'Palm Royale' on Apple TV+: Maxine Simmons' past compels her to make questionable decisions

'Palm Royale' is a period comedy miniseries based on the 2018 novel 'Mr & Mrs American Pie' by Juliet McDaniel
PUBLISHED MAR 27, 2024
A still from 'Palm Royale' (@Apple TV+)
A still from 'Palm Royale' (@Apple TV+)

Contains spoilers for 'Palm Royale'

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: 'Palm Royale', streaming on Apple TV+, delves into the fictional character of Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig), a young woman who relocates from Atlanta to Palm Beach to reclaim the Dellacorte status.

The ten-episodic series, featuring Kristen Wiig, Ricky Martin, and Allison Janney, made its debut on March 20, 2024.

While the series primarily focuses on Maxine's experiences with the elite women at the club, it briefly touches on her past, which influences her present actions.

Who is Maxine Simmons' husband in 'Palm Royale'?

Kristen Wiig and Josh Lucas in 'Palm Royale' (@Apple TV+)
Kristen Wiig and Josh Lucas in 'Palm Royale' (@Apple TV+)

Maxine Simmons, a former model, is married to Douglas Dellacorte (Josh Lucas), who is Norma Dellacorte's (Carol Burnett) nephew and her sole living relative. Norma is the owner of the mouthwash and plastics empire.

Douglas and Maxine's love story began when he served as a judge for a beauty pageant in which Maxine participated. Although Maxine stumbled in the interview round, losing the title, she captured Douglas' heart.

At 23, Maxine became pregnant, prompting the couple to marry. Tragically, they lost the baby, leading to accusations against Maxine for supposedly trapping Douglas into marriage.

Despite Douglas' family wealth, he works as a commercial pilot and is often away from his wife, residing outside Palm Beach.

Why did Maxine Simmons come to Palm Beach in Apple TV+'s 'Palm Royale'?

Carol Burnett as Norma Dellacorte in 'Palm Royale' (@Apple TV+)
Carol Burnett as Norma Dellacorte in 'Palm Royale' (@Apple TV+)

The Dellacortes stand as one of Palm Beach’s most renowned families, with Norma being among the few remaining members.

She gained fame through her immense wealth and by hosting the grandest event of the high season, The Beach Ball.

While Maxine and Norma were never particularly close, Maxine made efforts to stay connected through holiday cards, recognizing the significance of the Dellacorte name.

Although Douglas is less concerned about the family name than Maxine, she embraces it with pride and recognizes its potential for providing greater opportunities than the Simmons name.

Unfortunately, Norma has fallen into a coma due to an embolism, leaving Douglas as the last heir to inherit her vast fortune.

With Norma's condition, Maxine sees an opportunity to step into her shoes and assume control of Norma's empire and social standing once she dies.

'Palm Royale' is available to stream on Apple TV+.

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