Highlights
- Critics called Kim Kardashian’s performance “stiff” and “inauthentic.”
- The legal drama debuted with a 0% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Despite an all-star cast, reviewers say the series lacks substance.
Rough start for Kardashian’s lead role
Kim Kardashian’s latest foray into acting isn’t getting the applause she might have hoped for. Ryan Murphy’s new legal drama, All’s Fair, premiered this week to scathing reviews from critics, many of whom singled out Kardashian’s performance as one of its weakest elements.
In the series, Kardashian plays Allura Grant, a high-profile divorce lawyer representing women seeking revenge against wealthy, unfaithful husbands. The show’s first three episodes dropped Tuesday on Hulu, but reactions were swift and harsh.
By midweek, All’s Fair held just a 6% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, after debuting with 0%.
“The performance is stiff and affectless without a single authentic note,” wrote The Hollywood Reporter. “Her presence generates buzz and not much else fitting for a show that seems made to be clipped into viral moments rather than watched.”
Meanwhile, The Telegraph branded the show “a crime against television.”
How Kardashian landed the role
The decision to cast Kardashian reportedly came after a dinner arranged by Disney Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden, bringing together Murphy and Kris Jenner, Kardashian’s mother and manager.
“I went to Kris’ house with a reality pitch and it wasn’t good,” Murphy told guests at the show’s Los Angeles premiere. “Kris said, ‘That was really good, sweetie, but you should write a role for Kim.’”
Murphy followed the advice, later calling Kardashian “fantastic.” She also serves as executive producer on the show alongside Jenner.
Kardashian said her character drew inspiration from divorce attorney Laura Wasser, known for representing stars like Angelina Jolie, Kevin Costner, and Ariana Grande.
Star power can’t save the show
Despite a line-up that includes Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash-Betts, Sarah Paulson, Teyana Taylor, and Glenn Close, critics argue the drama’s star-studded cast can’t mask its lack of depth or direction.
Reviewers say the script feels overproduced and emotionally hollow, with Kardashian’s performance often cited as symbolic of the show’s overall shortcomings.
What’s next for Kim Kardashian
The reality star and business mogul has more screen projects on the horizon. She’ll next appear in Netflix’s comedy feature The Fifth Wheel, directed by Eva Longoria, and is reportedly being considered to play the villain in a “Bratz” movie adaptation.
Kardashian previously worked with Murphy on American Horror Story and has lent her voice to characters in two PAW Patrol films.
Still, All’s Fair marks her most ambitious attempt to lead a major television drama, one that, for now, seems to have fallen short of its promise.
