Sarah Paulson has broken her silence regarding the overwhelmingly negative reception to “All’s Fair,” the new legal drama created by Ryan Murphy. The series, featuring Paulson alongside Kim Kardashian, has faced a barrage of criticism since its debut.
The nine-part series pits Paulson’s character, the sharp-tongued divorce attorney Carrington Lane, against Kardashian’s Allura Grant. A glittering ensemble cast including Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash-Betts, and Teyana Taylor populate the legal landscape, while Glenn Close embodies the seasoned mentor, Dina Standish, who shaped their early careers.
Reviews were brutal, with publications like *The Guardian* and *The Times* delivering scathing assessments – the latter even declaring it “the worst TV drama ever.” The initial response on Rotten Tomatoes was a shocking zero percent approval rating, a number that has only marginally improved to three percent.
Paulson, recently honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, addressed the criticism in a recent interview. She emphasized that the joy experienced during the production process remains paramount, eclipsing any negative commentary.
“Does anyone enjoy receiving less-than-stellar reviews?” Paulson asked, acknowledging the sting of criticism. “It’s always a strange experience releasing something you’ve poured yourself into, and allowing others to assign it value.” But she firmly stated that nothing could diminish the “absolute unbridled joy and fun” she and the cast shared.
Other members of the cast have also responded to the critical onslaught. Kim Kardashian offered a sarcastic nod to the reviews on social media, playfully touting the show as “the most critically acclaimed show of the year.”
Glenn Close took a more visual approach, posting a darkly humorous drawing depicting critics being cooked in a pot labeled “critic-bunny stew” – a pointed reference to her iconic role in *Fatal Attraction*. She also suggested the initial episodes were the weakest, hinting that the series finds its footing as it progresses.
Close also defended Kardashian’s performance, suggesting pre-existing negative perceptions of the family may have unfairly influenced the reviews. She believes a pre-conceived image clouded judgment.
Despite the harsh critical reception, “All’s Fair” has demonstrably resonated with audiences. The series garnered 3.2 million viewers globally within its first three days, becoming the most popular scripted debut on Hulu Originals since 2022.
This strong viewership has led to a swift renewal for a second season, proving that critical opinion doesn’t always dictate a show’s success. The series continues to stream and generate conversation.
