What Mid-Century Modern Fans Are Hoping To See In Season 2

Within the world of television shows, representation is an extremely important element. Representing marginalized groups in the right way can help change the hearts and minds of those uneducated about certain portions of the population. This can be done with race, as seen with The Cosby Show, or even sexual orientation, as seen on Will & Grace.

The new series Mid-Century Modern premiered in March on Hulu and follows three gay male friends living together in Palm Springs. It has been compared to The Golden Girls and has received a very positive reaction from viewers. While the passing of Linda Lavin, a core part of the show, unexpectedly shook things up, fans are actually optimistic about where the show could go if renewed for season two.

Fans Reveal Their Hopes For Season 2 Of Mid-Century Modern

Following the release of Mid-Century Modern's first season, fans were already hyped for Season 2. Several viewers shared their wishes for another season on Reddit, with one fan writing, "We need more shows like this, especially now," they wrote. "Please bring it back & MORE Pamela Adlon! 10 seconds of her on the screen & I (31) was screaming 'GREASE 2! DOLORES?!' So yeah, please."

Other users even had some new cast and character ideas. "Absolutely!! I also think it would be a fun addition to get Megan Mulally to join the cast as Sybil’s younger sister who comes to live with them to 'take care' of Bunny," one person wrote. "I just think that’s something Sybil would have wanted. Also Megan Mulally and Nathan Lane would be hilarious together!"

This seems possible, since the show was created by David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, the same duo who brought audiences Will & Grace. Megan famously starred in that series as the very funny Karen Walker. One user agreed, writing, "I was a BIG Will & Grace fan & LOVED Megan Mulally so much (still do). She would be a great addition!" Another replied, "I completely agree! We need another big personality actress to fill the role that Linda, sadly, is no longer there to do."

Another actress' name also came up when discussing possible directions the show could take. "I was thinking Catherine O’Hara as Sybil’s sister to come in to the show," someone wrote. "That would be awesome!"

One particular direction some fans felt the plot could go had to do with the daughter of Jerry, played by Matt Bomer. Jerry's daughter reunites with her father unexpectedly in one episode and the two share a sweet moment. Jerry had his daughter before coming out and didn't see her for most of her childhood due to her mother keeping them apart.

Some fans believed this new season could be a good time to bring her character back. "I was wondering if Jerry's daughter might come live with them," one user wondered. "She could be even more naive than Jerry... kind of like what the Frasier creators did with Niles. Or (and?) I'd love to see Marsha Mason as the mother-figure character."

Zane Phillips Could Return As Mason In Season 2

Zane Phillips played the role of Mason, a guy who Jerry has a near-fling with, only to be reunited with him in the season finale. Mason is a Mormon who was engaged to a woman until he leaves her at the altar to return to Jerry. When he breaks the news to Jerry, he is encouraged by his new friend to go back home and be honest with those he left behind.

Zane spoke to PRIDE at the grand opening of The Tryst Puerto Vallarta around the time of Mid-Century Modern's premiere. The actor gushed about the positive response the show has been getting. Despite his involvement, Zane admitted he was nervous about how others would receive the show. His deep-rooted concerns had to do with the history of LGBTQ+ representation in the media.

"I am so chuffed that people have been responding so well to the show! With queer content, you always have this thing in the back of your mind that people are going to say it's too queer," he said before elaborating on the show's message. "It's about sticking with the people who take care of you! The performances are incredible. I felt so lucky to be on that set."

During his time in the series, Zane shared some intimate moments with Matt Bomer on screen. Zane teased fans, however, that the outcome of the storyline would most likely surprise viewers. But he also explained that while the audience might be expecting something more provocative to play out, the message the story conveys is much more meaningful.

"It's such a bait and switch!" Zane said. "If you saw that clip, you would not know that our story that episode ends with us talking about God. I feel bad for the folks who just came for the boys kissing. They're getting something a little more real than that!"

Zane also spoke with Gayety at the same event to discuss his experiences on set. The actor's first day of shooting just happened to be Election Day. Zane recalled how Linda Lavin performed an impromptu song on the piano, which she would also sing in an episode of the show. The moment moved Zane and stuck with him. “It was probably the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” he said.

Zane told the outlet that he was starstruck when asked what it was like working with actors like Linda and Nathan Lane. Being able to work with such legendary actors was an experience that made Zane feel incredibly honored.

“It’s really wacky,” Zane said. “I was on set and I was looking at Nathan Lane and I was like, 'You’re Timon.' It’s probably the first movie I’ve ever seen. And so just being in a room with these legends and they were all so kind and so funny.”

He described being on set with both of them as a “master class,” explaining that it was their kindness, in addition to their talent, which taught him a lot. “I always want to be surrounded by people who I can learn from and who are kind enough to impart their knowledge and their skills with me,” he said.

Zane said that staying grounded is something he has been teaching himself to do, especially after such a memorable experience. He said that when it comes to accomplishing a goal, there is a balance one must have between luck and hard work. When it comes to what helped him land on the Mid-Century Modern set, Zane doesn't negate the significance of either factor. “You have to start telling yourself it wasn’t just luck that I’m in this room,” he said. According to Zane, he has a lot of appreciation for the experience.

While he's grateful for the experience, it's not clear if that experience will continue. While it still hasn't been confirmed if his character will return, it's worth mentioning he wasn't only in one episode. He was not only in another episode in the season, but it was the season finale, which seems significant. Many viewers also see the possibility of more development between Mason and Jerry. There does seem to be potential there, so we'll have to wait and see.

Pamela Adlon's Character Is Expected To Have A Bigger Role In Season 2

Linda Lavin made a big splash during Season 1 as Bunny's mother, Sybil. Sadly, Linda passed away from cardiopulmonary arrest at 86 years old. Her PR rep described the cause of death as a “complication from recently discovered lung cancer” when her death was announced in December 2024. Unfortunately, this meant that her character would be killed out of the series. The creators of Mid-Century Modern, David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, revealed in an interview with TV Line that Sybil’s death was actually Linda’s idea.

“When she was diagnosed with [lung cancer], she was like, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to respond to this, but whatever it is, write it into the character,’” David said. Max then revealed, “Only David, Nathan [Lane], and I knew kind of what was going on, and she was very clear to the three of us that she wanted us to tell the truth. And certainly she had no idea that it was going to go to the place that it went to.”

Max continued, “But she had talked about it with us and her husband, Steve Bakunas, so when it happened, that gave us the go-ahead and the comfort and the freedom as writers to sit down with Steve and say, ‘Hey, we’d like to actually write the last day the way that it happened and make that our story.’ And without skipping a beat, Steve said, ‘Of course that’s what you have to do, because that’s what Linda would want you to do.’”

Thankfully, the creators didn't have to look too far when searching for someone to fill the void Linda's absence now left. David and Max said they were “lucky” to have already introduced viewers to Bunny’s sister, Mindy, in prior episodes. Pamela Adlon plays Mindy and the actress even shared some moments with Linda on screen. Mindy was initially just visiting from out of town, but decided she would move to Palm Springs. “It was just one of those things that a lucky detail took place in the writing that we had that to lean on,” Max told TheWrap.