Palm Royale Season 2 Review:
If you thought the first season of Palm Royale was a cocktail of glitter-and-grime served with a side of wry social commentary, season 2 pours that cocktail tall, on the rocks, and maybe with an extra twist of lime. Now streaming on Apple TV+, the sequel picks up our heroine Maxine Dellacorte (brilliantly played by Kristen Wiig) in far rockier terrain than ever before.
What’s New
Maxine has finally hit the kind of social ice one never wants to: after that scandalous public breakdown, she’s become a pariah in the ostentatious world of Palm Beach’s elite. The story remains set in the late 1960s — still drenched in pastel glamour and that “everyone knows your name but no one knows who you really are” vibe.
The stakes have escalated too. It’s no longer just about getting in; it’s about ruling this gilded sandbox, and uncovering the secrets, lies, and occasional felonies that keep those facades shining.
Why It Works
1. Kristen Wiig’s Maxine Gets More Layered
In season 1 we met Maxine’s ambition and naïveté; here we see her bruised edges. Wiig’s performance smuggles the comedic chops we expect from her, but also a sharper cruelty, desperation, and moments of genuine heartbreak. It keeps the character feeling human even in the most absurd of situations.
2. Glamour with Subtext
The production design is still a feast — think top-knot champagne glasses, white tennis skirts, and hotels you’d want to stay in but might secretly fear the people inside. The show’s glitz works because it masks something darker: the divide between the haves and have-nots, the performance of identity, and the price of belonging in a world that wasn’t built for you.
3. The Pacing Picks Up
One of the struggles in season 1 was its slow burn. Season 2 fixes that — it’s faster, funnier, and far more addictive. That doesn’t mean it’s shallow; there’s still space to breathe and feel the weight behind the laughs, but everything now moves with sharper intent.
4. Supporting Players Shine Brighter
With new cast additions stirring the pot, the ensemble grows richer and the dynamics more volatile. The claws are definitely out this season, and that’s exactly what makes it so delicious to watch.
But… It’s Not Perfect
Some characters still feel under-served. Despite the expanded cast, a few arcs feel squeezed or under-explored. And while the campy tone is part of the show’s charm, it can occasionally tip into over-stylized territory. There’s also a lot happening — so much that if you’re not paying attention, you might get a little lost in the drama and sequins.
Final Verdict
Season 2 of Palm Royale is a satisfying return. It doesn’t just replay the formula of season 1 — it deepens it. If you loved the idea of a glitzy high-society satire set in the late ’60s, packed with ambition, vanity, and reinvention, this is very much your show. It retains the playful comedy but now has sharper teeth.
It’s fun, stylish, and unapologetically camp. You’ll want to keep your eyes on that poolside perfection because you know someone’s about to slip. Give it a watch, embrace the absurdity, and enjoy the rise — and possible fall — of Maxine Dellacorte.
