Mid-Century Modern (TV series)

Mid-Century Modern is an American comedy television series created by Max Mutchnick and David Kohan. It stars Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, Linda Lavin, and Nathan Lee Graham. The series marks Lavin's final television role. She died having completed seven episodes, but after her death, it was decided that many of her scenes from the fourth episode would instead be used in the eighth episode, so she appears in a total of eight episodes.
The show premiered on Hulu on March 28, 2025. It received generally positive reviews from critics. Mid-Century Modern was praised for its humor, nostalgic charm, performances, and its ability to blend classic sitcom sensibilities with contemporary themes.
Three gay best friends of a certain age, after an unexpected death, move in together in Palm Springs. Living with the wealthiest friend's mother, they navigate their golden years as a chosen family, supporting each other through life's challenges.
Mid-Century Modern premiered on Hulu on March 28, 2025. The first season consists of ten episodes, which were released simultaneously. Internationally, the series was released on Disney+.
Mid-Century Modern ranked No. 11 on Hulu's "Top 15 Today" list—a daily updated list of the platform's most-watched titles—on April 2.
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 86% of 22 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.4/10. The website's consensus reads: "Harkening back to the classic sitcom formula while unafraid to have a contemporary, risqué sense of humor, Mid-Century Modern is endearingly old-fashioned." On Metacritic, the series holds a weighted average score of 67 out of 100 based on 9 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.
Matthew Creith of TheWrap said Mid-Century Modern embraces the spirit of classic sitcoms while adding a fresh, gay perspective. He praised the chemistry between Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, Nathan Lee Graham, and Linda Lavin, noting their dynamic as the heart of the series. He found the show reminiscent of The Golden Girls and Hot in Cleveland, highlighting its humor and themes of friendship and romance without age limits. Creith stated that the series benefits from its Hulu placement, allowing raunchier humor and more daring jokes. He appreciated Lavin's final performance, calling it a standout in a show filled with memorable moments. Robert Lloyd of Los Angeles Times stated Mid-Century Modern is a heartfelt sitcom that balances humor with friendship among gay men. He praised Lavin's performance, noting her vitality and comedic skill, which make her passing feel even more moving. He found the show loosely inspired by The Golden Girls, with its older ensemble cast navigating life, love, and friendship. Lloyd stated that the series stands out as a traditional multicamera sitcom set in a gay milieu, making it both timely and refreshing. He appreciated the mix of humor and sentiment, highlighting the strong performances, guest appearances, and Lane's long-overdue lead role in a sitcom.
Aramide Tinubu of Variety found that Mid-Century Modern is a delightful comedy that blends the wit of Will & Grace with the charm of The Golden Girls. She praised the show for its unique take on aging, grief, and love, with characters who reflect familiar sitcom archetypes. Tinubu appreciated the series' humor, especially its willingness to embrace cruder jokes, given its streaming platform. She found the ensemble cast to be a key strength, particularly Lavin's performance. Tinubu stated that the series delivers numerous laugh-out-loud moments and offers a refreshing portrayal of friendship. She appreciated that, while it does not break new ground, Mid-Century Modern offers comfort and humor during challenging times. Laura Babiak of The New York Observer praised Mid-Century Modern for its nostalgic yet contemporary take on the multi-camera sitcom format, highlighting its easy-to-watch, feel-good nature. She found the series refreshing in its portrayal of aging gay men, free from the need for a straight character, and appreciated the cast's performances, particularly Lane's flamboyant portrayal and Bomer's comedic timing. Babiak also acknowledged the emotional weight added by Lavin's final performance, especially in the penultimate episode. She noted that the show's humor, guest stars, and light-hearted tone made it an enjoyable, comforting experience, offering exactly what many viewers need in a comedy.