All’s Fair star Teyana Taylor finally opens up about the show's poor reception by audiences and critics

Since the Hulu premiere of All’s Fair, Teyana Taylor, who plays Milan in the highly anticipated Ryan Murphy legal drama, has been caught in the middle of a cultural whirlwind with her and her fellow cast members. This is to say that the show, despite its star-studded cast led by Kim Kardashian, Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, and Naomi Watts, has been greatly criticized by critics, with some even terming it as one of the worst dramas of the year.

But Teyana isn’t shying away. In more recent interviews, she has been honest in her responses to the scathing reviews All’s Fair received, discussing the shortcomings of the show, its merits, and even what she loved about starring in it.

Critics tear into All’s Fair but fans showed up anyway

When All’s Fair first premiered, critics tore it apart. It launched with a scathing 0% on Rotten Tomatoes (which eventually rose a notch higher to 5%), and critics bashed nearly every aspect of it, including its writing, uneven tone, and apparent deficiency of real emotional impact. It was claimed that the characters were one-dimensional, the dialogue was not smooth, and the feminist tone of the show was too superficial. And even Kim Kardashian made a joke of the criticism, stating on Instagram that it was “the most critically acclaimed show of the year.”

Nevertheless, All’s Fair resonated with the audiences, notwithstanding all the negativity. It was the largest Hulu scripted debut in three years, demonstrating that viewers’ interest does not necessarily correlate with critical reception.

The response of Teyana Taylor to all this drama has been surprisingly passive. She does not refute the criticism, but neither does she appear troubled about it. Rather than attempting to appeal to the critics, she aims at the fans who actually adored the bold, campy, high-glam style of the show. Her reaction is similar to the remarks of some of her co-stars as well, that All’s Fair was never intended to be a conventional, serious legal drama, but a glam, style-heavy declaration that can stand alone.

What did Teyana Taylor say

When Teyana Taylor eventually addressed the controversy surrounding All’s Fair, she did not become defensive nor attempt to make a case to critics. She was calm and straight in her interview with Variety at the 16th Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom. When Variety asked Teyana Taylor to say something about how critics didn't like All’s Fair but audiences did, and the viewership is proof of that, Taylor replied:

“I mean, the viewership is so amazing and you know, I'm excited, you know, to see how much more it grows, I'm excited to see where the characters go, you know what I'm saying? And I think everybody is entitled to their opinion, you know, and all we can do is respect that, you know? Because hate it or love it, it's a sisterhood and I gained sisters that I love and appreciate, and I enjoy working with, and we all actually like each other, I think that's so important. And I think, you know, it's our first season, you know, like, give us a little bit of grace. And you know, shows, shows grow and for the better….”

Her reaction instantly created an alternative atmosphere to controversial TV shows, where people usually seek to give a fiery reply. The interesting fact is that she did not take the criticism personally. She made it seem like a part of the process, a hard yet natural process when starting a new show, particularly when people have so much hope for it. Her words also silently question the theory that early reviews determine the destiny of a show.

Honesty and growth set the tone for All’s Fair Season 2

Most of the online discussions about All’s Fair concern its ratings and criticism, but Teyana Taylor gives attention to something viewers rarely see: the actual relationships behind the scenes. She said, “it's a sisterhood and I gained sisters.” That is important since the show is discussed as rough, contrived, and attention-seeking. The words of Taylor gently brush against that, and it makes people see that the cast are actually supportive of each other.

She also points out that first seasons are rarely released to perfection; it takes many great shows some time to find their voice. Her plea for “grace” is not a request but a reminder that All’s Fair is still trying to figure out its tone, pacing, and character arcs.

Taylor offers a hint of what is going to happen next by not being defensive about the weaknesses of the show. As Season 2 has already been confirmed, it suggests that it will be more grounded and focused, with the actors now prepared to grow instead of chasing hype. It can be that combination of sincerity and dedication that the show requires as it reinvents itself.

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