Kim Kardashian’s highly anticipated return to scripted television in Ryan Murphy’s “All’s Fair” was met with a critical firestorm. The legal drama, which debuted on Hulu and Disney+, has been widely condemned as an unmitigated disaster. Critics are unanimous: this show might be one of the worst TV series ever produced. Far from a compelling watch, “All’s Fair” has garnered a rare zero percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling a profound failure on nearly every creative front.
The Promise vs. The Pitfall: “All’s Fair” on Paper
“All’s Fair” pitched itself as a modern feminist fable. It centers on a trio of “fierce, brilliant, and emotionally complicated” female divorce attorneys. These lawyers daringly depart from a male-dominated firm. Their goal? To establish their own woman-only practice in sun-drenched Los Angeles. The series promised high-stakes breakups, scandalous secrets, and shifting allegiances. It aimed to change the game in a world where money talks and love is a battleground. With an ensemble cast featuring Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash-Betts, Sarah Paulson, Glenn Close, and Kim Kardashian, the show seemingly had all the ingredients for success. However, the reality was anything but.
An Unprecedented Critical Consensus
The overwhelming critical response to “All’s Fair review” has been nothing short of astonishing. Many publications, including The Guardian and The Times, awarded the series a rare zero-star rating. Critics expressed disbelief that modern television could sink to such depths of poor quality. Lucy Mangan of The Guardian described it as “fascinatingly, incomprehensibly, existentially terrible.” Ben Dowell of The Times declared it “may be the worst TV drama ever.” This widespread condemnation across major outlets highlights a unique consensus: “All’s Fair” is an astounding misstep.
A Torrent of Critical Disapproval
The critical drubbing extends beyond mere disappointment. Reviewers like Kelly Lawler from USA Today called it “the worst TV show of the year.” Ed Power of The Telegraph branded Ryan Murphy, usually known for hits like “Glee” and “American Horror Story,” as the “high priest of tacky, tasteless television” who had “outdone himself.” The consistent theme of the “All’s Fair review” is a show that fails so spectacularly, it struggles to offer even “hate-watching” appeal.
The Script & Dialogue: A Cringeworthy Catastrophe
At the heart of “All’s Fair”‘s failures lies its abysmal script. Critics universally panned the dialogue as cheesy, nonsensical, and “noxiously dumb.” Quotes like “Let’s put the ‘team’ in ‘teamwork’” and “My flight was turbulent and so is my mood” were cited as examples of truly cringeworthy writing. The plots are described as “dismal,” with the legal team unrealistically solving complex cases at lightning speed. One review suggested the script felt “written by a toddler.” This substandard writing left little room for genuine character development or emotional resonance.
Empty Slogans, Clueless Characters
The show’s attempt at “feminist sloganising” came across as hollow and outdated. Emily Maddick of Glamour UK noted that “what should be camp feels flat, and what is trying to be outrageous and fun actually feels hollow and empty.” The characters themselves are largely “clueless,” with “thin” personalities and “underbaked” motives. This lack of depth prevents any viewer connection, further cementing the show’s status as a critical flop. Even the concept of female empowerment, critics argued, felt thirty years out of date, making the series seem less like a progressive statement and more like a relic.
The “Bystander Effect” in Production?
An intriguing theory emerged regarding the show’s production. With an excessively long list of executive producers, including Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Naomi Watts, and Glenn Close, some critics speculated about a “bystander effect.” This theory suggests that too many people in charge might have led to a collective lack of intervention. Instead of improving the project, the sheer number of producers potentially resulted in a worse final product. This unique insight adds a layer of depth to the “All’s Fair review,” questioning the behind-the-scenes dynamics of such a high-profile, yet disastrous, production.
Star Power Falters: Performances Under Fire
Even a star-studded cast could not salvage “All’s Fair.” The performances, particularly Kim Kardashian’s, became a central point of criticism.
Kim Kardashian: A Stilted Screen Presence
Kim Kardashian’s portrayal of divorce attorney Allura Grant was a significant point of contention. Critics described her performance as “expressionless,” “stiff and affectless,” and “unmoving and emotionless.” Angie Han of The Hollywood Reporter noted Kardashian was “stiff and affectless without a single authentic note,” mirroring the equally “stiff and affectless” writing. Her lack of screen presence and “Zzzzzz… quality” were widely highlighted. Despite reportedly studying for the bar exam, her performance as a lawyer was deemed utterly unconvincing. Ben Dowell even quipped, “She is to acting what Genghis Khan is to a peaceful liberal democracy.” This Kim Kardashian TV show proved to be a major acting misstep.
