The lavish 1960s-set comedy-drama Palm Royale will not return for a third season. Apple TV has decided to end the series after two seasons, bringing the story of Maxine Simmons and her quest to break into Palm Beach high society to a close .
The Kristen Wiig-led series debuted on Apple TV in March 2024 and aired a total of 20 episodes across its two-season run. The second season concluded in January 2026 . Apple declined to comment on the cancellation decision .
A Star-Studded Trip to 1960s Palm Beach
Palm Royale followed Kristen Wiig as Maxine Simmons, an ambitious outsider determined to elbow her way into the upper echelons of Florida’s most exclusive beach club. The series was loosely adapted from Juliet McDaniel’s 2018 novel Mr. and Mrs. American Pie .
The show boasted an impressive ensemble cast that included Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Leslie Bibb, Amber Charade Robinson, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Kaia Gerber, and comedy legend Carol Burnett . Season 2 added John Stamos, Patti LuPone, Vicki Lawrence, and Matt Rogers to the already stacked lineup .
Awards Love Wasn’t Enough to Save the Series
Despite earning critical recognition, Palm Royale could not secure a third season. The first season received 11 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy for Wiig, and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Burnett . The show won one Emmy for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music .
For its second season, Wiig earned a nomination at the SAG Awards for outstanding performance by a female actor in a comedy series. The show also received a GLAAD Media Award nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series .
What Happened in Season 2
The official logline for Palm Royale Season 2 read: “Maxine is left a social pariah after a scandalous public breakdown. She’ll have to draw on her deep well of cleverness and cunning to prove, once and for all, that not only does she belong, but she just might have what it takes to rule this town. Along the way, she will uncover untold truths and finally understand what this town is truly built on … secrets, lies and the occasional felony” .
The Season 2 finale, titled “Maxine Does Something Good,” featured several major developments. Maxine and Evelyn (Allison Janney) formed an unlikely alliance after Maxine killed Jed (Ryan Dorsey) in self-defense. The pair worked together to dispose of the body, bonding them through a shared secret . In a surprising twist, Maxine married Robert (Ricky Martin) to help him secure custody of his son Rafael, which also unlocked a massive baby trust that made them both wealthy .
The finale included a special tribute to Burnett’s character, Norma Dellacorte, who sang a warm rendition of “Something Good” . Maxine and Evelyn ended the season taking over the Palm Royale club, with Evelyn asking, “The world?” and Maxine responding, “The world” .
An Ending That Leaves Questions
Showrunner Abe Sylvia had previously discussed the intention behind the Season 2 finale. “We wanted to leave people on a win, but with a question mark,” Sylvia said . “The firm belief that … we’ll take this happy moment for the moment that it is but … Trouble is just around the corner. Trouble is not done with our women” .
The finale did hint at potential storylines that will now remain unexplored. Rafael was seen making a cryptic phone call, stating, “They bought it. I’m in,” suggesting a deeper scheme involving the young boy . Douglas (Josh Lucas) , stripped of his fortune and rejected by Maxine, disappeared from the narrative, leaving room for a possible vengeful return .
Carol Burnett’s character received a meaningful sendoff. As Norma, she shared a tender moment reflecting on her life and began a new chapter with Linda (Laura Dern) , finding some peace after a lifetime of complicated choices .
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Where to Watch Palm Royale
Both seasons of Palm Royale are currently available to stream on Apple TV. Subscribers can watch all 20 episodes, including the Emmy-nominated first season and the recently concluded second season .
The series joins other Apple TV originals like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, Severance, and Silo in the streamer’s growing library of exclusive content . Apple TV is available for $9.99 per month in the US and carries similar pricing in other regions including the UK (£8.99), Canada ($12.99 CAD), Australia ($12.99 AUD), and India (Rs 99) .
Kristen Wiig threw herself into the role of Maxine across both seasons. The actress and executive producer previously shared her thoughts on her character’s journey. “I think she doesn’t wanna be alone, and she kind of was alone with Douglas,” Wiig said about Maxine’s state of mind in the finale. “Now she’s trying to create this other family with her friends. And I think she just wants people around her that love her, and she wants to have fun. She just wants to know her place and feel secure in it, rather than always trying so hard” .
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