The Shocking Truth: Why Hulu Canceled 'Mid-Century Modern' Despite A 93% Rotten Tomatoes Score And Its All-Star Cast

The Hulu comedy series Mid-Century Modern, which premiered to critical acclaim on March 28, 2025, quickly became a topic of discussion for its star-studded ensemble and its fresh, queer-forward take on the classic multi-camera sitcom format. The show, set in the sunny, retro-chic environment of Palm Springs, was heralded as a modern-day "Golden Girls" for a new generation of viewers, earning a near-perfect score from critics.

Despite the overwhelmingly positive reviews and the powerhouse creative team behind it—including creators Max Mutchnick and David Kohan of Will & Grace fame, and executive producer Ryan Murphy—the series received devastating news. The team behind the show, which followed three gay best friends and their unexpected new roommate, confirmed in late 2025 that Hulu had officially canceled Mid-Century Modern after its initial 10-episode run.

Complete Cast & Main Character Profiles: The Ensemble That Defined the Sitcom

The success of Mid-Century Modern was largely attributed to the chemistry and comedic timing of its legendary cast. The series brought together a quartet of award-winning actors known for their iconic work across Broadway, film, and television.

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The main cast members and their roles are detailed below, providing a comprehensive look at the talent that anchored the acclaimed Hulu series.

Nathan Lane as Bunny Schneiderman

• Role in Series: Bunny Schneiderman, a wealthy businessman who is unlucky in love and one of the three core best friends.
• Born: Joseph Lane, February 3, 1956, in Jersey City, New Jersey.
• Notable Works: Best known for his iconic Broadway performance as Max Bialystock in The Producers, and his film role as Albert in The Birdcage.
• Key Awards: A three-time Tony Award winner, two-time Emmy Award winner, and five-time Drama Desk Award winner.

Matt Bomer as Jerry Frank

• Role in Series: Jerry Frank, the second of the three friends, whose character arc explores modern relationships and family dynamics.
• Born: Matthew Staton Bomer, October 11, 1977, in Webster Groves, Missouri.
• Notable Works: Starred in the television series White Collar, the film Magic Mike, and won a Golden Globe Award for his role in the HBO film The Normal Heart.
• Key Awards: Golden Globe Award and Critics' Choice Television Award recipient.

Nathan Lee Graham as Arthur Broussard

• Role in Series: Arthur Broussard, the third member of the trio, often serving as the witty and sharp-tongued voice of the group.
• Born: September 9, 1968, in St. Louis, Missouri.
• Notable Works: Known for his memorable film roles as Todd in Zoolander and its sequel, and his work in the CW series Katy Keene.
• Background: A Grammy Award-winning artist and graduate of Webster University, with an extensive background in cabaret and theater.

Linda Lavin as Sybil

• Role in Series: Sybil, the unexpected new roommate who moves in after the death of the trio's original friend, injecting a new dynamic into the established household.
• Born: October 15, 1937, in Portland, Maine.
• Notable Works: Starred as the title character in the long-running 1970s and 80s sitcom Alice.
• Key Awards: A celebrated Broadway actress who has won a Tony Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and three Drama Desk Awards.

The Unexpected Cancellation: Why the Critically-Acclaimed Sitcom Ended

The news of Mid-Century Modern's cancellation after just one season sent shockwaves through the television industry and left its dedicated fanbase heartbroken. The show was a critical darling, praised for its "queer joy" and its ability to blend classic sitcom tropes with modern, heartfelt storytelling.

Premiering on March 28, 2025, the 10-episode first season was met with an impressive 93% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, with many calling it a refreshing and necessary piece of comfort television.

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However, despite the critical success, the series was officially canceled by Hulu in September 2025.

The Business of Streaming vs. Critical Acclaim

The primary reason for the cancellation, as is often the case in the streaming landscape, is believed to be a simple matter of economics and viewership metrics. While the show was critically successful, it may not have met the high internal benchmarks set by Hulu for subscriber engagement or total hours streamed.

Creator Max Mutchnick, in a statement following the news, expressed his disappointment, writing, “Ten great episodes… Not enough. But we tried.”

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This decision highlights a growing tension in the streaming world: a high Rotten Tomatoes score and an all-star cast do not guarantee a second season if the show’s viewership numbers do not justify the production cost. The multi-camera format, while nostalgic and beloved by critics, is often more expensive to produce than single-camera comedies, adding pressure to viewership performance.

A Legacy of Queer-Forward Storytelling and Sitcom Royalty

The short-lived run of Mid-Century Modern leaves behind a significant, albeit brief, legacy. It was a landmark series for its unapologetic focus on queer joy and community among "gay gentlemen of a certain age," a demographic rarely centered in a major network sitcom format.

The creative team was a veritable who's who of sitcom royalty, ensuring the show was technically flawless and comedically sharp:

• Creators: Max Mutchnick and David Kohan (Emmy winners for Will & Grace).
• Executive Producer: Ryan Murphy (Creator of Glee, American Horror Story, and Dahmer).
• Director: James Burrows (Legendary director of over 1,000 episodes of television, including Cheers and Friends).

The Palm Springs Aesthetic and Production Details

The show's setting in Palm Springs was not merely a backdrop but a central character, perfectly complementing the "Mid-Century Modern" title. The show embraced the aesthetic of the 1950s and 60s design movement, featuring vibrant colors, clean lines, and a retro-chic style that contributed to its warm, rewatchable quality.

The entire season was filmed in front of a live studio audience, a deliberate choice by the creators to evoke the energy and feeling of classic sitcoms, a move that was praised by critics for bringing a "hysterical hug" feel to the series.

Despite its abrupt end, the single season of Mid-Century Modern stands as a testament to the talent of its cast—Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, Nathan Lee Graham, and Linda Lavin—and a beloved, if short-lived, entry in the history of queer television. Fans continue to hope that the series might be picked up by another network or streaming platform in the future, allowing the story of Bunny, Jerry, Arthur, and Sybil to continue.