Mid-Century Modern: Matt Bomer on sitcom with Nathan Lane

Matt Bomer has discussed his new sitcom with Nathan Lane, Mid-Century Modern, created by Will & Grace’s Max Mutchnick and David Kohan.

In late July, they wrapped filming for the pilot episode of the new show. US streamer Hulu has picked the show up for a full series.

“The series follows three best friends — gay gentlemen of a certain age — who, after an unexpected death, decide to spend their golden years living together in Palm Springs where the wealthiest one lives with his mother,” according to the synopsis.

“As a chosen family, they prove that no matter how hard things get, there’s always someone around to remind you it would be better if you got your neck done.”

The show got a lot of excitement when US reports likened it to queer favourite The Golden Girls, with parallels in the characters and plot.

Matt Bomer has told People about that connection, calling the show a “spiritual cousin” of The Golden Girls.

“Some of the circumstances are similar with this group of people, who have decided for a certain chapter in their life, they’re going to live together,” he says.

“There are some nods to not only Golden Girls, but some other characters from past shows which I grew up loving. So it’s sort of a hybrid, but I would definitely say it’s a spiritual cousin.”

‘I’ve got to do a comedy’

Matt Bomer’s character is described as being “pure of heart,” “hard of body” and “soft of head”. The actor said it was exactly what he needed after a string of tougher roles.

“I remember finishing Fellow Travelers — and I’d come off of Boys in the Band, Fellow Travelers, Maestro, even Doom Patrol — to an extent where I was playing these very repressed characters,” Matt said.

“It was all darker, heavier material, and I just thought, I’ve got to [do] a comedy.”

Matt Bomer plays Jerry Frank, an ex-Mormon who left his marriage after his wife outed him to their entire church. Nathan Lane plays Bunny Schneiderman, a successful businessman close to retirement but forever looking for love.

Nathan Lee Graham and Linda Lavin also appear in the show. They play fashion industry veteran Arthur and Bunny’s mother Sybil, respectively.

Will & Grace creators Max Mutchnick and David Kohan are creators of the new series. Sitcom legend James Burrows – who directed every Will & Grace – directed the Mid-Century Modern pilot.

“Jimmy Burrows typically only does one take — maybe two — and then they change a lot of your lines,” Matt said.

“Then you do one more take, and then sometimes that’s it. It’s fast and furious, and you really have to let go. You have to let go of the controls and just let it all come through you.

“There’s something really thrilling and exciting, and there’s a high you get from it. Just from the adrenaline rush of it all. It’s incomparable to really anything else.”

Last year, Matt Bomer got multiple award nominations for his great work with Jonathan Bailey in the epic historical gay drama Fellow Travelers. The brilliant series is streaming in Australia on Paramount+.

Matt has also worked with Max Mutchnick, David Kohan and James Burrows before. He had a recurring role in the Will & Grace reboot series.