A-Listers Unable to Salvage
While the script took most of the blame, even seasoned actors struggled. Naomi Watts’s Liberty was likened to “Ally McBeal at her very worst,” characterized by preening and overly arch delivery. Sarah Paulson, playing a “psychopathic rival lawyer,” was tasked with screaming ridiculous lines that made a good performance nearly impossible. Even the legendary Glenn Close, in a small mentor role, couldn’t elevate the material. The presence of so many acclaimed actors failing to make an impact underscored the profound flaws in the fundamental writing and direction of this “Ryan Murphy drama.”
Problematic Tropes and Miscasting
The show also drew criticism for its handling of character tropes. While Niecy Nash-Betts fared better in her comedic role, critics still questioned the writing for perpetuating “Loud! And Sassy!” stereotypes for Black women. This suggests a broader issue within the script’s approach to character, reinforcing outdated and problematic portrayals rather than subverting them. The casting, though high-profile, was ultimately unable to overcome the inherent weaknesses of the material, making “All’s Fair” a “worst TV series” contender for many.
Feminist Fable or Tacky Monument?
“All’s Fair” purported to be a “feminist fable.” However, critics argued it was “a tacky and revolting monument to the same greed, vanity and avarice it supposedly targets.” The show’s “jarringly unfashionable obsession with brand names” and conspicuous consumption, such as “Goyard travel cases” and “$40m worth of jewellery,” contradicted its supposed message of empowerment. The concept of female empowerment felt outdated, with lines like, “I settled… Did I not love myself enough?” coming across as insincere.
Not Even “Hate-Watchable”
Perhaps the most damning criticism is that “All’s Fair” isn’t even enjoyable in a “so-bad-it’s-good” way. Reviewers consistently described it as “stilted, artificial and awkward.” It lacked the campy fun that might make a bad show entertaining. Instead, it was simply an unenjoyable viewing experience. This lack of any redeeming qualities solidifies its place among the most critically panned releases of the year.
Audience vs. Critics: A Divisive Reception
Despite the critical onslaught, “All’s Fair” has seen a curious split in reception. While Rotten Tomatoes critics gave it a 0%, the audience score stood at a contrasting 55%. Some social media users praised it as a “fantastic dramedy” and “ICONIC,” describing it as “funny, camp and full of interesting female stories.” Some attributed negative reviews to a bias against Kim Kardashian, urging fans to watch it. This divergence highlights a gap between professional critical analysis and a segment of the public, with some viewers appreciating its “over-the-top and bad without apprehension” style. This “Kim Kardashian TV show” clearly resonates differently with various viewers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the primary criticisms leveled against “All’s Fair”?
“All’s Fair” faced overwhelming criticism for its abysmal script, featuring “cringeworthy” and “dumb” dialogue, leading to “dismal plots.” Performances, particularly Kim Kardashian’s, were panned as “expressionless” and “stiff.” The show’s concept of “female empowerment” was deemed outdated and disingenuous, overshadowed by an “obsession with brand names” and “conspicuous consumption.” Critics also noted its “unrealistic” legal proceedings and inability to be even enjoyably “campy.”
Where can viewers watch “All’s Fair” and what is its Rotten Tomatoes score?
“All’s Fair” is available for streaming on both Hulu and Disney+. The series premiered with its first three episodes on November 4th, with new episodes released weekly. Critically, it holds an exceptionally rare 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from aggregated professional reviews. However, the audience score on the platform shows a contrasting 55%, indicating a significant divide between critics and some viewers.
Should I watch “All’s Fair” despite the overwhelmingly negative reviews?
Deciding to watch “All’s Fair” depends on your viewing intent. If you’re seeking a high-quality, well-written, or compelling legal drama, the answer from critics is a resounding no. The show has been widely described as unenjoyable even for “hate-watching.” However, if you are a dedicated fan of Kim Kardashian, curious about how critics could be so unified in their condemnation, or perhaps enjoy shows that are “over-the-top and bad without apprehension,” some audience members have found a certain campy appeal. Proceed with very low expectations.
Conclusion
The “All’s Fair review” cycle has solidified its place as one of the most critically panned television shows in recent memory. Despite a high-profile creator in Ryan Murphy and an ensemble cast featuring major stars like Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts, and Glenn Close, the series stumbled on virtually every front. From its “existentially terrible” script and “clueless characters” to its “stiff and affectless” performances and problematic thematic execution, “All’s Fair” serves as a cautionary tale in modern television production. While a segment of the audience found enjoyment in its unabashedly “bad” style, the professional critical consensus is clear: this “Kim Kardashian TV show” is an epic fail that’s not even worth a “hate-watch.”
