There is something truly gratifying when you see an actor or performer capture the attention of an audience, and that happens time and time again thanks to Nathan Lee Graham in Hulu’s beautifully funny, Mid-Century Modern. You probably have heard his name, and I know you have seen his face, but the James Burrows comedy would not be the same without him. If you are entirely new to Mr. Graham’s numerous talents, there is no doubt that you won’t forget that blinding smile. The core quartet in this new series create comedy gold, and Graham brings elegance, sass, and ferocity to a man who will always take up space.
There is a certain unspoken language to sitcom comedy, especially for multicam, and you wouldn’t believe it when you learn that Mid-Century is Graham’s first introduction to the medium. Even if you watched this comedy on mute, you could tell that Graham, as Arthur Broussard, is landing the punchlines. He punctuates his line deliveries with a cutting gesture, a gentle but purposely flair, or a bend of the knee. Graham can deliver a line with a raise of an eyebrow or a turn of the head better than other
Yes, Arthur is fabulous and has exquisite taste, but Graham brings a depth to his character that makes us want to know more about his history and his past. This show has deep affection for the shows that came before it, but there is nothing on right now that bites into the complexities of aging for queer men like Mid-Century does. Arthur is nervous to enter the workforce again, especially when an uppity queen tries to put Arthur in his place. Graham has choice bitchy chemistry with Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
One of the season’s highlights, though, comes when Arthur, Nathan Lane’s Bunny, and Matt Bomer’s Jerry venture off to Fire Island to visit one of their favorite haunts, Fisty’s. Each man has an encounter that forces them to examine their past, but Graham’s is especially poignant when he shares a drink with Bradley Gibson’s Jordan. As we get older, we look to youth in jealousy or whimsy: they are at the starting line and, with every passing day, we get closer to finishing the race. In that moment, though, Arthur reaches for maturity and grace because his life has been fabulous and has been filled to the brim with excitement and glamor. But Arthur will never be a has been. He’s too busy looking forward.
At any age, trying something new can be scary, but Nathan Lee Graham’s Arthur blissfully buoyant performance is like the fizziest drink. With the most satisfying bite.
Mid-Century Modern is streaming now on Hulu.
