Royal Palm has quickly gained an audience. The 1960s-based series delivers drama and laughs through the story of aspiring socialite Maxine Delecorte-Simmon (Kristen Wiig) and his ingenious determination to join Palm Beach’s social elite. But while this new Apple TV+ series is certainly intriguing, it’s not the only series focused on resorts with a vintage twist.
In 2021, Apple TV+ launched the first season of Acapulco, a bilingual comedy series with several similarities to Palm Royale. With the main story set in the 1980s, Acapulco takes the audience behind the scenes at Las Colinas Resort as it follows employee Máximo (Enrique Arrizon) as you attempt to navigate your new career and hopefully climb the ladder of success.
Although the two shows are somewhat different in genre, there is enough overlap in their stories to recommend them as a double feature.
Both series adopt the style of the memorable decades in which they take place and offer a glimpse into the lives of the super-rich but from a different perspective.
Máximo from Acapulco and Maxine from Palm Royale show similarities as each tries to overcome their current situation, but their goals and methods are drastically different. Although there are similarities between the shows, Acapulco has a more pleasant side, while Palm Royale focuses more on the mysterious past of its characters.
But If you like watching an ambitious character achieve success in an Apple TV+ period show, Acapulco is the perfect series.
Acapulco (2021)
A young Mexican’s dream comes true when he gets the job of his life in the most popular resort in Acapulco. But he soon realizes that the job is much more complicated than he ever imagined.
Release date October 8, 2021
Cast Eugenio Derbez, Damián Alcázar, Fernando Carsa, Camila Pérez, Vanessa Bauche
Main genre Comedy
Seasons 3
‘Palm Royale’ and ‘Acapulco’ share a similar setting
While these shows are set in different countries, They both spend a lot of time at a luxury resort. However, while Palm Royale is about society rather than a single location, Acapulco verges on being more of a workplace comedy, as Máximo and his friends spend a lot of time at Las Colinas Resort.
Meanwhile, Palm Royale focuses on the club primarily when there is gossip to spread. But the luxury resort setting gives the two series more similarities. Each of the clubs in question is a vacation spot for the careless rich, a social class that none of the main characters belong to but strive to be. However, Acapulco focuses on employees, not members, giving it a different, more relatable perspective.
But One thing that stands out about both series is their dedication to the era. Palm Royale takes place in the 1960s, with bright prints and elaborate fashion everywhere. The story reflects this with Linda’s political arguments (Laura Dern) and the incorporation of historical facts.
Acapulco shows a similar dedication to its 1980s surroundings. Although it often returns to the present day, such as when Máximo Adult (Eugenio Derbez) tells his nephew (Rafael Alejandro) about his past in a How I Met Your Mother-esque format, most of the story takes place in a previous decade.
This can easily be seen in the neon colors and vintage fashion incorporated into the show. While the shows don’t span the same decade, they both successfully take the audience back in time.
Maxine and Máximo have the same goal in ‘Palm Royale’ and ‘Acapulco’
Not only are their names similar, but Maxine and Maximo pursue the same thing: wealth. Máximo and Maxine try to change their social status, but they do it in different ways. Maxine spends the story trying to make her way in society and inherit Norma Dellecorte’s fortune.
She steals and cheats to become Norma’s caregiver and solve her growing money problems. Her underhanded methods of getting what she wants demonstrate Maxine’s persistence but also make her a less than moral character. Although her backstory is slowly revealed, explaining why she wants to be a member of society so desperately, there is no urgent need to earn money on top of the debts she incurs.
Máximo, however, works diligently to earn his place, hoping to achieve more thanks to his dedication. His employee status perhaps allows him to have more in common with Robert de Palm Royale (Ricky Martin), but he and Maxine share ambitions.
Like Maxine, Máximo wants money, and glimpses of his future life show that he gets it. However, His goals are not selfish because he wants to support his family., who are experiencing financial difficulties.
At his core, Maximo is a genuine and honest character, and the same cannot be said for Maxine. However, he faces many moral dilemmas throughout the series. Both characters show determination, creativity, and a desire to improve their situations, even if they achieve their goals in different ways.
‘Acapulco’ is the funnier and more enjoyable cousin of ‘Palm Royale’
These two series have similar vibes, but, partly due to Maxine and Maximo’s opposite personalities, they don’t share the same approach. While Palm Royale is embroiled in the numerous scandals and illegal activities of the upper class, Acapulco has a more moralistic feel-good approach.
Palm Royale’s characters don’t lead by example, as they lie and betray each other, though it’s certainly compelling television. On the other hand, Máximo uses the story of his past to teach his nephew moral lessons that apply to the audience. This crucial difference makes Acapulco both reminiscent of Palm Royale and its exact opposite.
Although Palm Royale is a mystery and Acapulco is a comedy, these two shows are surprisingly similar.
Maxine and Maximo strive to achieve the same things when they enter an exclusive resort from an outside perspective. Both series fully embrace the iconic decade in which they are set and feature the extravagance only the filthy rich enjoy.
However, with the premiere season of Palm Royale quickly coming to an end, fans may be looking for a new show to enjoy very soon. And, as it enters its third season, Acapulco is the perfect choice to see next for those interested in fun period shows and ambitious characters.
Acapulco is streaming on Apple TV+ in the US.
Watch it on Apple TV+
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