What does it take to join high society? Maxine Simmons is about to find out in “Palm Royale.” The Apple TV+ series follows Simmons as she challenges societal divides and her own perceptions of fitting in. Set during the late ‘60s, the project examines this tumultuous period from a female perspective. ‘Royale” is loosely based on Juliet McDaniel’s novel “Mr. and Mrs. American Pie.” Abe Sylvia, known for “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” (2021) and “George & Tammy” (2022), is the showrunner as well as writer and executive producer of the series.
Kristen Wiig stars as the underdog figure whose life is about to be upended. She does double duty this time, acting as executive producer. Laura Dern (who is also an exec), Allison Janney, Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Leslie Bibb, Amber Chardae Robinson, Mindy Cohn, Julia Duffy, and Kaia Gerber round out the main cast. ‘Royale’ also includes two legendary performers, Bruce Dern and Carol Burnett.
The series’ official synopsis:
Palm Royale” is a true underdog story that follows Maxine Simmons (Wiig) as she endeavors to break into Palm Beach high society. As Maxine attempts to cross that impermeable line between the haves and the have-nots, “Palm Royale” asks the same question that still baffles us today: “How much of yourself are you willing to sacrifice to get what someone else has?” Set during the powder keg year of 1969, “Palm Royale” is a testament to every outsider fighting for their chance to truly belong.
Tate Taylor, Abe Sylvia, Claire Scanlon, and Stephanie Laing direct various episodes of “Palm Royale.” The series first three episodes debut on Apple TV+ March 20. New episodes premiere each week through May 8. Watch the new trailer below.