This character is expected to navigate the trials of family life while imparting life lessons to his children—often through hilariously misguided methods. Lane’s finest moments often shine in his exchanges with younger characters, and fans can expect some lighthearted yet profound dialogues that capture the essence of family dynamics.
Matt Bomer: The Versatile Star
On the other hand, Matt Bomer has established himself as a versatile actor capable of tackling a variety of roles ranging from drama to comedy. Known primarily for his breakout role in "White Collar," Bomer has demonstrated an impressive range, taking on parts that showcase his dramatic intensity as well as his comedic flair. His collaboration with Lane brings a fresh energy to the project, as he embodies the role of Lane’s son—someone who is struggling to carve out his own identity amidst his father’s larger-than-life personality.
Bomer’s character is poised to be a conduit for many issues young adults face today, including the pressure of societal expectations, the search for identity, and the quest for balance between honoring familial ties and being true to oneself. This creates a perfect tension within the sitcom that can lead to both comedic and poignant moments, crafted by two actors who understand the importance of timing and delivery.
A Modern Sitcom for Today’s Audience
The series sets out to reflect contemporary society while remaining rooted in traditional sitcom elements. With its multi-camera format and laugh track reminiscent of classic shows, the sitcom aims to capture the spirit of familial camaraderie and comedic jabs that audiences have loved for generations. However, it simultaneously attempts to address modern issues such as identity, social dynamics, and the changing nature of family structures.
The creative team behind the series is known for their inclusive writing, and this sitcom does not shy away from addressing crucial social themes. Topics including LGBTQ+ experiences, misunderstandings that often arise in multi-generational households, and the ever-evolving definitions of love and acceptance are all explored. Lively guest appearances from notable actors will further enhance each episode, providing unique perspectives and additional layers of humor.
Anticipation and Impact
As the release date draws near, the excitement surrounding the Nathan Lane and Matt Bomer sitcom continues to build. Their individually strong careers, combined with the depth of the writing and the reflection of contemporary issues, provide a rich tapestry for storytelling.
In a landscape where representation and authentic narratives are increasingly prioritized, this sitcom stands as a testament to the evolution of comedic storytelling. Viewers can anticipate a show that not only entertains but also fosters conversations about important topics in a gentle yet effective manner.
With its perfect pairing of Nathan Lane and Matt Bomer, this Hulu sitcom is poised to be a standout hit, promising a blend of laughter and introspection that resonates with audiences of all ages. As they embark on this comedic journey together, the synergy between these two actors is bound to create memorable moments that will leave a lasting impact—both on viewers’ hearts and in the annals of television history. Whether it’s the chuckles or the tears, this show is sure to bring an unforgettable viewing experience.
Nathan Lane and Matt Bomer star in the Hulu sitcom “Difficult People,” a comedy that delves into the lives of two aspiring comedians navigating the challenges of their careers and personal lives in New York City. With sharp wit and a focus on the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, the show combines humor with heartfelt moments, showcasing the dynamic chemistry between the characters played by Lane and Bomer. Their performances add depth and charm to the series, highlighting themes of friendship, ambition, and the struggles of chasing one’s dreams in a competitive environment.