User Reviews

After seeing so many mixed reviews I put off watching this show. But I've run out of things that are capturing my attention (and while waiting for the next Shogun and Tokyo Vice episodes to be aired) so I thought I'd give it a shot while I loaded the dishwasher. Ha! It totally caught my attention and the dishes never went anywhere.

Things I like about the show: I love seeing so many quality actors and even shouted out, "OMG! That's Carol Burnett!" when I recognized her.

Even though the ladies aren't people I'd naturally root for, I like the determined pluckiness of Kirstin Wigg's character.

I also enjoy seeing the cattiness behind the veil of haughty money.

Most of the people in the show aren't young adults, more middle adult and older, my age. This make it easier for me to relate .

It's fun seeing that era come alive with all the clothing, decor, and social norms.

I'm enjoying how the story is slowly being unraveled and it makes me eager to watch the next episode.

I read one of the less favorable reviews where the person said that if the first episode doesn't drag you in then there's no point wasting time trying to watch anymore. Even though I wish everyone would be as giddy for this show as I am, I agree with the statement. But... if you are at all curious about the show, give the first episode a chance. You may find yourself with the same happy surprise as I did.

1969 was a period of great unrest in the US, with the unpopular Vietnam war, student protests on the streets, and the women's movement on the rise. All this under the presidency of the conservative, Tricky Dicky (Richard Nixon). But that didn't mean a thing to Maxine Simmons, who at the time was so determined to infiltrate Palm Beach high society at any cost, while the world was crumbling around her.

The viewer will squirm and cringe with great amusement as Maxine digs herself so deep into a mess, and then attempts to climb out of that bottomless hole by any means necessary in this farcical series that takes a swipe at the lives of deluded filthy rich housewives of Palm Beach. To help it along, it is the performances of Kristen Wiig and the dynamic supporting cast that make this a pure delight!

Overall it is taking too long to tell a simple tale that feels a little drawn out, even after three episodes. Maybe best suited as a feature length, but it is still enticing enough to see how far Maxine will go to conquer the upper-class social scene, and hopefully make a mess of it all.

I absolutely love Kristen Wiig and I enjoy Tate Taylor for directing Ma, The Help, Get on up are great movies! Palm Royale seems under-appreciated plus my mom recommended it and she usually great stuff. I often get jealous when I see anything about Beautiful locations I don't get to be around them much. Women empowerment is wonderful in a lot of cases most deserve respect and admirable. I usually enjoy Laura Dern sometimes she's played overly angry characters and other times I love her like in Big Little Lies she was phenomenal; my favorite is when she said "I will not be not rich". Anyway definitely recommend this series.

Costumes and sets are awesome. Storyline seems promising, only 2 episodes in. I'm undecided so far if I like Maxine, I'm hoping some backstory and character development will reveal what kind of person she is. I'm a big fan of a lot of the actors so I was looking forward to seeing them. However, it seems like the cast is 10-15 years older than their characters should be which resulted in some fancy camera work and creative lighting to make everyone appear younger than they are... or is everyone just fresh off their last facelift? Hard to say. I find their plasticy, airbrushed faces distracting from the story. Everything would have been perfect if it was made 15 years ago.

There is something so fun and refreshing about this show. I was just expecting to watch it for the eye candy (the costumes and sets are gorgeous) but stayed for the plot! Kristen Wiig is a surprising yet perfect choice for Maxine, and Allison Janney is understated and hilarious. It's nice to see a cast of people where the average age is above 35. (Also, what a treat to have a 90 year old Carol Burnette still funny without saying a word) Not many shows are as delightful as the Palm Royale, perfectly balancing light-hearted entertainment with a sexy who-dunnit-plot. I'm sure some people will say it's too much fluff, and maybe it is, but all I know is that I'm extremely entertained and want a Grasshopper. Watch this show!

This had potential but the pacing kills it right off the bat. They talk and talk and talk and nothing happens. And then they repeat the talking and plot points ad nauseum.

Whole episodes go by and nothing happens.

The characters are annoying and unlikable. And what's with the CGI faces of these old actors?

Kristine Whig seems to be in every scene. There's no relief from her. The acting in general is lousy, and the entire whale scene is stupid and disgusting.

The women are a bunch of parasites and we're supposed to find them amusing? And what's with the group of frumps in the book store?

