The series stars Maxine Delacorte-Simmons (Kristen Wiig) and Robert (Ricky Martin), a closeted bartender at the upscale Palms Royal Beach Club. The relationship gets off to a rocky start, but over time they form an unlikely bond: one explored in more detail than the show’s source material, Juliette McDaniel’s novel Mr. and Mrs. American Pie. Got this.

“She was our muse in finding the theme of family that is at the heart of this production,” said Laura Dern, the show’s executive producer and star. hollywood reporter The world established by the author in the book. “[McDaniel] Creating a central protagonist who is desperately trying to build a family in this marriage, this world of wealth, this club she doesn’t belong in, and Robert being the one who truly sees her as truly like family and who would never betray her . “

Writer and showrunner Abe Sylvia decided to develop Robert’s character through his relationships with Maxine and Norma (Carol Burnett). He was Norma’s companion and caregiver until the latter’s arrival, a wealthy socialite. series.

“In those days, homosexuality was illegal,” Sylvia told the outlet in a previous interview. “He has wonderful relationships with Maxine and also with Norma, relationships I’ve seen time and time again in my life where a gay man and an older woman see themselves in each other and they form an unlikely connection .”

Martin plays Robert for the first time in a TV series after playing fashion designer Antonio D’Amico in FX’s “Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” in 2018. The musician and actor claimed he would have been “stupid” to pass up the opportunity.

“Honestly, being on camera with Kristen Wiig, Carol Burnett and Laura Dern? It doesn’t get any better,” he told the outlet.