Australia / NZ : Disney+
USA: HULU
Without any fanfare whatsoever, Disney+ AUNZ just plopped this show onto the system – it’s only because I am a Nathan Lane stan that I saw his appearance on ‘The View’ that I even knew about this show…. but WOW, WOWIE WOW WOW, can I get a girly gay gay gay man in his late fourties squeal?! This is one of the most exciting, innovative throwbacks (yes, that’s a thing) to come out of the Disney universe, and we are gagging for it!
Its the triad of gay male production in full force… Ryan Murphy, Max Mutchnick and David Kohan, Jim Burrows. all of whom have powered iconic series in the past, and this collaboration does not disappoint. So much so, we are putting in an extension request, more episodes, more series please!
What I love about this show is that it has brought out all of the cynical armchair keyboard warriors, especially from the LGBTQIA+ community, who love ripping things down without giving it appropriate thought as to the intent of the script, the delivery, the intended market nor the way it was produced.
This series is an epic throwback to not only an era of Will and Grace, Cheers or Friends but to all the purported “edgy” elements it is aimed at and succeeds at, reaching a market EXACTLY like myself, A nearly 50, Peter Pan esque gay man who was never queer enough to fit into the extremes, who loves having a jab and a jive with friends and has a chosen family that is the be all and end all. It has, through its ‘basic’ sitcom premise, given a joyous, sad and uplifting story arc that makes someone like me feel – in a comedic way – seen and validated after decades of holding the door open for other queer people.
So to all the other folks out there – YES, this IS a representation of a segment of our community that isn’t up to speed on the queer roller coaster of being queer – this is about being GAY. Mind numbingly, camp and over the top GAY…. I’m sorry if it does not meet your queer criteria, but F off, ‘gay’ folk like us, like this are why you can be your queer authentic self – we fought the fight – we did the miles, we walked the walk, and now you have a problem? When I see younger people tearing this show down because of its stereotypes and overt campness, I scream at the computer screen and tell yall to go get fucked! You have so much at your fingertips to support what you do and what you have done – MCM is that for us unseen gays. Don’t destroy it just because it is not exactly in your wheelhouse.
MCM is genius; it’s relevant, it’s a breath of fresh air in a sea of queer confusion that stamps a solid camp gay icon vibe into the zeitgeist. If you don’t like nor appreciate it, OK, you don’t have to – move on – there is plenty of content out there for you. This one is for the current “OG’s”. – The comparisons to the Golden Girls are a bit off, as they are different, but for me, I love MCM so much more -Jim Burrow’s direction of the show allows me to relate to friendships of gay men, the dynamics of intergenerational relationships, the issues of religion, acceptance, family, loss, love and humour.
The icon, Nathan Lane, is a big draw for the show. I would watch him open an envelope (I flew to NYC to see Nathan in Addams Family on Broadway and I have never been a happier gay!) – the man is just heaven, a total icon, legend. He can deliver comedy through a wet paper bag and still make you laugh. However, the acerbic and viper-based humour of Nathan Lee Graham is brilliantly executed. Even though the drag race-style one-liners may erk some, I find it hilarious, and the timing of his delivery is impeccable.
The hilarity and old-school sitcom delivery of all the cast is priceless and delivers not only a strong performance from all the actors on set but allows us to escape back into an era of borderline slapstick. I have never laughed out loud so hard for a long time – so many shows take themselves too seriously, especially those dealing with our community.
Matt Bomer’s vapid yet deep comedic skills in delivering Jerry Frank are a joy to watch. The online commentary says that he can’t be that dumb. Still, girlies, let me tell you – the nuance in his performance of this role makes it shine – the fact that someone that inherently good looking cant deliver a comedic role with so many layers seems to upset many people. I love that in a throwback sitcom genre, his performance is a real treat: onion, layers, joy and genius.
Linda Lavins character was so lovely and added a nice element to the story, her passing was handled in the best way and opens up the show to many more character plotlines and story arcs. The one thing that DID annoy me about the show was the fleeting appearance of drag icon Coco Peru in the first episode; if you blink, you will miss her in the office in the Chauvette Inn scene…. Coco needs a recurring role and a big one. This is non-negotiable.
Iconic series like this one attract killer guest stars, like the dreamy Zane Phillips, Richard Kind, Rhea Peralman, Vanessa Bayer, Pamela Adlon, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and gay, gasp, Cheri Oteri! Not to mention, yet again, our fav, Coco Peru. (Come on, guys,…. series regular! ) and so many more amazing folks…. I can’t wait to see who pops up in series two onwards!
Don’t get me wrong—I enjoyed every second of the show, but with a sitcom of this format, you miss things when you binge-watch. So my advice to anyone out there is to put it on repeat, go and learn all the lines, because there are some doozies, and don’t be “that girl” who misses out when the references start flying when you are IRL.
Okay, so MCM isn’t what the younger generations are used to, but that’s why, for me, it’s iconic; it’s a new all-time classic. It’s one of those shows that I was honestly pissed off that Disney+ released all at once. I would have loved to wait a week, have the anticipation of having ‘appointment TV’, and have 10+ weeks of laugh-out-loud rib ticklers. But that is nitpicking – I am so glad that this exists in the world, and I will be writing to Disney+ to make sure this gets at least 50 more seasons because life isn’t worth laughing at unless it Mid Century Modern!
5/5 GAY GASPS
SHANTAY YOU STAY
RENEW NOW GIRL
Get the point?
Rob is the founder of GTG. Launching the GTG-Sydney brand in 1995, it has gone from a VHS tourist guide for Sydney to a global phenomenon, partnering with Pride events and special events and charities all over the world, raising millions of dollars for the LGBTQIA+ communities and showcasing our big gay world to anyone who wants to join in the fun.
Rob is a trained marketer and journalist. An Emmy award winner, a NIDA-trained TV Presenter who has been on digital channels, cable and terrestrial broadcast television globally as a presenter, producer and creative.
He is currently editor-in-chief and producer of GTG and the co-host of The Unfashionably Late Podcast.