Total waste of time.

After a spate of good to great sci-fi shows ("Silo", "Foundation", "Invasion", "Severance"), we happened upon this cotton candy comedy from Apple TV+ starring Kristen Wiig that takes place in Miami Beach in 1969. I've only seen five episodes so far (they drop weekly), and it's pretty good, though I'm frustrated with the waste of Carol Burnett. I want more Carol! The entire cast is fun with a capital F, with Wiig and Burnett and with Allison Janney, Leslie Bibb, Laura Dern, Ricky Martin, and Julia Duffy, who I've long loved (I'll always be a "Designing Women" fan). The set design, costumes, and hair and makeup are all outstanding, evoking the period as well as "Mad Men". I hope there's more to this than simply a tale of a shallow socialite wannabe, as we need to care a least a smidge about the characters. A slew of witty bon mots and snarky asides aren't going cut it to keep my attention.

First of all, I have to say I just love everyone in this cast. I would have watched it for Carol Burnette alone, it's a treat to see her in this role and she has not lost her touch, but they also got Alison Janney, who is soooo underrated and amazing. Its great to see the beautiful Ricky Martin on screen as well as Laura Dern. Kristen Wiig shines as Maxine and she's so fun. I initially watched it because I love the time period and the clothes are fabulous. It's a bit like madmen for elite club ladies, the story line is really coming along and the only thing that I don't like is that it'll end. Great job, great show. I hope that more seasons happen, I could watch Maxine and Robert banter all day long.

I read the book Mr. And Mrs. American Pie late last year and didn't know that Palm Royale was based on it. As I began watching the first episode, I wondered about it feeling a bit familiar. Reading the credits confirmed that it is LOOSELY based on the novel. The tone, at least, if not the actual story. It's like promising you creamy delicious vanilla ice cream and then giving you gritty overly artificial froyo. Is Kristen Wiig good in the lead? Yes. Are the rest of the cast above average. Absolutely. It's just not the story from the original novel and sometimes I wonder why they use the book at all if most of the really interesting elements are whittled out.

I'm three episodes in and struggling to stay with it. It's lost some heart and while Maxine is always a challenging character to truly like, this version is truly hollow. I haven't found anything redeeming in this adaptation. It's a fine watch for Wiig fans but ultimately mediocre in story telling and structure.

Kristen Wiig is a marvelously talented comedian who can probably do drama just as well; there seem to be no limits to her talent. There are, however, innumerable limits to this particular show -- most of all, the show hasn't any idea what it is. Sometimes it's a drama, sometimes a comedy, sometimes it's sad, sometimes it's surreal, sometimes it's lifelike. There are shows that can pull off this multiple identity issue but unfortunately this one doesn't come close. It doesn't do any of them well.

In fact, Palm Royale doesn't even seem like a show. What it is is a collection of sketches about the lead character. There's no through line, however. Just sketches. The characters all seem to have been told nothing about their last appearance; the show feels as if it was shot in random order. Nothing makes sense. Wiig is supposed to be a climber (literally, as in the first scene) but then it's later revealed that she's possibly the heiress to the most important person in Palm Beach (played by Carol Burnett, who manages to make a comatose patient funny). Sometimes she seems flush with money, but then she's broke. Then rich. Then broke. And if she really thinks she's going to inherit a fortune any moment, why make herself a fool in from of the people she most wants to impress instead of waiting a bit longer? The show is rife with problems like this.

Also, Palm Royale is set around 1969 but the characters all talk like it's 2024 -- they use slang that didn't exist then (especially the currently ever present "like," which didn't appear for many decades to come). Worse, the amazingly talented Laura Dern is playing a feminist who doesn't seem to grasp what feminism is; in fact, all the chatter among the feminist group is far too modern. No one on the show seems to have done any research into what women at the time actually were saying or doing -- there are silly anachronisms throughout, such as the women's bookstore being called Our Bodies, Our Shelves, a riff on the Our Bodies, Ourselves group that started later in 1969, and didn't become well known until the famous book was published in 1970. A carefully thought-out show like Madmen would never have made such a mistake.

The show is just too sloppy and incoherent to really work, which is truly a shame as the amount of talent in the cast is phenomenal. But unless the writers can start telling a coherent story, this is a sad muddle of a mess with just a few funny moments.

