Get ready for a fresh, even more vibrant take on the roommate sitcom genre! It's not quite "The Golden Girls," but it's sure to captivate your heart. I'm thrilled to exclusively reveal that the stars of the upcoming Hulu multi-camera series "Mid-Century Modern" are none other than the esteemed Matt Bomer and Nathan Lane. This exciting project is executive produced by Ryan Murphy and created by the brilliant minds behind "Will & Grace," Max Mutchnick and David Kohan.
Sources have spilled the beans on the roles: Bomer will embody the ditzy, Rose-esque character, originally portrayed by Betty White in "The Golden Girls," while Lane will take on the role of Dorothy, akin to Bea Arthur's iconic portrayal. Adding further depth to the ensemble is Linda Lavin, who will step into the shoes of Lane's mother, much like the original Sophia.
Set in the vibrant gay hub of Palm Springs, "Mid-Century Modern" promises to be a hilarious and heartwarming tale. The series follows three lifelong friends – charming gentlemen of a certain age – who, following an unexpected loss, decide to embark on a new chapter of their lives, living together in the sunny paradise of Palm Springs. There, the wealthiest among them shares his home with his mother and a Gen Z housekeeper who always seems to be.
In this colorful cast, Nathan Lane shines as Bunny Schneiderman, a successful businessman who's one foot in retirement and forever searching for love, albeit with a touch of skepticism about his own worthiness. Linda Lavin steals the show as Sybil Schneiderman, Bunny's mother, whose wisdom and caring nature are sometimes overshadowed by her critical, overbearing, and amoral tendencies. And Matt Bomer steals hearts as Jerry Frank, a former Mormon who left the church and his marriage in his early 20s after being outed as homosexual. Now a modern-day saint in the truest sense, Jerry is pure of heart, strong of body, and a bit softheaded.
Bomer's recent credits include standout performances in "Fellow Travelers" and "Maestro," and he's no stranger to collaborating with Murphy, who helmed him to a Golden Globe win for his heartfelt portrayal in the AIDS drama "The Normal Heart." Lane, a triple Tony Award winner and veteran of stage, screen, and television, has been keeping busy with roles in "The Gilded Age" and "Only Murders in the Building." He's also become a darling of A24 with starring turns in "Beau Is Afraid" and "Dicks: The Musical." Tony Award-winner Lavin is best remembered for her iconic role in "Alice" and recently delighted audiences with a guest appearance on CBS' "Elsbeth."
Mutchnick and Koahn, the creative minds behind the Emmy Award-winning comedy series "Will & Grace," which ran for 11 seasons and ended its run on NBC in 2020, bring their unique sensibility and comedic touch to "Mid-Century Modern." The original "The Golden Girls," starring Arthur, White, McClanahan, and Getty, captivated audiences for seven seasons with its portrayal of four older women sharing life's ups and downs in Miami. The series has long been a favorite among the LGBTQ community for its authentic representation of gay sensibilities. In fact, the original pilot episode even featured a gay male roommate as part of the ensemble.
With a star-studded cast, a hilarious script, and a setting that's as sunny as the cast's dispositions, "Mid-Century Modern" is sure to be a hit. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new sitcom, and get ready to laugh, cry, and fall in love with these charming characters all over again!
