The latest Hulu original, All’s Fair, may have earned a reputation for being one of the worst television dramas ever made, but it’s proving that even negative attention can lead to success. With a star-studded cast including Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, Kim Kardashian, and Niecy Nash, the series quickly climbed to the top of Hulu’s viewership charts despite universal critical disdain. Here’s how All’s Fair went from being panned as a “trainwreck” to a cult classic and what’s next for the legal drama in its upcoming second season.
Overview Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | October 2025 |
| Streaming Platform | Hulu |
| Cast | Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, Kim Kardashian, Niecy Nash, Naomi Watts, Teyana Taylor |
| Plot | A group of high-powered female divorce attorneys launch their own firm, battling rich men and personal conflicts. |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score | 3% Tomatometer (critics) |
| Season 1 Episodes | 10 |
| Season 2 Status | Renewed and expected to improve after fan reception |
| Next Season Release | Expected 2026 |
A Legal Drama Turned Cult Classic
Despite its disastrous critical reception, All’s Fair has captured a unique place in the world of TV entertainment. What was initially described by critics as “the worst TV drama ever,” with a scathing 3% score on Rotten Tomatoes, has since gained a substantial following. In the eyes of viewers, the show’s overwhelming flaws have become part of its appeal, with many finding it so bad, it’s actually entertaining.
Ryan Murphy’s latest creation follows a group of female divorce attorneys as they form their own law firm, but their efforts are marred by absurd plotlines, over-the-top performances, and an abundance of clunky dialogue. Yet, what critics saw as a mess, fans are embracing as a “camp classic,” a term that denotes entertainment that thrives on its faults rather than its quality.
The Cast and Their Performances
One of the show’s most talked-about elements is its star-studded cast, which includes Hollywood heavyweights Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, and Naomi Watts, as well as Kim Kardashian, who has received particular attention for her performance.
Many critics criticized Kardashian’s portrayal of a lawyer in the series, calling her acting uninspired and wooden. However, some viewers have embraced her as the “wild card” in the show, adding to its unintentional charm. The performances of seasoned actors like Close and Paulson, while often seen as lacking in depth or nuance, have also contributed to the “so-bad-it’s-good” phenomenon.
On the other hand, Niecy Nash and Teyana Taylor’s performances have been praised for adding some much-needed humor and energy to the show. Despite the rough start, these actors seem to have risen above the material they’re working with, drawing attention for their natural charisma.
The Plot That Criticized the Drama
Set in the world of high-stakes divorce law, All’s Fair is centred around a group of ambitious female attorneys who establish a law firm dedicated to taking down wealthy, powerful men. While the premise may sound intriguing on paper, the execution falls short of expectations, with a repetitive plotline that has been criticised for being dull and unimaginative.
As described by The Guardian’s Lucy Mangan, All’s Fair “fails to capture the essence of what it is trying to say,” turning what should be a story of women’s empowerment into a “tacky and revolting monument to the same greed, vanity, and avarice it supposedly targets.” The show is often compared to a soap opera in terms of its lack of coherence and depth.
Ben Dowell of The Times took it one step further, calling it “the worst TV drama ever.” Dowell wrote, “It’s so bad, it’s not even enjoyably so,” continuing to describe the show as a “fascinatingly, incomprehensibly, existentially terrible” piece of television.
Despite these negative reviews, All’s Fair found its audience, one that loves to hate-watch and find joy in its absurdities.
Audience Reaction: Love It or Hate It
While critics were quick to dismiss the show, All’s Fair has found a dedicated audience that enjoys it for exactly what it is: a flawed, melodramatic series with enough outrageous moments to be “so bad it’s good.” On social media platforms, fans have embraced the show’s clunkiness and its penchant for over-the-top moments.
One fan on Twitter, @modytalkmovies, wrote,
“Is this good? No. Is the writing good? No. Did I have a blast watching it? Absolutely. It is a trashy TV show that is extremely entertaining and enjoyable. The cast are acting circles around Kim Kardashian.”
Another fan, @albertcamslut, shared their thoughts,
“All’s Fair on Hulu dares to ask the question: ‘Does a show need to be good?’ and the answer is no. We have legendary actresses here giving the worst performances of their careers — it takes a special kind of talent to pull that kind of inability out of them.”
Despite its flaws, All’s Fair continues to draw attention for its entertainment value, with some viewers even admitting that they look forward to future episodes simply to see how the show manages to continue its downward spiral into absurdity.
What’s Next for All’s Fair? Season 2 Plans
It seems that Hulu is betting on All’s Fair’s newfound cult status to carry it into a second season. While the critical reception may have been harsh, the series has undeniably garnered a massive viewership, especially for a show of its type.
According to All’s Fair star Teyana Taylor, fans can expect the second season to show improvement. During a red carpet appearance, she said, “It’s our first season. Give us a little bit of grace. Shows grow for the better. The viewership is so amazing, and I’m excited to see how much more it grows. I’m excited to see where the characters go.”
Another star, Kim Kardashian, also commented on the journey of the show: “We understand the criticism, but we’re grateful to our fans who see the charm in what we’re doing. The show has a unique energy, and I think viewers will be in for more surprises in season 2.”
While Taylor is optimistic about the future of All’s Fair, she acknowledges that not everyone will share the same opinion, stating, “Everybody is entitled to their opinion, and all we can do is respect that. Hate it or love it, it’s a sisterhood.”
FAQs
While the show has been widely criticized, many viewers enjoy it for its over-the-top drama, making it a “so-bad-it’s-good” phenomenon.
Yes, All’s Fair has been renewed for a second season, and improvements are expected in future episodes.
All’s Fair follows a group of female divorce lawyers who start their own firm and face off against wealthy men in the courtroom. The show is filled with melodrama and eccentric characters.
While some critics have called Kardashian’s performance uninspired, others appreciate her as an unintentional source of charm in the series.
All’s Fair is available for streaming exclusively on Hulu.
