AMERICAN CLASSIC tv show

[SteveSanders]

Posted: 1/9/26 at 2:25pm

Just saw this in an NYT article about 2026 shows to watch.  Compelling cast filled with theater favorites.

"The premise is familiar: A former lion of the theater retreats to his small-minded hometown and ends up putting on a show. The cast, while also familiar, is scintillating: Kevin Kline as the Broadway star reduced to dinner theater, along with Laura Linney, Jessica Hecht, Jane Alexander, Jon Tenney, Len Cariou, Tony Shalhoub, Stephen Spinella and Aaron Tveit." (MGM+, March 1)

[uncageg]

Posted: 1/9/26 at 2:55pm

They filmed in NJ over the summer.

 

https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2025/05/kevin-kline-laura-linney-filming-comedy-series-in-nj-what-is-american-classic.html

[JSquared2]

Posted: 1/9/26 at 3:57pm

Well it's on MGM+ --- which means TENS of people will be able to watch it!

 

[ggersten]

Posted: 2/5/26 at 1:47pm

I presume, despite the involvement of Bob Martin, this has no connection to "Slings and Arrows" which was about an actor who has a public meltdown (multiple) and then returns to his "family" in New Burbage to save it with a production of a classic play. 

Per the website, this show is about an actor who has a public meltdown and returns home to his family theatre to save it with a production of a classic play. https://press.amazonmgmstudios.com/us/en/mgm-plus-series/american-classic/1

I do wonder if the British playwright, Richard Bean, is okay with his name being used in this show. 

[fashionguru_23]

Posted: 2/5/26 at 1:56pm

ggersten said: "I presume, despite the involvement of Bob Martin, this has no connection to "Slings and Arrows" which was about an actor who has a public meltdown (multiple) and then returns to his "family" in New Burbage to save it with a production of a classic play.

Per the website, this show is about an actor who has a public meltdown and returns home to his family theatre to save it with a production of a classic play.https://press.amazonmgmstudios.com/us/en/mgm-plus-series/american-classic/1

I do wonder if the British playwright, Richard Bean, is okay with his name being used in this show."

You know, I thought this has to be a "somewhat-inspired" version of Slings and Arrows lol

 

[DaveyG]

Posted: 3/1/26 at 6:15pm

Excellent review in the LA Times. Looking forward to this one. 

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2026-03-01/american-classic-review-kevin-kline-laura-linney