Freshly squeezed drama: ‘Palm Royale’ glamorizes 1969 Florida high society
A recently divorced socialite basks in the gilded glow of 1969 Palm Beach high society in the new Apple TV+ sitcom “Palm Royale,” premiering Wednesday, Mar. 20, on the streamer. The first three episodes drop on premiere day with weekly episodes added every Wednesday through May 8.
Kristen Wiig (“Bridesmaids,” 2011) stars as Maxine Simmons, a woman whose divorce stranded her far from the life she’s dreamed of living. Once she sets her sights on the glamorous Palm Beach social scene, nothing will stand in the way of Maxine planting her flag at its peak.
Per Apple, “’Palm Royale’ asks the same question that still baffles us today: ‘How much of yourself are you willing to sacrifice to get what someone else has?’” Maxine’s biggest hurdle on her way to the top? That would be society leader Norma, portrayed by the legendary Carol Burnett (“Better Call Saul”). Burnett guest stars along with Bruce Dern (“Mr. Mercedes”) as Skeet.
Also starring in “Palm Royale” are Laura Dern (“Jurassic World Dominion,” 2022) as Linda and Allison Janney (“The Creator,” 2023) as Evelyn, Ricky Martin (“American Crime Story”) in a yet-to-be-named role, Josh Lucas (“Yellowstone”) as Douglas, Leslie Bibb (“About My Father,” 2023) as Dinah, Amber Chardae Robinson (“Loot”) as Virginia, Mindy Cohn (“The Facts of
Life”) as Ann, Julia Duffy (“Designing Women”) as Mary Jones Davidsoul and Kaia Gerber (“Bottoms,” 2023) as Mitzi.
The 10-episode series is based on the hit 2018 novel “Mr. & Mrs. American Pie,” from author Juliet Mcdaniel. “Palm Royale” is “loosely based” on the novel, according to an Apple TV+ press release, and very little revealing the plot of the show has been released.
Though, a very slim sneak peek of the series was revealed in a preview trailer of other upcoming Apple TV+ series last May. Maxine stares in awe at an opulent hall hosting a golden, tropical-themed party and gets her photo snapped while the ladies of Palm Beach high society step out, daintily holding their cocktails and handbags.