Hollywood legend and Mid-Century Modern star Nathan Lane articulates why the acclaimed sitcom holds greater significance now than ever before.
During a recent appearance at the Deadline Contenders TV panel, Nathan Lane emphasized the significance of the series, stating, “In today’s world, especially with the rise of authoritarianism, it has become increasingly vital as our rights face numerous threats.”
Developed by Max Mutchnick and David Kohan, with direction by James Burrows, Mid-Century Modern made its debut on Hulu on March 28, receiving mostly favorable reviews from critics.
The show features Nathan Lane in the role of Bunny Schneiderman, who relocates to Palm Springs with his close friends Jerry Frank and Arthur Broussard, played by Matt Homer and Nathan Lee Graham, after the passing of another dear friend.
Additionally, Linda Lavin portrays Bunny’s mother, Sybil, who welcomes the trio into her home upon their arrival. Beyond the main cast, Mid-Century Modern includes appearances by Pamela Adlon, Richard Kind, and Zane Phillips, along with a variety of guest stars such as Cheri Oteri, Billie Lourd, Judd Hirsch, Rhea Perlman, and Vanessa Bayer.
Mid-Century Modern Design Took Cues From The Golden Girls
Often referred to as a “gender-swapped Golden Girls,” Mid-Century Modern has garnered an overwhelmingly favorable reception from both critics and viewers since its launch. According to review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the show boasts an impressive 86% “Fresh” rating based on an average of seven critical reviews as of this writing.
Additionally, it has achieved a 76% approval rating on the site’s “Popcornmeter,” reflecting the average scores from user-generated reviews.
In a recent interview, Nathan Lee Graham, a star of Mid-Century Modern, shared his excitement about taking on the role of Arthur. He expressed that the chance to embody “a fully developed Black queer character is truly a dream come true.”
Graham went on to highlight the privilege of collaborating with brilliant talents such as Matt Bomer, Nathan Lane, Linda Lavin, Pamela Adlon, and the legendary director Jimmy Burrows. He also acknowledged the incredible Mid-Century Modern producers, Max Mutchnick, David Cohan, and Ryan Murphy, stating, “This is a dream team, and I feel incredibly thankful to be part of it.”