Hulu's new drama series “Everything Is Fair,” which features an all-star cast led by Kim Kardashian, is making headlines for all the wrong reasons as it continues to receive criticism.
The first three episodes of All Fair premiered on the streaming platform on November 4, introducing viewers to a group of female divorce lawyers who decide to leave their male-run firm to open their own practice.
“Fierce, brilliant and emotionally complex, they navigate high-stakes breakups, scandalous secrets and changing preferences – both in the courtroom and in the ranks. In a world where money talks and love is the battleground, these women don't just play the game – they change it,” the description reads. The legal drama, co-created by Ryan Murphy and his Grotesque co-stars Jon Robin Baitz and Joe Buken, also stars Sarah Paulson, Glenn Close, Niecy Nash, Naomi Watts and Teyana Taylor.
But despite all the talented names in front of and behind the camera, the series debuted on Rotten Tomatoes with a 0% rating from critics, who wrote mostly harsh reviews of the plot, writing, and Kardashian's acting.
While critics seem to be unanimous in their opinions of All's Fair so far, audience ratings have been slightly more favorable. Read on to find out what TV critics and viewers are saying about this hit series.
What did critics say about All's Fair?
Since All's Fair arrived on Hulu, reviews have been overwhelmingly negative. Many critics noted the rambling tone and thin plot.
In his review for TimeJudy Berman wrote, in part, “I can say that, whether it happens or not, 'All's fair.' is both reminiscent of some of the biggest female hits on the small screen and unlike anything I've seen on TV before.”
This is not a compliment. She later described the series as “a 2010s Shonda Rhimes routine of steroid injections and Goop supplements if everyone in the writers' room had just been lobotomized.” “First Wives Club” for psychopaths. “Everything is fair” is a multi-generational Sex and the City work project if sex were just talk and the city didn't matter and the humor wasn't necessarily intentional.”
New York magazine Vulture critic Roxanne Hadadi criticized Murphy in her review. “At his best, Murphy is a connoisseur of low culture, a maestro of storylines that unfold at warp speed, a sculptor of characters that spit caustic one-liners and chew through scenery, an architect of goofy sex scenes and a mastermind of the idea of exploitation as empowerment,” she said. “'All's Fair' is cotton candy: sticky, airy, and, when it's over, simultaneously satisfying and nauseating.”
But there were some positives: Hadadi wrote that “All's Fair” has moments where it is reminiscent of Murphy's other series, such as “Nip/Tuck,” “9-1-1” and “Doctor Odyssey.”
Kaylee Donaldson from “Wrapper” was less forgiving, calling the show “terrible” before pointing out flaws in the writing and Kardashian's acting.
“The lines of dialogue here are so bad that you wonder if the script ever made it past a first draft on the back of a napkin. When it's not lazy delivery, it's painfully drawn-out attempts at ready-made one-liners in gif format,” Donaldson said. She also said that putting Kardashian on the show was a “casting call.”
Kelly Lawler from USA today flatly called it “the worst TV show of the year” in its headline and Diversity Angie Khan said it was “unforgivably boring.” “The Guardian”Lucy Mangan gave the film zero stars out of five.
One critic wrote a glowing review: Decisive Joel Keller, who recommended his readers to stream the series. His review also raised the show's Rotten Tomatoes rating to 6%.
“When you pack a show like All Fair with so many top-notch actors (and while Kim K. isn't quite on the level of Watts, Nash or anywhere near the level of acting, she holds her own), and then fill each episode with cases involving big guest stars, you can't help but make the show watchable,” he said. Keller also noted that the series had comedic moments that he enjoyed.
He concluded by saying, “'All's Fair' is over the top and campy as hell, but he also knows it's both, so it's going to be interesting to watch the show and the cases the firm does.”
What did fans say about “Everything Is Fair”?
While critics voiced their opinions, hundreds of viewers also commented on Rotten Tomatoes to share their thoughts. Audience scores were mixed, hovering around 61% as of November 5th.
One fan left a five-star review and said: “People are such haters. Such a fun watch with tons of talent. Keyboard warriors and trolls seem to base their ratings on what they think of Kardashian and Kim without giving credit to her actual talent, skill and dedication to every craft she does. If you know you know, if you don't, take your hate elsewhere.”
Another commented: “I love it, I think it's a very smart show. I love the characters' personalities and how they bring different flavors to each episode. I had expectations and I'm glad they didn't disappoint. Ryan Murphy never disappoints.”
A third agreed with the show's premise, writing: “Personally, I think it's a powerful showcase of women and the law, very interesting and entertaining.”
Many said they appreciated the campy sense of humor in “All's Fair” and were looking forward to the rest of the season.
“All Fair's Will Be The People's Champ! It's (what we) miss on TV. It's funny, hip, campy, glamorous, full of shade and reading! Reviews are tough but I think people will love it! It's something new and original,” one person wrote. “I'm tired of the reset era.”
However, some agreed with the critics.
One review from a viewer, which received one star, read: “All's Fair tries to present itself as bold and provocative, but ends up being tone-deaf and sometimes downright offensive. In the current state of the world, when empathy and awareness should be at the forefront of storytelling, the show's approach feels slapdash and incoherent. Instead of challenging viewers to think critically, it relies on exaggerated stereotypes and superficial shock value. What could be an appropriate commentary on fairness.” and incoherence. Social dynamics become spectacle that trivializes serious issues. Art has the power to provoke, but All's Fair forgets this balance – and the result is a show that does not fit the moment in which we live.”
Another said the promising concept was not implemented properly. “While this series boasts impeccable style and a stellar cast, it is utterly let down by an awkwardly abrupt script, presentation and poor direction. As a result, every scene feels (forced) and the actors demonstrate their unique skills on a rather abrupt, artificial and superficial level. The concept had a lot of potential – backed by a hefty budget. Clearly, something wasn't working behind the scenes, and in this case, it may cost Ryan Murphy the attention of his usually loyal audience.”