I have REALLY enjoyed watching this! Quite honestly it's a breath of fresh air against every other show that's coming out right now, in my opinion. No, it's not super serious, it's just FUN. There's some humor, fluff, ridiculousness, etc. And to me, the chaos of it really works. At the end of my incredibly full and busy days, to sit down on the couch and watch something that has a bit of mystery and surprise to it is really great. I won't give it away, but I haven't had such an authentically raw outburst of laughter in a LONG TIME... and the scene with Carol Burnett speaking to Kristin Wigg in the delacortte mansion had me snorting and I even replayed the scene. Is it cinematic gold? Perfection? NO. But honestly the intrigue of each episode and dramatic ironies at play, mixed with the 1960s backdrop and exciting wardrobe is the perfect cocktail hooking me in. Give it a try with an open mind. Without being stuffy and judgmental. I hope you too will feel refreshed as I did.

Palm Royale" is a period comedy-drama miniseries set in 1969, focusing on Maxine Simmons' ambitious quest to infiltrate Palm Beach's elite high society. The narrative weaves through themes of social stratification, ambition, and the complexities of fitting into a world where wealth and status dictate one's place. The series, based on the novel "Mr. & Mrs. American Pie" by Juliet McDaniel, is celebrated for its humor, drama, and vivid portrayal of the late 60s social scene.

The details surrounding "Palm Royale" remain somewhat limited, but it's described as a comedy set against a lavish backdrop, likely filled with intrigue, humor, and social commentary. Given the setting and era, expect a mix of biting wit and observations on the quirks of high society, and all wrapped up in a visually appealing package that captures the essence of the period.

There are so many elements that if assembled artfully could have made this spectacular, - I mean INCREDIBLE cast, production, location, etc. I was rooting for this show so much. It becomes a struggle to care about the characters' stories over time -- and that's really a bizarre anti-achievement because there are so many beloved actors who you just automatically are charmed by and cheer for. You can't HELP but love Kristen Wiig and the whole cast from the start and then all that potential just seems to drain away. I wonder if it needed someone like David Lynch to elevate it to where it seems like it wants to go.

I felt like I was being promised something great... eventually... and it never shows up (or hasn't yet).

The set design is incredible.

But the series sinks, with every episode.

I have finished whatever the latest episode is, and I am just chugging through it. Such a waste.

I am curious about the ratings. I am hearing NOTHING about this. Even Apple+ has pushed it down the ladder, in terms of exposure.

Rather than a Kristen Wiig skit, I would have enjoyed this, more in the vein of "Big Little Lies," or something similar.

The slapstick is tiresome.

Great to see Carol Burnett. However, it feels like stunt casting.

I will watch it till the end, but I will be surprised if it is cleared for a second season.

Colorful sets and costumes, the cast and story is a vehicle for brightly colored and audacious outfits in a 50's - 60's style. The plot is fit for a soap opera, but the over the top acting makes it ok - as long as you don't take it seriously.

I'd call it silly fun. Don't expect anything more and you might enjoy it.

Kristen Wiig plays her usual slightly ditzy, exuberant, character with everything she has. If you've seen her before, you'll recognize Maxine. The other female characters are mostly competing for a high place in the local social circle, and a front-page item in the "Shiny Sheet" - the local paper that covers who's who.

I agree this whole series dont make any sense, story wise it's just like jigsaw puzzle where all pieces has forced together cause there is no logic, no common thread in this story. I do like the cast its amazing but they just appear to the scene and dont have nothing to work with cause dialog is pointless mess. I think Ryan Murphy's amazing style is inspiration for all this but they forgot they also have to have story to make it interesting not this is just pointless mess. It is all a huge waste of money and actors' talents but they all got a paycheck so I believe everyone is happy.....except viewers. But a huge plus is Josh Lucas. He is such an eye candy, especially those underwear scenes, NICE.

I grew up in south Florida, so naturally was interested to see what this was about. The story takes play at "Palm Royale" which is based on the legendary Bath & Tennis Club in Palm Beach. Membership is notoriously difficult to ascertain, both in this series and in real life (Donald Trump himself could not find someone to sponsor a membership for him which is why he purchased Mar-a-Lago down the street). It's as old money as old money can get. The series is as much an insight into ultra exclusive high society as it is a mystery....

