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Is Mid-Century Modern on Hulu Just Gay Fiction? Here’s the Real Palm Springs Tea

Thinking about vacationing in Palm Springs? Hulu’s Mid-Century Modern is fueling the fantasy, but the real-life version is even better. Here’s what gay life in Palm Springs actually looks like — and why it should be your next getaway.

Let’s be real: Mid-Century Modern on Hulu is everything Gay Palm Springs. Iconic architecture. Sarcastic gay men in their prime. Poolside drama. Linda Lavin.

But the real gag? You don’t have to binge a sitcom pretending to live your best gay life when you can actually be here surrounded by palm trees, pool floats, and Palm Springs mid-century perfection.

Because here in Palm Springs, it’s not a fantasy. It’s the lifestyle!

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve been flirting with the idea of moving here permanently (you wouldn’t be the first!), let’s break down what this Hulu hit got right, what it got hilariously wrong, and why Palm Springs is still the desert capital that gay dreams are made of.

If you have anything you’d like to contribute to this article, please email us and let us know (and let us know why)!

In the meantime, here’s the real Palm Springs tea…

Mid-Century Modern: Glammed-Up Fiction or Desert Reality?

In Mid-Century Modern, three gay besties — Bunny, Jerry, and Arthur — move into a mid-century house in Palm Springs after a funeral and proceed to live together, surrounded by martinis, misadventures, and passive-aggressive zingers. Throw in Bunny’s live-in mother Sybil, and you've got a cross between Golden Girls and Will & Grace – but make it desert-chic.

Is this what life’s really like for gay men here in Palm Springs? Honestly? Kind of. But it’s also way better than you can imagine.

Yes, the Architecture Really Is That Sexy

Palm Springs is internationally known for its mid-century modern architecture. We’re talking:

Butterfly rooflines
Clerestory windows
Vintage breeze blocks
Pools that belong on a Slim Aarons postcard

Whether you’re strolling through Twin Palms, Vista Las Palmas, or Deepwell Estates, you’ll see homes that make you feel like you're in an Architectural Digest spread — except with fewer stylists and more shirtless men walking their dogs (aka their babies).

Want to geek out on architecture before you visit? Check out our Palm Springs Guys mid-century modern self-guided tour (Google Maps GPS-ready!) and discover the magic of Desert Modernism architecture for yourself.

Chosen Family Vibes? Very That.

The premise of friends becoming a chosen family? Not only realistic — it’s Palm Springs culture in a nutshell.

The community here is tight-knit, supportive, and refreshingly unbothered. Whether you’re single, partnered, throupled, or “it's complicated,” you’ll find your people here faster than you can say “poolside cocktail at 2.”

In fact, Palm Springs has the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ residents of any city in the U.S. That means the whole place is basically a gay friend group waiting to happen.

So… Should You Visit?

Uh, yes. Immediately. Especially now (considering the state our current government, if you can even call it governing). Palm Springs is like a double layer of protection for our beautiful, vibrant, and inclusive LGBTQ+ community and our allies here in Southern California. But I digress.

Mid-Century Modern may have put Palm Springs back on the map for Hulu-watching audiences, but the truth is — we’ve been living this dream in real time for years.

Here’s why gay men from across the country (and around the world) flock here year-round:

Weather That’s Practically a Drag Queen: Always Serving Looks

300+ days of sunshine
Stunning mountain views in every direction (in the desert? Yes)!
Pool season is… every season
Even our winters are giving “hot tub and rosé”

Culture & Events That Keep It Cute

Modernism Week is a dream for design lovers
Palm Springs Pride is one of the largest, most inclusive and joyful in the country
Drag brunches, cabaret nights, spa days, and shopping galore

Basically: There’s always something going on, and you’ll never feel out of place doing it

A Place Where You’ll Actually Make Friends

Whether it’s happy hours at Chill Bar, lounging at your boutique resort, or exchanging flirtatious smiles at the guy across the table at FARM — making new friends (and maybe more?) is the Palm Springs way.

You’ll meet locals. You’ll meet travelers. You might even meet someone who convinces you to come back... permanently. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Final Thoughts: Palm Springs Is the Gay Getaway You Deserve

If you’re looking for a place that combines stylish relaxation, a welcoming LGBTQ+ community, and enough retro-chic vibes to make your Hulu watchlist jealous, Palm Springs is it.

Come for the mid-century fantasy — stay for the sunshine, culture, and community that makes real life here even better than the show. Whether you're in your 20s or your golden years, Palm Springs is ready to show you a good time on repeat.

Which Mid-Century Modern character are YOU — Bunny, Jerry, Arthur, or Sybil? Have you been to Palm Springs before? What’s your favorite spot? Share your experiences!

If you’re curious to learn more about all the fun you can have here in Palm Springs and our beautiful Coachella Valley, check out some of our blog favorites, like Best Gay Nightlife in Palm Springs, The Best Sex Shops and Adult Play Gear for Gay Men in Palm Springs, and Escape to Bliss: Best Gay Men's Spas and Spa Resorts in Palm Springs.