The streaming landscape is witnessing a fascinating phenomenon as Hulu's newest legal drama All's Fair achieves remarkable viewership numbers despite facing scathing criticism from professional reviewers. The series has quickly become one of the platform's most popular offerings according to Hulu's own ranking system.
Record-Breaking Premiere for Hulu
Created by television powerhouse Ryan Murphy, All's Fair made an impressive debut last week, marking the biggest series premiere for a scripted Hulu original in three years. According to industry tracker Deadline, the show garnered over 3 million views globally within just three days of its release on the streaming platform.
The legal drama follows a compelling premise: a team of female divorce attorneys break away from a male-dominated firm to establish their own practice. The show's official description promises viewers a mix of high-stakes breakups, scandalous secrets and shifting allegiances that unfold both in courtroom settings and within the legal team's own dynamics.
Star-Studded Cast Meets Critical Backlash
What makes the show's reception particularly interesting is the stark contrast between its commercial success and critical reception. Despite featuring an ensemble cast that includes Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash-Betts, Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson and Teyana Taylor, professional critics have largely panned the series.
Reviewers have condemned various aspects of the show, ranging from what they describe as a condescending take on rah-rah girlboss feminism to the cast's wildly disparate performances. Some critics went so far as to label certain scenes the worst kissing scenes ever filmed, indicating a significant divide between critical opinion and viewer interest.
Yet the show has developed a loyal following among some viewers who consider it a fun must-watch. Even the cast members have shown they can take the criticism in stride, leaning into the savage critiques with good humor.
Other Trending Streaming Options
While All's Fair dominates Hulu's rankings, other streaming platforms are offering their own popular content for Canadian viewers seeking entertainment options this season.
On Netflix, Death By Lightning currently holds the top position. This four-episode limited series brings to life the stranger-than-fiction story of James Garfield, the 20th U.S. president, and his assassin. The drama features an impressive cast including Michael Shannon, Matthew Macfadyen, and Nick Offerman.
HBO Max viewers are gravitating toward I Love LA, a new half-hour comedy created by and starring Rachel Sennott. The show follows the misadventures of ambitious Los Angeles transplants navigating life and careers in the City of Angels, with new episodes airing every Sunday.
Apple TV's most popular offering is Pluribus, a genre-bending series from Vince Gilligan, the creative force behind Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. The show features Rhea Seehorn in a story about the most miserable person on Earth who must save humanity from happiness, with new episodes premiering weekly on Fridays.
Peacock leads with All Her Fault, a gripping mystery thriller adapted from Andrea Mara's novel. The series stars Sarah Snook as a mother facing every parent's worst nightmare when her son disappears from a playdate, uncovering deep family secrets in the process.
The success of All's Fair despite critical panning demonstrates that viewer preferences don't always align with professional reviews, highlighting the subjective nature of entertainment in today's crowded streaming marketplace.
