PALM ROYALE -- A Fun and Campy Drama About 1960s Palm Beach Socialites

Review by Tatiana Miranda

Loosely based on the novel Mr. & Mrs. American Pie, Palm Royale is a comedy-drama series set in 1969 that centers on outcast Maxine Simmons as she attempts to climb the Palm Beach social circle. The ten-episode series stars Kristen Wiig in the lead role, Carol Burnett as Maxine's sick, wealthy relative, Allison Janney and Leslie Bibb as local country club socialites, and Laura Dern, Kaia Gerber, and Ricky Martin as Maxine's unexpected friends. With the 1960s time period and Florida beach aesthetics, Palm Royale is a campy mystery comedy that constantly leaves the audience wondering who to root for.​

While the time period and character names remain from the source material, most of the plotlines differ. The series focuses on self-proclaimed former beauty pageant queen Maxine as she arrives in Palm Beach to care for her husband's wealthy aunt, who suffered from an embolism. Through lies and luck, she attempts to work her way up the local social scene and prepares to host the main event of the season. Secrets are consistent as Maxine attempts to keep her own and unravel those of her friends, enemies, and family. 

The show's campy mystery aspect is akin to The White Lotus, while its unlikely friendships are reminiscent of Dead to Me, which was co-written by Palm Royale's creator, Abe Sylvia. The main flaw of the series is in what those other two series have: a central mystery. Whether it be a death or a figure pulling all of the strings, Palm Royale focuses more on an amalgamation of reveals rather than one grand whodunnit at the end of the show. Because of this, the series seems to attempt to write itself as it goes along, never quite knowing what will happen to the characters next or what secret will be revealed. ​

​Although the plot is messy and inconsistent, the characters and the star-studded cast that portrays them keep the show from being overwhelmingly disappointing. Of all of the deceptive and flawed characters, none are quite as mischievous as Kristen Wiig's Maxine, even if she doesn't realize exactly what she's doing. Unlike Saltburn's Oliver, who similarly attempts to infiltrate a group of rich people, Maxine is an ultimately kind person who just wants to fit in and have the socialite life she's always dreamed of having. Her character is one of the most compelling, as even as she continues to lie and blackmail others, she is still the underdog of the story that you can't help but feel sorry for. 

Overall, while Palm Royale leaves you wanting more in terms of the plot, the captivating characters and their relationships keep you coming back for more. One can only hope that more seasons will allow for a more consistent storyline and a return of these entertaining characters.

Palm Royale premiers on Apple TV+ on March 20. All ten episodes reviewed.

Rating: 3/5