TL;DR
Palm Royale is back for Season 3, and if you thought the first two seasons were a chaotic fever dream of caftans and social climbing, buckle up. This is a "Mom Show" through and through—think The White Lotus meets Mad Men with a heavy dose of Kristen Wiig energy.
While it looks like a pastel-colored comedy, Season 3 leans harder into its "A" rating (Adult/Mature). We’re talking heavy social satire, drug use (mostly "mother’s little helpers"), infidelity, and the kind of "greed is good" mentality that makes Succession look like a Sunday school lesson.
Quick Recommendations:
- Best for: Parents who need a stylish escape after bedtime.
- Teens (16+): Maybe, if they are into fashion or period dramas.
- Kids: Hard pass. Too much "grown-up" messiness and zero "brain rot" appeal for the Roblox crowd.
Set in the high-stakes social scene of 1969 Palm Beach, Palm Royale follows Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig) as she attempts to cross the impenetrable line between the "have-nots" and the "haves."
By Season 3, the stakes have shifted from "trying to get in" to "trying to survive the fallout." The show is a masterclass in production design—the sets and costumes are basically Pinterest board gold—but underneath the Lilly Pulitzer prints is a biting critique of American elitism, the Vietnam War era, and the lengths people go to for a sense of belonging.
Check out our full breakdown of Palm Royale Season 1 and 2
You might be surprised to find your 15-year-old hovering near the TV when this is on. It’s not because they care about Palm Beach country club politics. It’s the Aesthetic.
- The "Old Money" Trend: TikTok has been obsessed with the "Old Money" and "Coastal Grandmother" aesthetics for a while. Palm Royale is the ultimate visual lookbook for this.
- The Cast: Between Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, and Ricky Martin, the show has enough star power to bridge the generational gap.
- The Satire: Gen Z is surprisingly fluent in satire. They like seeing the "system" get roasted, and this show roasts the 1% over a very expensive open flame.
Season 3 has been tagged with a more mature rating for a reason. Here is what is actually on the screen:
Sexual Themes and Infidelity
The show treats marriage in the 60s like a business contract that everyone is trying to breach. There are frank discussions about sex, depictions of affairs, and a general "swinging 60s" vibe that might lead to some awkward questions if you're watching with younger teens.
Substance Use
Pills (Valium, etc.) are treated like candy by several characters. While the show isn't glorifying it—it’s clearly showing it as a symptom of deep unhappiness—it’s a constant presence. There is also plenty of period-accurate heavy drinking and smoking.
Social Manipulation and Greed
This is the "Greed" part of the title. Characters are consistently lying, stealing, and blackmailing each other. For an intentional parent, this is actually the most "mature" part of the show—the psychological toll of being a social climber.
Ask our chatbot about specific triggers in Palm Royale Season 3
Ages 0-12: Not Recommended
There is nothing here for them. It’s dialogue-heavy, the humor is dry and cynical, and the themes of social exclusion might actually be a bit stressful or just plain boring for kids who would rather be watching MrBeast or The Wild Robot.
Ages 13-15: Use Caution
If your teen is a theater kid or a fashion fanatic, they’ll love the costumes. However, be prepared to talk about the drug use and the way women were treated in the 1960s. It’s a great "teaching moment" show, but maybe not one they should binge alone.
Ages 16+: Green Light
At this age, they’ll get the satire. They can handle the mature themes and will likely enjoy the "so bad it’s good" behavior of the characters. It’s a solid show to watch together if you want something more sophisticated than a standard sitcom.
If you do let your older teens watch, here are a few ways to turn the "glamour and greed" into a real conversation:
- On Authenticity: Maxine spends the whole show trying to be someone she’s not. Ask: "Do you feel like social media makes people act like Maxine today?"
- On History: The show is set during a time of massive social change (1969). Talk about the contrast between the bubble of Palm Beach and what was happening in the rest of the world (Vietnam, Civil Rights).
- On Wealth: The show isn't just about being rich; it's about the desperation to stay rich. It’s a good opening to discuss the difference between "having things" and "having a community."
Learn more about talking to teens about satire and media literacy
If your family is into the "vibe" of Palm Royale but you want something a little more age-appropriate or just different, check these out:
- Similar 1960s aesthetic, but much funnier and slightly more heart. It’s still mature (lots of swearing), but feels more "human" than the biting satire of Palm Beach.
- If they want the social climbing and the "mean girls in expensive clothes" vibe, this is the classic. It’s definitely "teen" focused rather than "adult" focused.
- For a period drama that feels modern and stylish but handles its themes with a bit more whimsy.
Palm Royale Season 3 is a visual feast that serves a side of bitter reality. It’s a great "guilty pleasure" show for parents, but the "A" rating is a reminder that it’s not meant to be family-friendly.
If you’re watching for the fashion, you’ll be thrilled. If you’re watching for the moral compass... well, you won't find one in Palm Beach. Keep this one for your "after the kids are in bed" queue unless you have a mature teen who can handle the "greed and glamour" with a healthy dose of skepticism.
Check out our guide to the best Apple TV+ shows for families
Next Steps
- Check your settings: If your kids have access to your Apple TV+ profile, make sure your parental controls are actually turned on, as this show will likely be front-and-center on the home screen.
- Watch the first episode of Season 3 solo: The tone shifts a bit from Season 2, so it’s worth a "vibe check" before you decide to let your 16-year-old join in.
- Chat with our bot: Still not sure? Ask our chatbot if Palm Royale Season 3 is right for your family's specific boundaries.