As a longtime admirer of Ryan Murphy’s distinctive storytelling, it’s always both a surprise and a thrill to see a new project stamped with his signature style. What sets “All Is Fair” apart, however, isn’t just Murphy’s creative influence; it’s the powerhouse ensemble he’s brought together. With a lineup that blends star power and sharp storytelling, the series instantly lands on the “must-watch” radar. The real question, though, is whether it has the staying power to keep audiences hooked.
All is Fair: Welcome to the Firm
Now streaming on Hulu, “All Is Fair” unfolds within the glossy world of a women-led law firm specializing in high-profile divorce cases. At its center is Allura Grant (Kim Kardashian), a commanding and impeccably polished leader who exudes confidence and control. Her elite team includes the formidable Emerald Greene (Niecy Nash), the refined Liberty Ronsin (Naomi Watts), and their effortlessly chic secretary, Milan (Teyana Taylor).
Of course, no empire is without its outsider. Carrington Lane (Sarah Paulson) finds herself excluded from Allura’s inner circle, and the sting of that rejection ignites a bitter rivalry. Her growing resentment evolves into a professional and personal showdown that threatens to unravel the delicate balance of power within and beyond the firm.
Glitter But Not Gold
“All Is Fair” presents itself as a stylish procedural drama—equal parts courtroom intrigue and couture spectacle. Beneath its glossy surface lies a broader story of female empowerment and ambition, while each episode zooms in on a new divorce case, showcasing the team’s tactical brilliance and interpersonal tensions. The series draws clear inspiration from “Scandal’s” political intensity and “The First Wives Club’s” witty solidarity. Yet, those comparisons also underscore its biggest challenge: delivering on the promise of its premise with consistent emotional and narrative depth.
Examining Tone
Tonally, the series is polarizing. Though “All Is Fair’ strives to champion women’s empowerment, it does so at the expense of balance—often painting its male characters with an overly broad, unsympathetic brush. The result is a narrative that feels one-sided rather than nuanced. Moreover, while the show’s glamorous aesthetic—complete with lavish offices, couture wardrobes, and palatial homes—makes for undeniably stylish television, it also distances the characters from the everyday viewer. The firm’s attorneys are portrayed as powerful, wealthy, and impeccably composed, but their perfection robs the story of the emotional depth and relatability it needs to resonate.
Ultimately, “All Is Fair” feels more aspirational than authentic. In a time when audiences are craving stories grounded in real emotion and social relevance, its opulence and detachment risk coming across as tone-deaf. The series wants to celebrate empowerment, but without a beating heart behind the polish, that message gets lost in translation.
A Cast Adrift in a Sea of Style
The performances in “All Is Fair” leave much to be desired. At times, the acting feels noticeably stiff, as if the cast is reciting lines rather than embodying their characters. The result is a lack of lived-in authenticity, the kind of emotional grounding that allows viewers to truly invest in a story. While this unevenness doesn’t plague every scene, it’s prevalent enough to disrupt the flow and diminish engagement. The absence of genuine emotional chemistry between the characters and the actors portraying them becomes increasingly apparent as the series progresses.
Diamonds in the Rough
The saving grace comes in the form of its impressive roster of supporting and guest stars. Television and film veterans like Judith Light, Glenn Close, and Ed O’Neill inject gravitas into their scenes, effortlessly commanding attention and reminding audiences of their mastery of the craft. Their presence elevates the material, even when the writing or pacing falters. However, this also creates a striking imbalance—one where the guest appearances become the highlight rather than the story itself. It’s a dynamic that sustains the show in the short term but ultimately prevents it from becoming a truly memorable or cohesive series.
A Glimmer of Gravitas in a Glossy World
With only three episodes currently available and new installments premiering each Tuesday on Hulu, “All Is Fair” remains a work in progress. It’s worth checking out for its style, star power, and Murphy’s trademark flair—but viewers may find themselves more intrigued by who appears on screen than by the story itself.
Uncut Diamonds 