Kim Kardashian has taken to social media to jest about the overwhelmingly negative critical reception of her new legal drama ‘All’s Fair,’ which has been labeled as tacky and tasteless by reviewers, even as the show tops streaming charts globally.
The series, which debuted on Disney+ and Hulu earlier this week, features Kardashian in her second major acting role as a high-powered divorce lawyer. Co-created by Ryan Murphy, the show boasts an ensemble cast including Sarah Paulson, Naomi Watts, and Glenn Close, but it has been met with scathing reviews from major publications. Critics have not held back in their assessments, with The Guardian calling it ‘so awful, it feels almost contemptuous,’ and The Times declaring it ‘may be the worst TV drama ever.’ The Hollywood Reporter described Kardashian’s performance as ‘wooden’ and the drama as ’empty and unforgivably dull,’ while Variety criticized it as a ‘clumsy, condescending take on rah-rah girlboss feminism.’
In response, Kardashian posted a series of screenshots on Instagram to her 354 million followers, sarcastically asking if they had tuned into ‘the most critically acclaimed show of the year.’ She highlighted fan comments that turned the negative reviews into a reason to watch, with one user joking that critics had inadvertently boosted viewership by making the show a must-see for its so-bad-it’s-good appeal. The fan reactions she shared ranged from praise for the absurdity to outright mockery, with one post celebrating ‘the worst acting I’ve ever seen’ and another questioning whether a show needs to be good at all.
This ironic embrace has contributed to the series gaining a cult following, despite its poor critical scores. On Rotten Tomatoes, ‘All’s Fair’ initially received a 0% rating from critics, though it has since risen to 5% based on 20 reviews. In contrast, audience scores are more favorable at 66%, indicating a divide between professional critics and general viewers who may be enjoying the show for its entertainment value rather than its artistic merits.
Defying the negative press, the show has become a streaming success, currently ranking as the most watched title on Disney+ in 28 countries, including the United States via Hulu. This commercial performance underscores the power of celebrity influence and the curiosity generated by controversial reviews, highlighting how bad publicity can sometimes translate into high engagement.
Director Anthony Hemingway defended the project, stating that it’s impossible to please everyone and emphasizing that the show strikes a refreshing and creatively fulfilling chord. He suggested that Kardashian’s performance shouldn’t be the sole focus, hinting at the ensemble’s efforts and the series’ broader narrative, which aims to explore themes of power and relationships in a dramatic context.
This episode highlights the evolving dynamics between critics, audiences, and social media in the entertainment industry. Kardashian’s ability to laugh off the criticism and turn it into a marketing tool demonstrates her savvy in navigating public perception, potentially setting a precedent for how celebrities handle negative feedback in the digital age. As the show continues to attract viewers, it raises questions about the future of critical consensus in an era where viral moments and fan-driven content can overshadow traditional reviews.
