Kevin Kline, Laura Linney, and Jon Tenney lead a star-studded ensemble in a family comedy set against the world of theater
MGM+ has a new comedy series, American Classic, in the works. Described as a heartfelt, character-driven show led by Academy Award winner Kevin Kline, Academy Award nominee and Emmy winner Laura Linney, and SAG Award nominee Jon Tenney, the series is set to premiere Sunday, March 1, 2026, with the first two episodes debuting on launch day, followed by weekly releases leading up to the season finale on April 12, 2026.
American Classic centers on Richard Bean (Kline), a celebrated Broadway star whose career takes a nosedive after a spectacular public meltdown. Forced to retreat from the spotlight, Richard returns to his hometown and the family theater where his love for performance first took root.
What follows is a cascade of personal and professional reckonings, as Richard’s volatile presence disrupts the lives of those closest to him, including his brother, his ex-girlfriend (now the town’s mayor and married to his brother) and his beloved niece, who dreams of following him onto the stage.
As old romances resurface and long-buried secrets come to light, American Classic is set to explore the cost of ambition, the pull of home, and the complicated bonds of family.
MGM promises that each season will revolve around a different Richard Bean production, using the art being created onstage to mirror the emotional journeys unfolding offstage, highlighting the transformative power of making art.
Co-created by Michael Hoffman and Bob Martin, American Classic comes from FIFTH SEASON, Mar-Key Pictures, Likely Story, and Anonymous Content, and promises a blend of humor, heart, and great big dollop of theatrical flair. MGM+ also released a small collection of first-look images ahead of the premiere which you can catch below.
Tony Shalhoub, winner of Tony, Golden Globe, and Emmy Awards, will guest star in American Classic as Alvy, Richard’s longtime New York agent — and possibly his only true friend.
Tony Award winners Aaron Tveit and Stephen Spinella also join the series, with Spinella portraying Xander, a highly influential theater critic whose harsh reviews have become a persistent voice in Richard’s head. Tveit meanwhile plays Troy, Xander’s younger partner, who is fiercely protective of him.
The ensemble continues with a lineup that includes Len Cariou, Jane Alexander, Jessica Hecht, and Mark Linn-Baker, alongside Nell Verlaque, Billy Carter, Elise Kibler, Ajay Friese, and others.
Behind the scenes, Hoffman and Martin executive produce alongside Ellen Fairey, with additional executive producers Leslie Urdang, Anthony Bregman, Miriam Mintz, and the show’s stars Kevin Kline, Laura Linney, and Jon Tenney. Garrett Kemble, Kevin Cotter, Todd Sharp, and Jill Arthur also serve as executive producers, with David Levine as co-executive producer.
American Classic debuts Sunday, March 1, 2026 on MGM+.
