Ryan Murphy’s newest series, All’s Fair, has stirred significant attention since its initial three episodes were released last week on Hulu. Despite setting streaming records, the show received a rare 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics citing its uneven tone and Kim Kardashian’s stiff performance as major drawbacks. Still, the Ryan Murphy All’s Fair cast boasts many talented actors who shine more brightly in other productions.
All’s Fair prioritizes visual appeal, showcasing exquisite wardrobes and lavish settings, even if its storyline often falls into familiar clichés. Many cast members have appeared in stronger, well-written series worth exploring. Below are ten notable shows featuring the main actors from All’s Fair, highlighting their standout work beyond this legal drama.
Star: A Gritty Look at Ambition and Survival in the Music World
Fox and Lee Daniels’ Star (2016-2019) offers a darker, more streetwise counterpart to Nashville by focusing on the competitive R&B and hip-hop scene in Atlanta. The series follows three young women striving for fame while facing the harsh realities of the music industry, where raw talent alone can’t guarantee success. Themes of found family, survival, and the burdens of fame are central throughout its run.
Teyana Taylor, who appears as Milan—the receptionist with legal ambitions in All’s Fair—played Joyce Sheree in Star’s later seasons. Joyce is an aspiring singer whose storyline reveals how personal struggles intersect painfully with the pressures of the industry, showcasing Taylor’s ability to portray ambition laced with vulnerability.
American Horror Story: Delicate Introduces Kardashian to the Ryan Murphy Universe
American Horror Story: Delicate (2023-2024), the 12th season of the anthology series, marked a departure by basing its story on Danielle Valentine’s novel Delicate Condition and featuring new showrunner Halley Feiffer. While considered a middling season revisiting familiar horror motifs reminiscent of Rosemary’s Baby, it stands out for casting Kim Kardashian in her first major dramatic role in Murphy’s world.
Kardashian’s portrayal of Siobhan Corbyn, though not a breakthrough performance, was notable and drew attention as an intriguing addition. This season effectively set the stage for Kardashian’s central role as Allura in All’s Fair, highlighting Murphy’s ongoing fascination with celebrity culture as a form of artistic expression.
Reno 911!: Showcasing Niecy Nash-Betts’ Comedic Talent
Reno 911! (2003-2009, 2020-2022) is a landmark mockumentary comedy that parodied the reality TV style of Cops through the antics of inept law enforcement officers. Airing primarily on Comedy Central, the show combined improvisation and sharp character work, introducing Niecy Nash-Betts as a standout comedian to a broad audience.
In Reno 911!, Nash-Betts played the unforgettable Deputy Raineesha Williams, a swaggering and loud officer who enjoyed the power her badge gave her. This character contrasts with her role in All’s Fair as Emerald Greene, a detail-oriented investigator, demonstrating Nash-Betts’ impressive range and impeccable comedic timing that made Raineesha an enduring favorite.
Ed O’Neill’s Dual Legacy in TV Comedy
Modern Family (2009-2020) perfected the mockumentary sitcom style by blending brisk humor with sincere emotional moments, often conveyed through poignant voice-overs closing each episode. Ed O’Neill anchored the series as Jay Pritchett, the grumpy but loving family patriarch, becoming a defining figure in this widely acclaimed show.
O’Neill’s current role in All’s Fair as Doug Standish, the husband of Glenn Close’s character, adds another layer to his career that spans decades. He is as strongly identified with Jay Pritchett from Modern Family as he is with Al Bundy from Married… with Children, making him a rare actor who has helped shape two distinct eras in TV comedy.
Glenn Close’s Return to Legal Drama Excellence
Before All’s Fair, Glenn Close earned acclaim playing Patty Hewes in Damages (2007-2012), a tense, female-led legal thriller driven by complex mentor-protégé dynamics. The show featured season-long cases that unfolded like psychological thrillers, balancing the power struggles within her firm alongside their adversaries.
Close received two Emmy Awards for her commanding performance as Patty. Her portrayal of Dina Standish in All’s Fair as a seasoned divorce lawyer invites direct comparison, though it remains unclear if this new series will reach the same depth and moral tension that Damages established.
Mr. Robot: Exploring the Intersection of Technology and Mental Health
Mr. Robot (2015-2019) gained acclaim for its smart storytelling, atmospheric tone, and emotional honesty, centering on a hacker’s quest to dismantle a powerful corporation. The series deeply engages with themes of mental illness, identity, and isolation, cultivating a devoted fanbase and earning numerous awards, including Emmys and a Golden Globe.
Grace Gummer appears as FBI agent Dominique DiPierro, who finds herself entangled in the aftermath of major hacks. In contrast, her role in All’s Fair is a guest part as Grace Henry, a former trophy wife who left her husband for another woman, demonstrating Gummer’s versatility across very different characters.
American Horror Story: Asylum Balances Horror with Real-World Themes
The second season of American Horror Story, titled Asylum (2012-2013), is widely praised for its tighter plot compared to other seasons. It grounds its horror in disturbing abuses of power within religious and medical institutions, lending a chilling realism beyond pure camp.
Sarah Paulson’s performance as Lana Winters, evolving from victim to a morally complex survivor, stands as a highlight of the series and one of her richest roles. In All’s Fair, she tackles a very different character as Carrington Lane, a rival divorce lawyer. Despite her presence, All’s Fair is unlikely to become a defining work for Paulson’s career.
Transparent’s Bold Portrayal of Family and Identity
Transparent (2014-2019) was an Amazon series that courageously tackled transgender issues, modern Judaism, and family dynamics. Known for its emotional candor and inventive storytelling, it concluded with a unique feature-length musical finale despite facing some off-screen controversies.
Judith Light plays Shelly Pfefferman, the sharp and witty matriarch of the family, who provides both humor and emotional depth while navigating familial tensions. In All’s Fair, Light portrays Sheila Baskin, a client divorcing her husband, underscoring her skill at portraying complex, nuanced women.
The Handmaid’s Tale Inspires Activism and Unforgettable Performances
The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-2025) transcended television to influence real-world protests, where activists donned the series’ iconic red handmaid costumes at government buildings. O-T Fagbenle starred as Luke Bankole, June’s husband from the pre-Gilead era, whose storyline explores loss, guilt, and rebuilding life in Canada amid turmoil.
Although Luke and June ultimately do not reunite, the show deeply examines how trauma reshapes relationships. In All’s Fair, Fagbenle plays Dr. Reginald “Reggie” Ramirez, the boyfriend of Liberty Ronson, portraying a very different facet of his acting range.
Naomi Watts Delivers Depth and Humor in Twin Peaks: The Return
Twin Peaks: The Return (2017) faced the challenge of following a cult classic over 25 years later. David Lynch expanded the original universe with surreal storytelling, while Naomi Watts made a strong impression as Janey-E Jones, blending humor and emotional nuance in one of the series’ most memorable threads.
Watts is well known for her role in Lynch’s Mulholland Drive and has collaborated with Ryan Murphy on projects such as Feud: Capote vs. The Swans and The Watcher. In All’s Fair, she plays Liberty Ronson, a lawyer alongside Kim Kardashian’s character, contributing intelligence and subtlety to the legal drama’s ensemble.
