MGM+ has commissioned “American Classic,” an eight-episode, half-hour comedy series from co-creators Michael Hoffman and Bob Martin. The series, produced by FIFTH SEASON with Mar-Key Pictures, Likely Story, and Anonymous Content, is scheduled to begin filming in New Jersey this year.
Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Kline will star as Richard Bean, a narcissistic Broadway star who experiences a public breakdown, leading him back to his hometown and family’s theater. Jon Tenney will co-star as Jon Bean, Richard’s brother. Michael Hoffman will direct the pilot episode. Hoffman, Martin, and Ellen Fairey serve as executive producers. Kline, Leslie Urdang, Anthony Bregman, and Miriam Mintz are non-writing executive producers, alongside David Levine and Garrett Kemble for Anonymous Content. Kevin Cotter will serve as co-producer.
The series follows Richard Bean as he discovers his family’s once-reputable theater, now run by his brother and sister-in-law, has become a low-rent dinner theater. Driven by his ego, Richard decides he must save the theater and his community by staging a great American classic on its stage, with himself as the star and director.