American Classic (TV series)
| American Classic | |
|---|---|
| Created by | Michael Hoffman Bob Martin |
| Directed by | Michael Hoffman |
| Starring |
|
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 8 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | MGM+ |
American Classic is an upcoming American comedy television series from creators Michael Hoffman and Bob Martin. It will be broadcast on MGM+. It is starring Kevin Kline, Jon Tenney and Laura Linney.
Premise
A narcissistic Broadway star returns to his hometown after a public meltdown and decides to save his family-run theatre by directing and starring in a production of a great American classic.[1]
Cast
Main
- Kevin Kline as Richard Bean
- Jon Tenney as Jon Bean
- Laura Linney as Kristen Forrest Bean
- Jane Alexander as Ethel Bean
- Jessica Hecht as Polly
- Len Cariou as Linus Bean
- Nell Verlaque as Miranda Bean
- Billy Carter as Connor Boyle
- Elise Kibler as Nadia Romanova
- Ajay Friese as Randall Potts
Recurring
- Sean 'Dino' Johnson as Clarence / Joe Crowell
- Johnny McKeown as Hugo Booth
- Philip Johnson Richardson as Heath McCardle
- Billy Eugene Jones as Mr. Pat Paterson
- Andrea Jones-Sojola as Mrs. Pat Paterson
- Yaegal T. Welch as Dr. Derek Seale
- Joseph Morales as Jeff Jeffries
- Matt McGrath as Kenny Klaus
- Terry Walters as Tina / Mrs. Gibbs
Production
Development
In January 2025, MGM+ gave an eight-episode series order to American Classic, a half-hour comedy starring and executive produced by Oscar winner Kevin Kline and created by Michael Hoffman and Bob Martin. The series has been in the works at MGM+ for more than three years, and was announced as part of the development slate of the platform in February 2022. Following that, Fifth Season came on board as studio, with Mar-Key Pictures, Likely Story and Anonymous Content producing. Writers Hoffman and Martin as well as Ellen Fairey are executive producers alongside Kline, Leslie Urdang, Anthony Bregman, and Miriam Mintz, David Levine and Garrett Kemble for Anonymous Content, with Hoffman directing the pilot episode.[2]
Casting
The cast, led by Kline, also contained Jon Tenney and Laura Linney, and included Harris Yulin, Jane Alexander, Jessica Hecht, Billy Carter, Nell Verlaque, Ajay Friese and Elise Kibler. Principal photography was scheduled for New Jersey in the summer of 2025.[3] Filming had begun in June 2025 when Yulin died from a cardiac arrest prior to the commencement of his scenes.[4] Director Hoffman said in a statement "All of us at American Classic have been blessed by our experience with him. He will always remain the beating heart of our show.”[5] In July, Yulin’s character was recast by Len Cariou, and was joined with additional cast in recurring roles.[6]
Location
In August 2025, the show was seen filming on location at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre in New York City.
References
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (15 April 2025). "Laura Linney Joins Kevin Kline & Jon Tenney In MGM+ Comedy Series 'American Classic'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (28 January 2025). "Kevin Kline Comedy 'American Classic' Gets MGM+ Series Order; Jon Tenney Co-Stars In Fifth Season Production". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
- ^ Rice, Lynette (29 April 2025). "'American Classic' Adds 7 To Cast Of MGM+ Comedy Starring Kevin Kline & Laura Linney". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (11 June 2025). "MGM+'s 'American Classic' Remains In Production Following Star Harris Yulin's Death As Role Faces Likely Recasting & EP Mourns Actor". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ Lee, Benjamin (11 June 2025). "Harris Yulin, character actor and Broadway star, dies at 87". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ Cordero, Rosy (18 July 2025). "MGM+'s 'American Classic' Recasts Late Harris Yulin Role With Len Cariou; Sean 'Dino' Johnson Also Among 10 Cast". Deadline. Retrieved 18 July 2025.