Sirens: A Scandalous Dive Into Rich People Behaving Badly

Netflix’s Sirens, a five-episode limited series that dropped on May 22, 2025, has become the streaming platform’s latest obsession, soaring to the No. 1 spot over Memorial Day weekend. Described as a “Palm Royale-esque” dark comedy, the show revels in the delicious chaos of rich people behaving badly, set against the sun-drenched opulence of a fictional New England island. With a powerhouse cast featuring Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, Milly Alcock, and Kevin Bacon, Sirens delivers a heady mix of satire, soap opera, and psychological drama. Over one explosive Labor Day weekend, the series unravels a tale of class warfare, sisterhood, and the intoxicating pull of wealth, making it the perfect binge for fans of The White Lotus or Succession. This article explores the scandal-filled plot, the stellar performances, and why Sirens has everyone talking.

A Plot Drenched in Glamour and Deception

Sirens unfolds at Cliff House, the sprawling beach estate of billionaire Peter Kell (Kevin Bacon) and his enigmatic wife, Michaela “Kiki” Kell (Julianne Moore). Located on the exclusive Port Haven island, accessible only by yacht or private chopper, the estate is a playground for the ultra-wealthy, complete with a bird sanctuary for Michaela’s endangered raptors and a staff dedicated to absurd luxuries like lavender-misted underwear and sea-kelp smoothies. The story kicks off when Devon DeWitt (Meghann Fahy), a rough-around-the-edges waitress from Buffalo, New York, arrives unannounced to confront her estranged younger sister, Simone (Milly Alcock).

Devon is in crisis, juggling her father’s early-onset dementia and her own personal demons, including a recent night in jail. Furious that Simone has ignored her pleas for help, sending only an Edible Arrangement in response, Devon hauls the fruit basket across a 17-hour journey to Port Haven. She finds Simone transformed into the Barbie-perfect assistant to Michaela, dressed in pastel uniforms and fully immersed in the Kells’ world of privilege. Devon suspects Michaela is running a cult-like operation, complete with mantra-chanting acolytes and a creepy hold over Simone. As Michaela prepares for her annual summer gala, the weekend spirals into a whirlwind of betrayals, secrets, and near-fatal mishaps.

The plot thrives on its soapy twists. Devon’s arrival disrupts Michaela’s carefully curated life, especially when a Vanity Fair photographer captures a compromising moment. Simone, caught between her sister’s warnings and the allure of wealth, grapples with her loyalty to Michaela, who treats her like a daughter—or perhaps something more. Peter Kell, a hedge-fund mogul with a laid-back facade, hides his own agenda, while his wealthy neighbor Ethan Corbin III (Glenn Howerton) complicates matters with a secret romance. The series hints at darker mysteries, including the disappearance of Peter’s first wife, but keeps viewers guessing with red herrings and campy flourishes. By the finale, Sirens delivers a jolting twist that reframes the narrative, revealing the true “sirens” of the story in a nod to Greek mythology.

The show’s tone is deliberately chaotic, blending biting satire of the rich with raw emotional stakes. Devon’s outsider perspective exposes the absurdity of the Kells’ lifestyle—bird funerals, overnighted Japanese chocolate, and a chef who crafts smoothies only to have them rejected. Yet, the series also digs deeper, exploring how trauma and class shape the sisters’ fractured bond and Michaela’s desperate need for control. This mix of frothy excess and gritty drama makes Sirens a bingeable escape that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

A Cast That Steals the Show

The cast of Sirens is its crown jewel, with each actor bringing depth to their flawed, fascinating characters. Julianne Moore is mesmerizing as Michaela Kell, a socialite whose serene exterior hides a manipulative streak. Moore’s performance is a masterclass in ambiguity, her wide smile and ethereal charm masking a childlike insecurity and a need to dominate those around her. Whether she’s mourning a bird that crashed into her “eyebrow window” or scripting sexy texts to her husband, Moore makes Michaela both seductive and unsettling, a figure who could be a villain or a victim—or both.

Meghann Fahy, a veteran of The White Lotus and The Perfect Couple, shines as Devon DeWitt, the chaotic heart of the series. Unlike her previous roles as polished elites, Devon is a foul-mouthed, chain-smoking mess, described as “a transient person carrying hot garbage.” Fahy relishes the role, delivering snarky one-liners and raw vulnerability with equal skill. Devon’s self-destructive tendencies—sleeping around, battling addiction—stem from a life spent sacrificing for her sister and father, and Fahy’s ability to balance humor and pain makes her the audience’s anchor. Her scenes confronting the island’s snobs are pure gold, cutting through their pretension with brutal honesty.

