Hemingway Defends “All’s Fair” Amid Backlash
Hollywood can be a tough crowd, that’s for sure.
Anthony Hemingway, the director behind four episodes of “All’s Fair,” is stepping up to defend the series, which features Kim Kardashian, against harsh reviews.
At 48, Hemingway stated, “I’m not trying to please everyone,” in a recent interview. He acknowledges the mixed reactions but suggests that it’s all part of the game.
“Sure, you might have your criticisms, but there’s also a ton of people who enjoy this show,” he noted. He believes the series serves as a mirror, reflecting different viewers’ experiences. “Connecting with it might be a stretch for some, and that’s okay. Not everything resonates with everyone,” he added, which feels true regarding any content we engage with.
“All’s Fair,” created and produced by Ryan Murphy, has managed to grab just a 6% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, which is quite low.
Critics aren’t holding back. One review called the show “terrible in a mind-boggling way,” and remarked negatively about Kardashian’s acting skills.
“It seems like every scene is designed to be a quick shared clip on TikTok,” another critic remarked, while a strong ensemble cast including Sarah Paulson and Glenn Close also stars.
Despite the backlash, Hemingway believes “All’s Fair” doesn’t deserve such a negative reception. He shared, “This is comedy, and we need to explore real conversations and relationships in refreshing ways.” He admitted that it often takes him a minute to decide if he likes something new he encounters.
“This may not be for everyone, but I enjoy the show personally and appreciate its relatability,” he continued. “Not everything is meant for everyone, and it’s a disservice to box it in.”
The first two episodes of “All’s Fair” were made available on Hulu recently, with additional episodes to follow weekly, culminating on December 9th.
Hemingway reflected on the nature of audience reception, citing a notable series he worked on. “When I did ‘The Wire,’ it was heavily criticized initially—only two people were tuning in weekly. But eventually, it found its audience,” he recounted.
He was clear in saying, “I’m not saying this show is like ‘The Wire,’ but it does illustrate how perceptions can change over time.” He wrapped up by noting, “It might take a minute for “All’s Fair” to catch on, but it feels fresh and creatively satisfying.”
Hemingway’s past collaborations with Murphy include “Glee,” “American Horror Story,” and “American Crime Story,” but none have faced the same level of scrutiny as “All’s Fair.”
The show has been labeled as “the worst TV show of the year” by one critic, while others have called it “brain-dead,” demonstrating the divided opinions surrounding it.
