One-star reviews pile up for 'All's Fair' return
Season two of the Ryan Murphy series premiered November 4, but critics say the tone remains unclear and the performances are underutilized.
By Jenna Mitchell ·
One star. That is the rating The Telegraph critic Ed Power gave to the second season of All's Fair. In his review, Power labeled the Hulu series a potential candidate for the worst television show of the 21st century. He expressed specific sympathy for cast members Naomi Watts and Glenn Close, noting that their talent did not seem to match the production's quality. Power compared Watts' work in the series to her role in David Lynch's Mulholland Drive, suggesting she deserved a better project.
The negative reception is consistent with the first season, which debuted in November 2025 to similar complaints. The legal drama, created by Ryan Murphy, features a high-profile ensemble that also includes Niecy Nash, Sarah Paulson, and Teyana Taylor. Despite the star power, reviewers have struggled to identify the show's intended tone. Jonathon Wilson of Ready Steady Cut gave the new episodes two stars. He stated that he could not determine if the series was aiming to be a serious legal drama or a self-aware comedy. Wilson noted that while a campy satire starring Kim Kardashian could work, the show often appears stuck between two different approaches.
Lucy Mangan of The Guardian also awarded the season one star. However, she noted a slight shift in the viewing experience. While she still found plenty to criticize, Mangan admitted the show was becoming more entertaining. She suggested the series is moving toward a level of badness that becomes enjoyable for some viewers. The new episodes premiered on November 4 on Hulu and Disney+.
Kim Kardashian has defended the show's performance despite the critical panning. She previously acknowledged that the harsh reviews made her worry about the impact on her career. However, she also pointed out that the criticism attracted a curious audience. Kardashian explained that viewers tuned in specifically to see how bad the show was. She noted that this curiosity helped the program remain one of the most-watched shows on television for several weeks. The cast includes Watts, Close, Nash, Paulson, and Taylor alongside Kardashian.
