‘Will & Grace’ creators talk new show ‘Mid-Century Modern’

Even when they were younger, Max Mutchnick and David Kohan – best known for writing and producing the television series  “Will & Grace” – have always focused on characters of a certain age. 

Now that they are of that age, they have considerably more insight into their new creation, “Mid-Century Modern.” The Hulu sitcom, which debuted on March 28, stars Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer and Nathan Lee Graham as a trio of gay friends who reunite in Palm Springs when another friend passes away. Eventually, they all decide to live together in the home of Bunny (Lane) and his mother Sybil (Linda Lavin).

“It’s so fun to write guys (like this),” Mutchnick said. “You don’t usually get to.”

Mutchnick and Kohan credit good fortune and executive producer Ryan Murphy for their A-list ensemble. After they wrote the script, they handed it to Murphy, who was in the middle of working on his television anthology series, “Monster.” Lane, who had a role in the “Monster” season that focused on Lyle and Erik Menendez, then received the script from Murphy. 

“Once Nathan got on board, everything else fell into place,” Mutchnick said. But there were still some surprises ahead. For example, Bomer initially wasn’t the type of actor they had in mind. 

“[The part] was written for a much older guy,” Kohan said. “Ryan thought it would be a good idea for us to try Matt. We had worked with him before on ‘Will & Grace.’” 

The pair went on to re-conceive the Atlanta-based character of Jerry specifically for Bomer. 

“I love that we did that,” Kohan said. “He elevates it so much. He is so good at comedy and he hasn’t had a chance to do it a ton.”

Rounding out the cast are Graham and Lavin. Graham describes his character Arthur as a fashion editor who cares very much how people look, so they can feel good on the inside. 

“He is witty, sharp-tongued and tells it like it is – and he has had a lot more sex than Nathan Lee Graham,” he said.

Mutchnick and Kohan sought Graham out for the role, and after the actor had a chemistry read with Lane, he joined the rest of the team and started filming last summer. It was a quick process with very little time for rehearsal. The actors got “maybe 72 hours” with the script beforehand, according to Graham. 

“It’s fast and furious; it’s speed dating at its best,” Graham said. “We all have theater backgrounds and the chemistry was incredible. Now we are all fast friends and really love each other and care for each other deeply. That is what you see in the work, I hope.”

Mutchnick and Kohan were delighted to find such a great addition in Graham, and were equally excited to be able to work with Lavin. 

“Nathan (Lee Graham) was a gift from the sitcom heavens,” Mutchnick said. “Linda [Lavin] we always knew, and we were thrilled we got a chance to work with her.” 

Unfortunately, Lavin passed away in December of 2024. But having her as part of the cast was special for everybody involved. 

“She was so full of life and zest and so great,” Graham said. “When I think of her I think of joy and gratitude and of support. How lucky can you get to work with someone that incredible?  As an actor it is one of the best things in the world. She was a true gift to all of us.”

While losing Lavin might have been a tragic moment, the show itself isn’t baked in sadness. Graham said what he feels is really so wonderful about “Mid-Century Modern” is that there’s nothing tragic about it or the characters. The series arrives at a politically divided time in this country, where many LGBTQ+ individuals are facing uncertain futures. 

“It’s so important to see that because – whether you’re in some small town in Mississippi or in a penthouse in New York City or a palatial estate in Los Angeles – you’ll see yourselves and it’s always wonderful to see and connect with yourself and you’ll feel good about it,” Graham said. “It is so positive to have wonderful representation like this, where you see real people, with no shame, living their most authentic lives. Simply showing people who love and care about each other and are funny and have an edge to them is the statement.”