‘Palm Royale’ review: Kristen Wiig scams, delights in social climbing comedy

(NEXSTAR) — How far would you go to belong?

It’s the question at the center of Apple TV+’s latest comedy, “Palm Royale,” which premieres on the platform March 20. As social climber Maxine Simmons, Kristin Wiig leads a large cast of star talent in this 10-episode period piece created by Abe Sylvia, writer of 2021’s “The Eyes of Tammy Faye.”

Fresh from Tennessee, plucky Maxine is on a mission to become somebody in the Florida social mecca — and her plan begins with infiltrating the ultra-exclusive Palm Royale country club and befriending its members.

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Filling out the glamorous tapestry are socialites Evelyn Rollins (Allison Janney) and Dinah Donohue (Leslie Bibb), local women’s rights activist Linda (Laura Dern), and club bartender/houseboy Robert (Ricky Martin). Then there’s Norma Dellacorte (Carol Burnett), Maxine’s comatose aunt-in-law and one of Palm Beach’s top matriarchs — she’ll be Maxine’s ticket into the upper echelon, if she stays quiet.

But as Maxine delves deeper into Palm Beach high society, she learns that the higher you rise, the bigger your secrets become.

Loosely based on Juliet McDaniel’s 2018 novel “Mr. and Mrs. American Pie,” the series is likely to please fans of “The Real Housewives” franchises and Ryan Murphy’s “Feud.” But Sylvia’s writing aims to be more than the champagne-soaked soap opera early images might suggest.

Set during the social upheaval of 1969, “Palm Royale” finds its characters at the intersection of the Vietnam War, the women’s rights movement and the gay liberation. In Linda (Dern), Maxine finds an unlikely friend and foil and some of the series’ best moments are scenes shared between the two women who are fighting for better lives in different ways.

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Viewers will enjoy going along Maxine’s journey, as she resorts to increasingly desperate tactics to keep up her facade. Among Maxine’s biggest problems is sinister socialite Evelyn, who Academy Award winner Janney imbues with fabulous fire. With Norma currently out of the running for top lady in Palm Beach, Evelyn, wife of war profiteer Skeet Rollins (Bruce Dern), hopes to become the new top dog in town.

One of the true joys of the series is the marvel that is Kristen Wiig. As Maxine, the “Saturday Night Live” legend is effervescent but grounded, ruthless but worth rooting for. Wiig’s impeccable balance of whimsy and depth helps “Palm Royale” refocus itself during some shaggier moments.

Though there’s something to love in every episode of “Palm Royale,” its 10-episode run takes some circuitous plot journeys that ultimately let out too much of the pressure. Though Maxine’s circumstances continue snowballing, this tension often falls flat as we’re too often checking in on other characters or side plots. As enjoyable as “Palm Royale” is, it’s hard not to feel that it would have been more effective in 6-8 episodes, or as a film.

Despite sometimes testing viewer patience, “Palm Royale” is a worthwhile watch, especially for those of us ready for warm summer months by the pool. You’ll come for the actresses in caftans but you’ll stay for the heart Wiig, Dern, Martin and company bring along with the soap.

The first three episodes of “Palm Royale” arrive on Apple TV+ on March 20, then episodes air weekly though May 8.

SCORE: ★★★☆☆

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