Kristen Wiig's performance is outstanding and will have you questioning what's true and what's not ... I really hope this series continues for a second season!

Love the show. Kristen brings a funny, out of touch character that is somehow relatable. She's highly underrated for a long time now, in my opinion. Great cast throughout the series. Set decoration is so fun and loving the wardrobe! Story line is great and each episode leaves you wanting to know what happens next. Lots of puzzle pieces sprinkled though each episode that you're waiting to see how they fit together. I find myself ready to make a cocktail and relax in watching the next episode, almost feel like I should be dressed up, hair fixed and heels on for viewing! Fun, interesting show for sure.

Palm Royale features an exceptional cast led by Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, and Laura Dern, along with a talented ensemble. Despite their admirable performances, the characters fail to engage or hold my interest-I found myself not connecting with or caring about any of them. Even the impressive production design can't compensate for the disjointed storyline lacking any substance. As much as I was looking forward to this Apple+ series, the 5 out of 10 episodes I painstakingly attempted to watch left me questioning its direction and quite frankly, very disappointed and annoyed. Despite the significant effort poured into its creation, Palm Royale ultimately falls short of expectations. It's truly a shame considering how much effort and money went behind the production and marketing.

I've only watched a few episodes, but it's a fun look back at the social scene back in the 60's. I'm old enough to remember much of the clothing, furniture, cars which are all very realistically depicted. Times were a bit more innocent on the surface, but lots of interesting things happened behind the scenes which would now be considered "politically incorrect". It's almost what I would call a dark comedy back in a time where people openly flaunted their wealth.

It's not totally believable, and obviously fiction, but still fun to watch and there are quite a few big names in the cast. Carol Burnett looks great and there are a few other actors which I haven't seen in years like Julia Duffy of Bob Newhart fame, Ricky Martin (who looks great), and Laura Dern.

I love Kirsten Wiig, Alison Janney, Laura Dern, actually all the actors featured in Royal Palm. So why did it end up such an annoying show? I really tried and watched a few eps. However it actually got worsens worse as one couldn't identify or sympathize with any of the main characters. The show can't decide whether it's a parody, or farce or comedy or everything together? If the story is so boring, why even produce something Royal Palm, Apple? I am sorry to say but more and more Apple Original shows are forgettable and badly done. And O don't get why a person with Kirsten Wiigs talent can't find the right vehicle.

For the first few episodes, I wasn't sure what direction it all was going. Even though the main actress is phenomenal, and decor and outfits are wonderful to look at.

But after watching episode 4, I'm sure I'll keep watching. It makes me laugh-out-loud really often, there are a few exciting storylines of which I wonder how it will end, and I can't stop watching Maxine's acting. She deserves an Emmy for it. I hope people will have a little patience and keep watching, because it's really worth it.

It's a true AppleTV show too. Everything looks beautiful, it lightly challenges a few things in which America has gone downhill, but without loosing it's entertaining value.

I'm shocked the rating isn't higher. This show is a light-hearted and playful exploration of wealth and power. I have enjoyed every moment of it so far. If you can approach this with a mindset of whimsicality, you will not be disappointed at all.

Kristen Wiig walks a perfect line of creating a character you both feel for, but cannot stand. Carol Burnett delivers more in her "twilight state" than many performers give with a full script. Every episode I can't help but laugh and think "I can't wait to see how this turns out".

I can already tell this is a show I will come back to whenever I need some playfulness in my life.

I've been appalled by the recent glut of late 60's-early 70's placed television and film fare that seems to be entirely gleaned from old Playboy, Cosmopolitan and Good Housekeeping magazines. The scripts just don't hit the mark: the language, conflicts and mercurial sensibilities of those years usually come off as some weird millennial fantasy of the era. Palm Royale Really nails that time in US history.

I am reviewing only the pilot here- I'm not even sure I like the show, but I am certainly impressed with the sincere and intelligent way it captures that which I recall of the times.

Palm Royale presents itself as a sort of fairytale murder mystery with an outstanding cast. Success is difficult to judge from the pilot; I may like it, I may not. What I do know is that the effort the scriptwriters and direction team put into depicting that pivotal era in a wealthy American community is laudable and true.

Well Done indeed.