The social scene in America’s wealthiest enclaves often operates by its own set of unspoken rules. On the new Netflix series Members Only: Palm Beach, star Maria spells out one of the most important for newcomers: learning pickleball is not optional. In the show’s debut episode, she explains that the sport is the central engine of both business and social life in this rarefied world.
What Happens in the Episode?
The premiere episode of Members Only: Palm Beach features Maria and fellow socialite Ro-mina at a sports club for a pickleball lesson. While Maria picks up the game quickly, Ro-mina struggles, leading to a moment of laughter after Ro-mina exclaims, “I told you I’m not good with games where balls fly at me!”
After their practice, the pair sit down for a conversation that forms the core of the episode’s insight. They discuss the nature of society in Palm Beach, how to secure invitations to exclusive events, and the feeling of constantly being under scrutiny by others, including co-stars like Rosalyn and Hilary. Ro-mina expresses her frustration with the many “don’ts” that govern behavior, confessing, “I’ve always been the rule-breaker”.
It is in a separate, private confessional that Maria delivers her key observation about the role of pickleball. She notes that engaging in the sport is a critical part of participating in the local social fabric.
“That’s How We Do Business”: The Pickleball Philosophy
Maria’s explanation cuts to the heart of how elite social circles often function. She states that pickleball is vital because “that’s how we do business, socially”.
“This is what they do. They pickleball. So it’s important. It’s how you connect with other people,” Maria says in the episode.
She elaborates that success in this environment isn’t just about attending galas at venues like Mar-a-Lago. Instead, it’s about integrating work and play in daily activities. Maria describes Palm Beach as perhaps “the only place in the entire country where work and play are always fused into each other,” and pickleball is the primary arena where this fusion happens. Itโs where relationships are built, deals are whispered about, and social standing is negotiatedโall while playing a game.
The Real-World Pickleball Scene in Palm Beach
The show’s focus on pickleball reflects its explosive real-life popularity in the region. Public facilities in the area cater to the demand. For example:
- The Lilac Pickleball Courts in Palm Beach Gardens feature 24 publicly accessible courts with lighting for evening play.
- The village of North Palm Beach offers pickleball at Osborne Park and the Community Center, with specific open-play hours for all skill levels.
Local municipalities often have resident requirements for discounted play, which can involve showing proof like a Florida driver’s license or a property tax receipt. This structure of access subtly mirrors the show’s themes of insiders and outsiders.
A National Trend: Pickleball as an Elite Social Activity
The phenomenon highlighted in Members Only: Palm Beach is part of a wider national trend where pickleball is evolving beyond a simple pastime. Exclusive, members-only clubs are opening in major cities, offering a high-end social experience centered on the sport.
A prime example is the Hell’s Kitchen Pickleball Club in New York City, a members-only facility located on the seventh floor of a building with sweeping views. Co-founder Stephen Richter describes it as “an athletic social club that focuses on pickleball”. The club offers not just courts but also lounges, golf simulators, and co-working spaces, framing the sport as a lifestyle for networking and community.
Similarly, clubs like the Flemington Pickleball Club in New Jersey host charity tournaments and social events, further blending recreation with social connection and philanthropy.
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Cast and Show Context
Members Only: Palm Beach joins Netflix’s lineup of reality series that explore niche, high-end social worlds. The show follows a group of socialites as they navigate the strict and often unspoken rules of one of America’s most famous luxury destinations. The premiere episode establishes the pressures to conform, the importance of social rituals, and the complex relationships between the women.
Where to Watch
All episodes of Members Only: Palm Beach are available for streaming globally on Netflix.
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