Palm Royale | agoodmovietowatch
Palm Royale 6.9 2025 Show

Palm Royale

Abe Sylvia · United States of America · English

The costumes and camp almost make it worth it, but this 1960s period piece is too cheesy for its own good

Our take by Renee Cuisia

Starring a knock-out cast of comediennes that include Carol Burnett, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, and Wiig, Palm Royale is a visual treat filled with a handful of memorable performances. But as funny as these women and as vibrant as these costumes are, the series never seems truly believable and lived in. It instead feels like a neverending comedy sketch—a parody of a melodrama, to be exact. Despite its tender moments, it’s difficult to feel sympathetic for characters who are played for laughs and laughs only. Look, I love Wiig as much as the next person who grew up watching seasons 31-37 of SNL, but the loudness of her performance can’t hide the fact that she can’t find her character’s core, which ultimately weakens the act. Wiig is usually excellent in dramatic roles, so this one comes as a surprise.

What happens

In 1969, an ambitious woman aspires to cross the line between the haves and have-nots to secure her seat at America's most exclusive, fashionable, and treacherous table: Palm Beach high society.

What the critics said

Notable Critics

"Wildy outrageous and amusing, Palm Royale suggests that you might get more than you requested if you’re delusional enough to go after what you want."

— Aramide Tinubu

More about it

What happens

Florida, 1969. Wannabe socialite Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig) will stop at nothing to join Palm Beach’s ultra-exclusive resort club.

What sets it apart

Costume designer Alix Friedberg does a wonderful job of making the ladies ultra-fashionable. The power suits, tent dresses, paisley prints, and shell bags look dated on their own, but in Palm Royale, they’re as chic as the society women garbed in them. It could give Mad Men a run for its amazing wardrobe!

TL;DR

What a terrible waste of a star-studded cast!

Awards

SAG Awards

1 nom

Nominated: Female Actor in a Comedy Series

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About the author

Renee Cuisia

Renee Cuisia

Renee Cuisia is the lead curator at A Good Movie to Watch. In her spare time, she likes to watch K-dramas and analyze them to death. She's also seen You've Got Mail one too many times but is still convinced it's one of the greatest films out there.