Hulu‘s ”All’s Fair” Debuts as Streamer’s Most-Watched Scripted Premiere Despite Critical Dismay
LOS ANGELES, CA – Hulu’s new series, “All’s Fair,” co-created by Ryan Murphy and starring Kim Kardashian, launched as the streamer’s most triumphant scripted series premiere in three years, despite overwhelmingly negative reviews. The show, a loose adaptation of the British series “The Split,” premiered to a 5% score on Rotten Tomatoes, yet captivated audiences, signaling a potential shift in television consumption where notoriety trumps critical acclaim.
“All’s Fair” centers on a high-powered divorce law firm, mirroring the premise of “The Split,” which follows a family of female divorce lawyers. However, the Hulu series distinguishes itself through its distinctly american lens, reflecting a cultural landscape where winning often overshadows ethics and empathy. The show’s creators appear to have prioritized viewership over critical praise, a strategy that has demonstrably paid off.
The series’ approach has drawn comparisons to the political strategies employed by former President Donald Trump,where negative attention can be leveraged for engagement and support. As the article notes, Trump has repeatedly framed critical coverage as evidence of a biased cultural elite targeting him and his supporters.
Critics have been openly dismissed by those involved with the production; creator Close reportedly posted a sketch depicting the cast gathered around a pot of “critic bunny stew” following negative reviews. This dismissive attitude underscores the show’s apparent disregard for customary critical standards.
The success of “All’s Fair” raises questions about the evolving relationship between critics and audiences, and whether, in the current media landscape, bad press can be a powerful marketing tool. The show’s blend of high-profile talent – Kardashian and Murphy – alongside a cast of established actors, appears to have been a key ingredient in its success, even without a compelling narrative. The series’ launch coincides with a period of important social and political division, prompting the observation that audiences may be drawn to content that reflects, and even revels in, a sense of societal decay.
