INDIANAPOLIS — Amber Chardae Robinson ("Judas and the Black Messiah," "Loot") co-stars in one of this spring's must-see TV shows, alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood: Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, Laura Dern, Bruce Dern, Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Leslie Bibb and Carol Burnett.
In "Palm Royale," Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons (Wiig) will do whatever it takes to be accepted into a high-society resort club in the late 1960s – but not everyone is on board with welcoming her in with open arms.
Robinson's character, Virginia, is a bookstore owner who struggles to fit in as a Black feminist.
"She is teaching women how to be independent, how to loosen the tools of the patriarchy and really step their foot forward into the world as independent women," Robinson said. "She's battling being a fish-out-of-water in this environment, being an African American woman in West Palm Beach in 1969."
Leading the feminist movement in the show is Oscar- and Emmy-winner Laura Dern ("Marriage Story," "Big Little Lies").
"It was such a masterclass working with Laura. She is such an empathetic, giving individual. I learned so much from her," Robinson said. "I would come to work, and I would just sit back and watch. There were moments where I forgot I was supposed to be acting because I was too busy being a little sponge."
The star-studded cast collectively has multiple Grammys, Emmys and Oscars, along with dozens of nominations.
"It's other-worldly. There are moments where I was like, 'That's Carol Burnett,'" Robinson said. "I came into set one day, we had a scene where we were passing each other, so I walk in the set, and she goes, 'Good morning, Amber!' And I went, 'She knows my name? Oh my gosh, Carol Burnett!' I literally wig out about it."
And fans are sure to notice "Palm Royale" is listed as a dramedy – not a limited series – and will compete in the comedy categories in the upcoming awards season. Is a second season in sight?
"We haven't had any officials announcements, but we are excited to continue to tell this story. Our fingers are crossed, along with the rest of the world," Robinson said.
New episodes of "Palm Royale" are released Wednesdays on Apple TV+.