I’ve been watching Mid-century Modern on Hulu. It’s a comedy series that is basically a reimagined Golden Girls, but with middle+ aged gay men. Linda Lavin played the mother of Nathan Lane’s character until her unexpected death in December during filming. The episode following her death was handled so well, honoring her character and deftly handling grief in a comedic sitcom. I laughed and cried and watched it a second time.
Actually, the show tackles many heavy subjects while keeping a comedic tone. I hope it gets picked up for Season 2.
Funny you mentioned this as I just recently saw it as a suggested show. May sound a little heavy for me with the topics but maybe I’ll give an episode a try. Without sounding weird I typically HATE shows that focus with the theme “old people” - case in point, Golden Girls, that one with Jane Fonda, etc
It is not a heavy show at all. But it does cover some heavy topics in a comedic way (e.g. growing up gay in a Mormon household). The Golden Girls was a comedy but also had serious moments (recalling the death of a spouse, etc.) It’s from the show runners of Will and Grace. It’s definitely a sitcom, which is why I was impressed with how they handled Linda Lavin’s death.
One of the “mid-century” men is Matt Bomer. This is not about “old people”. Unless I’m old and just haven’t accepted it yet.
Based on the recommendation, I watched the first episode. I wonder if it gets better, because I thought it sucked…and not in a good way. (I had to get that gay line in, because every other stereotype was covered).
That’s funny. I could see it won’t resonate with everyone for multiple reasons. And note my praise for it related to the way they handled Linda Lavin’s death mid-season and her character was so fun.
I suppose the show resonates with me because of the cultural references I “get” as a middle-ager and because of experiences with one of my closest friends since pre-school. Growing up in a rural area in a red state, he did not live his authentic life until his 20s. He and his partner find the show entertaining and ironic.
I will say while I connect with the Matt Bomer character’s background, I’m not yet completely on board with Matt Bomer in that role. He doesn’t have the comedic genre down yet (actually read an article about how he hadn’t done comedy since college and finds it very challenging).
But despite the flaws I found it an entertaining watch. And I will miss Linda Lavin, which is what prompted me to post about the show.
ETA: If you give it another try, let me know if it gets better for you.
Well I was getting ready for the PBS release of season 14 of Call the Midwife, logged into my passport account, and lo and behold they dropped early for passport and there were 5 new episodes waiting for me!
We just got AppleTV and are loving Ted Lasso. Morning Show is next. Please tell me other ones to binge watch. I like series to watch with DH in the evenings, as I’m too tired to commit to a movie.
I’ve been thinking it’s time to binge some Aaron Sorkin in the near future, but I will probably start with The Stackhouse Filibuster from season 2 of TWW tonight with a box of tissues at my side.
H and I recently started watching Elementary (Paramount Plus). It’s an older series (2012-2019) that’s a modern day adaption of Sherlock Holmes. Jonny Miller (Holmes) and Lucy Liu (Watson) are great. If you’re a Sherlock Holmes purist, this isn’t for you. If you’re willing to go with the premise, this series is excellent entertainment.
Unless I’m old and just haven’t accepted it yet.
