Mid-Century Modern may seem ordinary and straightforward. Just a few funny moments, a Palm Springs style, and unique roommates in a modern house. But there is much more to this Hulu series than punchlines and pastel décor.
Beyond The Surface: A Touching Yet Heartbreaking Story
When David Kohan and Max Mutchnick came up with the show’s concept, their only aim was – create a quadruple-camera program just like The Golden Girls but one – with a gay audience at heart, i.e., gayer. The end product was Mid-Century Modern, starring big names like Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Nathan Lee Graham.
The plot is as follows: three old gay friends move in together following the sudden demise of their pal Bunny. This event triggers a cycle of shared living, drama out of the blue, and comical arguments related to things like age, dating, and just every other imaginable thing.
More Read
Viewers tuned into the weekly sitcom and found a ray of hope in difficult times.
Linda Lavin’s Last Scene Had a Real-life Connection
Seasoned actress Linda Lavin gives life to the character of Sybil, Bunny’s mother. Her person contributes to the cast with an interesting blend of swim and cuddle—but, unfortunately, Lavin was involved in the middle of her real-life fight at that time.
Linda died in December 2024, literally a couple of days before the last filming.
So here is what most people are not aware of it. Linda’s dying wish was that her character on the screen was also her death mirrored it in reality.
She told the people making the show, “Whichever way I go, let Sybil go to.” They changed a part of the dialogue. As a result of their rework, Sybil was deceased in episode 9, while on her way to the hospital—exactly what Linda Lavin did, in fact.
It was more than a plot turn, and it was also a token of respect, which struck a chord with the entire cast and brought them to the tears.
Humor with Substance
Certainly, while Mid-Century Modern contains a lot of funny remarks about PrEP, brunch, and botox, it also touches on numerous real issues such as getting older, dealing with grief, creating one’s family, and loving after society’s era has passed you by.
One of the scenes has the character of Matt Bomer crying after his friend’s death. In another scene, Nathan Lane is explaining why it’s alright to start from scratch at the age of 60.
Max Mutchnick, the show’s co-creator, interviewed, saying, – This show is about joy, but it’s also about survival.
The Internet Reacts: “It Feels Like Home”
It was an unknown episode when Mid-Century Modern premiered on March 28, 2025, and the audience had no clue what to expect from the show. Nevertheless, it quickly became the hit of the town and LGBTQ+ fans felt they can relate to it because it was a show broadcasting mostly the positive and real side of the community instead of very tragic or pushy things.
Much praise was posted on Reddit and Twitter, with viewers calling it:
“The gay Golden Girls I never knew I needed.” “Finally, a show about aging that doesn’t feel sad.” “Linda Lavin’s last scene… I cried and laughed in the same minute.”
Its reception even from critics was also quite positive. Rotten Tomatoes scored it 88%. Fans are already interested in whether a second season will be made.
Will Hulu Bring It Back?
Until now, Hulu has not officially announced the show’s renewal. Still, a second season is highly likely as the positive reviews and increasing fan base give strong enough reasons for the show to be continued.
There is a feeling of readiness on the part of the cast. Nathan Lane made a casual suggestion in an interview that the show was of “a special” category to him. Also, Matt Bomer has praised it as the most touching of all his projects.
What’s more, the creators announce that in case of the program’s return, they will still keep a bouquet of jokes, witty remarks, and moving scenes. Sure, there will be others involved, with new stars, a series of reminders, and possibly some musical performances.
Mid-Century Modern has gone beyond the boundaries of a series collection. It will remind us that offset 60 does not mean we are past it. Plus, it is a big heads-up that grief can coexist with joy. The extremely significant lessons in life might even come from celebrating real people such as Linda Lavin who participated in a story by putting in all their energy.