Milly Alcock, known for House of the Dragon, brings a layered intensity to Simone DeWitt. As Michaela’s devoted assistant, Simone is both naive and ambitious, her polished exterior hiding a past marked by neglect and trauma. Alcock’s chemistry with Moore is electric, their relationship teetering between maternal and psychosexual. Simone’s journey—from eager sycophant to a woman questioning her choices—is compelling, and Alcock’s nuanced performance captures her inner conflict. The sisterly dynamic between Fahy and Alcock is the emotional core of the series, their bickering and reconciliation scenes crackling with authenticity.

Kevin Bacon adds charm and menace as Peter Kell, a billionaire who seems affable but wields power with chilling ease. His scenes with Moore reveal the cracks in their marriage, while his interactions with Simone hint at darker motives. Glenn Howerton, as the idle-rich Ethan, brings chaotic energy, his character oscillating between comic relief and surprising depth. Supporting players like Bill Camp (as the sisters’ ailing father, Bruce), Felix Solis (as the estate manager, Jose), and Josh Segarra (as Devon’s ex, Raymond) enrich the ensemble, though the focus remains on the three women.

Themes: Class, Power, and Sisterhood

Sirens fits squarely in the “rich people behaving badly” genre, alongside The White Lotus and Palm Royale, but it carves its own niche with a sharp focus on gender, class, and troubled relationships. The series satirizes the ultra-wealthy, portraying them as absurdly out-of-touch—think staff chanting “Hey, hey” or Michaela rejecting smoothies for no reason. Yet, it avoids cheap caricature by exploring how wealth corrupts and isolates. Michaela’s bird sanctuary, a symbol of her philanthropy, doubles as a metaphor for her own gilded cage, while Simone’s transformation reflects the seductive pull of privilege.

The show’s exploration of sisterhood is its strongest suit. Devon and Simone’s fractured bond, shaped by a childhood of neglect and abuse, drives the narrative. Devon resents Simone for abandoning her, while Simone clings to Michaela as a surrogate mother, desperate to escape her past. Their clashes—often set against the sterile perfection of Cliff House—are raw and relatable, grounding the show’s campier elements. The series also examines power dynamics between women, particularly in Michaela’s manipulative relationship with Simone, which blurs the lines between care and control.

The Greek mythology-inspired title adds depth, suggesting that the “sirens” may not be the women but the systems—or men like Peter—that lure and destroy. This allegory, highlighted by haunting musical motifs and bird imagery, elevates Sirens beyond mere satire, inviting viewers to question who holds true power in this world of excess.

Reception and Cultural Impact

Sirens has sparked buzz since its debut, earning a 76% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and dominating Netflix’s charts. Fans on X have praised its clever twists and the cast’s chemistry, with some calling the mythological allegory “genius,” though others felt the ending didn’t fully deliver on its mystery setup. Critics have noted its addictive pacing and strong performances, though some point to tonal inconsistencies, with the shift from fizzy comedy to dark drama causing whiplash. Still, its five-episode length makes it a perfect weekend binge, and its blend of glamour and grit has drawn comparisons to Palm Royale for its focus on class-striving and flawed women.

The series taps into a cultural fascination with wealth and schadenfreude, offering “hollow schadenfreude as a balm for cost-of-living anxieties.” Its release amid a wave of similar shows reflects a TV landscape obsessed with exposing the hypocrisy of the elite, yet Sirens stands out for its female-driven narrative and willingness to embrace its pulpy, trashy side. Whether you’re drawn to its campy excess or its deeper commentary, it’s a getaway that’s hard to resist.

Why Sirens Is a Must-Watch

Sirens is a glittering, unhinged ride that combines the guilty pleasure of watching rich people implode with a poignant look at family and survival. Its stellar cast, led by Moore, Fahy, and Alcock, delivers performances that are both hilarious and heartbreaking. The show’s ability to balance satire, melodrama, and mythology makes it a standout in the crowded “eat-the-rich” genre. As the gala descends into chaos and secrets unravel, Sirens reminds us that money can buy a lot—but not loyalty, love, or redemption. Dive into this scandal-filled beachside bash and discover why it’s the talk of the summer.