Come for the camp, or you might miss the fun. That’s the best way to approach Palm Royale, a show that thrives on its lighthearted absurdity. Is the storyline a bit ridiculous? Definitely. Are the characters prone to making disastrous choices? Without fail. Does it overflow with melodrama like an overflowing bubble bath? Completely. But if you’re ready for a whirlwind of high-end fashion and frivolity, just grab your colorful swimsuit and dive in—the water’s perfect.

The initial season of Abe Sylvia’s flamboyant period dramedy, inspired by Juliet McDaniel’s 2018 novel Mr. & Mrs. American Pie, split audiences: some adored it, others not so much, yet nearly everyone agreed the cast was stellar. The first season was a wild ride, and somehow, the second season has dialed up the antics, plot twists, and juicy drama even more. Palm Royale offers a retreat for those looking to take a break from more serious drama, with a cast that masterfully balances outright silliness with moments of genuine emotion.

Taking place at the close of the 1960s, the plot revolves around Maxine Dellacorte-Simons (Kristen Wiig), who is ambitiously trying to climb the social ladder in Palm Beach. She finds herself mingling with a clique of high-society women at the local country club: the frosty Evelyn Rollins (Allison Janney); scandal-ridden diplomat’s wife Dina Donahue (Leslie Bibb); and the quirky heiress Mary Jones Davidsoul (Julia Duffy).

The group’s matriarch, Norma Dellacorte (Carol Burnett), is conveniently in a coma, giving her niece-in-law Maxine a chance to shine. There’s also Linda Shaw (Laura Dern), a pioneering feminist secretly related to Evelyn; Robert Diaz (Ricky Martin), Norma’s caretaker who’s covertly gay; Maxine’s naive husband, Douglas (Josh Lucas), who’s blatantly foolish; Mitzi (Kaia Gerber), Maxine’s nail technician and Douglas’ secret lover; and Ann Holiday (Mindy Cohn), a society journalist on the hunt for the next big scandal.

By the end of season one, Maxine publicly unravels, Mitzi announces she’s pregnant with Douglas’ child, Evelyn begins an affair with Dina’s former flame, and Mary mistakenly shoots Robert in an attempt on Nixon’s life. And it turns out Norma is actually an impostor named Agnes who stole the real Norma’s identity years ago. Confused? Don’t worry. In Palm Royale, the unexpected is standard. If one character vows never to forgive another, chances are they’ll be allies again by the next episode.

Season two dives deeper into the absurd. Expect a passionate affair with a ghostly bootlegger, a dramatic tumble from an Alpine peak, an FBI raid at a fake funeral, and a knowledgeable alligator wine expert. And let’s not forget the multiple musical numbers, including a performance by Patti LuPone at Mar-A-Lago. The season mixes bold patterns, sharp Mad Men-style barbs, and a touch of Hitchcockian intrigue into a surreal spectacle.

In the opening episode, set right after the Beach Ball, Maxine finds herself committed to a luxurious asylum, Robert is comatose, and Linda is wrongly jailed for Mary’s crime. Meanwhile, Norma schemes to gain control of a legendary family trust, Evelyn fights to reclaim her fortune, and Mary hides in a network of old smuggler tunnels beneath Palm Beach.

The allure of Palm Royale isn’t just its lavish costumes and stunning sets, but its sharp humor. The comedic chemistry between Wiig and Janney is particularly delightful, with their characters forming a dynamic duo—Maxine’s naive enthusiasm complements Evelyn’s world-weary cynicism. As the season unfolds, Evelyn’s icy shell begins to crack, revealing a more vulnerable side, thanks to Maxine’s influence.

Wiig, renowned for her roles in Bridesmaids and Barb & Star Go To Vista Del Mar, blends her comedic and dramatic talents perfectly as Maxine. One moment, she’s falling into a bush in classic slapstick style; the next, she’s delivering a heartfelt monologue. Wiig makes it easy to believe that, despite her blunders, Maxine’s charm will always win back those she’s wronged.

Janney’s portrayal of Evelyn is a complex mix of stern authority and subtle vulnerability. After spending most of the first season in a near-catatonic state, Burnett shines as Norma reclaims her role as the cunning puppet master of Palm Beach. Even at 92, Burnett continues to show why she’s a comedic force. Although they often play supporting roles, Bibb and Duffy steal many scenes with their comedic timing—Bibb excels as the quick-witted Dina, and Duffy delights as the eccentric Mary, navigating the underground tunnels with a mischievous glint in her eye.

However, not all is smooth sailing. Douglas’ transformation from charming buffoon to despicable villain who eagerly commits his wife to an asylum is jarring, making Maxine’s continued affection for him hard to watch. Moreover, Mitzi’s character feels disappointingly shallow compared to the show’s celebration of complex women, her betrayal of Maxine seeming out of character and unexplained.

Despite these flaws, the second season of Palm Royale retains its effervescent charm, buoyed by writers who embrace the show’s delightful over-the-top nature. In a standout episode, Maxine wins over a group of gay men at a secret motel, one of whom proclaims her the most fascinating woman he’s ever met—a nod to the show’s devoted fans who revel in its extravagant escapism.

Palm Royale Season 2 debuts November 12 on Apple TV.