MGM+ has given the green light to a new eight-episode anthology series, “American Hostage,” starring Jon Hamm. The show, based on a popular podcast, is set to begin filming this fall in Winnipeg, Canada.
Hamm, recognized for his iconic role in “Mad Men,” will portray radio reporter Fred Heckman, who finds himself thrust into the center of a hostage crisis. The series, a psychological thriller, unfolds in 1970s Indianapolis and recounts the true story of a hostage-taker, Tony Kiritsis, who insists on speaking with Heckman.
“American Hostage” is the brainchild of co-creators and executive producers Shawn Ryan, known for hits like “The Night Agent” and “S.W.A.T.,” and Eileen Myers, whose credits include “Big Love.” The cast features Connie Tavel, Sharon Hoffman, Marney Hochman (Ryan’s MiddKid Productions partner), Shawn Christensen, and Gabriel Mason alongside Hamm.
Sony Pictures Television will oversee international distribution for “American Hostage,” further expanding the potential reach of this gripping true-crime drama. Hamm also takes on the role of executive producer for the series.
