Star Pleads for Grace as Show Faces Critical Onslaught
Actress and singer Teyana Taylor has launched a fierce defence of the widely panned Ryan Murphy television series, All's Fair, urging audiences to extend the cast 'a little bit of grace.' The legal drama, which features a star-studded cast including Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts, and Glenn Close, was branded a 'crime against television' by critics upon its release on Hulu and Disney+ on November 4.
A Sisterhood Under Fire
Despite the scathing reviews, Taylor, who plays paralegal and trainee lawyer Milan, expressed unwavering support for the project during an interview at the 16th Governors Awards on November 16. Speaking to Variety, the 34-year-old acknowledged differing opinions but emphasised the positive bonds formed on set. 'I think everybody is entitled to their opinion and all we can do is respect that,' she stated. 'Hate or love it, it's a sisterhood and I gained sisters that I love, and I enjoy working with, and we all actually like each other.' She directly appealed to viewers, adding, 'It's our first season, give us a little bit of grace.'
Critics and Viewers Deliver Harsh Verdict
The show's critical reception has been overwhelmingly negative. Rotten Tomatoes, the review aggregation website, initially gave the series a zero percent rating, which has since climbed to a meagre 6 percent. The Times' Ben Dowell declared it may be 'the worst TV drama ever,' while USA Today's Kelly Lawler labelled it 'the worst TV show of the year.' Many critics singled out Kim Kardashian's performance, with Dowell questioning her credibility as a lawyer. The backlash extended to social media, where some users criticised Taylor's response, with one suggesting the actors were more focused on their paychecks than entertaining the audience.
However, not all feedback was negative. Some fans voiced their appreciation for the series and Taylor's stance, with one social media user writing, 'I loved it.' The show, which follows a team of high-powered female lawyers starting their own firm, also features guest appearances from Brooke Shields and Judith Light. Despite the turmoil, Taylor remains optimistic, acknowledging the existing viewership and expressing excitement for its potential growth.
