Mid-Century Modern

I was actually looking forward to Mid-Century Modern—after all, Peacock is starring in it, and the premise reminded me of one of my favorites, Hot in Cleveland: three single older 🌈 (older women) living under one roof. Just imagining it sounded full of drama.

But after it premiered, the show turned out to be pretty lukewarm. It feels very dated—both the plot and the jokes are old-fashioned.

What’s worse is the way it portrays 🌈 stereotypes. There’s been no progress at all—it’s still stuck on the same tired tropes of flamboyance and emotional outbursts. Honestly, it adds nothing new or meaningful.

⭐️ The most disappointing part is Peacock himself. The “naïve cutie” type of role usually shines in a sitcom, but he’s really not suited for comedy. As gorgeous as he is, there's no soul—he’s too stiff, too self-conscious. It comes off as forced rather than funny.

Come to think of it, it’s been a long time since there was a truly good sitcom. Got any recommendations?

Story Summary:

Trigger warning: This is a gay-themed domestic sitcom. If this content makes you uncomfortable, please consider carefully before watching.

The series follows the story of Barney, who invites Jerry and Arthur to move in with him after their friend George passes away. Barney runs his family’s women’s lingerie store; Jerry is a former Mormon and flight attendant; Arthur used to be a fashion columnist for Vogue. With three vastly different personalities under one roof, hilarious moments unfold constantly.

Viewer Reactions:

Each year, Hollywood’s queer community comes together to produce at least one high-quality show with solid writing, directing, and acting—and Mid-Century Modern is the standout pick for 2025.

From a viewer's standpoint, the biggest highlight is undoubtedly Peacock himself, Matt Bomer. His character Jerry starts off a bit goofy and naive but gradually reveals surprising depth. Bomer shines particularly in emotional scenes, portraying the nuances of guilt, hope, and love with sincerity—especially in moments shared with his son, where the pain and affection of a father are expressed with subtlety and authenticity. Of course, his two co-stars, Nathan Lane and Andrew Rannells, bring extensive experience, sharp dialogue delivery, and an easy chemistry that adds weight to the ensemble.

The show has a distinctly retro flair, paying homage to the classic multi-camera sitcoms of the 1980s and ’90s. But this retro feel isn’t mere imitation—it strips away complex narrative structures in favor of straightforward storytelling, driving the plot with tightly packed jokes and breezy dialogue. Each episode revolves around one or a few central plot points, flowing smoothly without heavy twists or suspense, allowing viewers to relax and enjoy the show’s cheerful vibe. It’s a nostalgic return to the golden age of sitcoms. That said, this simplicity can also be a double-edged sword—the lack of narrative depth makes some jokes and storylines feel overly shallow.

Overall: This series is well-suited to fans of vintage-style sitcoms who can appreciate the charm of classic comedy. For viewers interested in LGBTQ+ stories, it also offers a unique perspective and a light-hearted portrayal of everyday queer life. However, those who seek deeper narratives or innovative storytelling may find it lacking in substance.