Kim Kardashian’s foray into scripted television, All’s Fair, a legal drama series co-starring a star-studded cast, has been met with overwhelmingly negative reviews. However, instead of being deterred by the criticism, Kardashian has strategically capitalized on the negativity, demonstrating a savvy understanding of how to generate buzz and engagement.
Зміст
A Critical Reception Unlike Any Other
The show, intended as a prestige project from Ryan Murphy, has earned a rare 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes, a measure often indicative of a project’s quality in the eyes of professional critics. Reviews have been scathing. The Guardian described Kardashian as having an “expressionless” performance, The Times labeled the series “potentially the worst TV drama ever,” and the BBC deemed her a “curiously inert presence.”
Riding the Wave of Negative Attention
Rather than attempting to defend the show or its performances, Kardashian responded by embracing the criticism on Instagram. She playfully promoted the series as “the most critically acclaimed show of the year,” simultaneously highlighting the negative tweets. One particular tweet, which called the show an example of “the worst acting” with “ridiculous styling,” was shared with a backhanded compliment: “I’m obsessed, I need 14 seasons.”
Viewer Numbers Tell a Different Story
Despite the critical backlash, All’s Fair has become a surprising success for Hulu. According to the streaming platform, it is their top television show as of November 7th. A Hollywood insider told Rob Shuter’s Substack that “hate-watch numbers are insane,” suggesting audiences are tuning in because of the bad reviews, driven by curiosity and a desire to judge the show for themselves.
“Bad reviews were the best PR possible. It’s camp — and we knew it.”
Another source confirmed that the negative attention provided invaluable publicity, effectively transforming the show into a “monster hit.” This phenomenon illustrates a trend in modern media consumption: sometimes, a lot of buzz, even if negative, can be more effective than subtle promotion.
Embracing the Camp Aesthetic
The cast seems to be aware of the show’s unexpected trajectory. Glenn Close, a seasoned actress, playfully referenced her iconic role in Fatal Attraction by sharing an Instagram drawing of the All’s Fair cast preparing a pot of “critic-bunny stew.” This meta-commentary further leans into the show’s camp appeal and acknowledges the unusual situation.
While critics remain unconvinced, Hulu is reportedly considering ordering a second season of All’s Fair. This outcome demonstrates that viewer engagement, and sometimes even strong negative reactions, can outweigh professional assessments in the world of television.
