Showtime has picked up a forthcoming, six-episode miniseries chronicling the legacy of country icons (and one-time spouses) George Jones and Tammy Wynette. George & Tammy, which stars Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain as the titular musicians, will premiere on Showtime December 4 at 9 p.m. Eastern. Watch the trailer below.
George & Tammy is based on the book,The Three of Us: Growing Up With Tammy and George, which was written by the former couple’s daughter, Georgette Jones. In addition to Shannon and Chastain, the series will star Steve Zahn as Wynette’s final husband and manager George Richey, Walton Goggins as songwriter and frequent Jones collaborator Earl “Peanutt” Montgomery, Pat Healy as Wynette’s second husband and collaborator Don Chapel, David Wilson Barnes as record producer and songwriter Billy Sherrill, and more.
The series was created by Abe Sylvia and directed by John Hillcoat. It was produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios, Freckle Films, Mad Chance, Brolin Productions, Aunt Sylvia’s Moving Picture Co. and Blank Films Inc.
“Jessica and Michael are truly extraordinary as Tammy and George and their searing performances and undeniable chemistry bring to life the legendary relationship of the King and Queen of country music,” Chris McCarthy, President/CEO of Showtime and Paramount Media Networks, said in a press release. “The creators and the entire cast have delivered a series with the subtlety, nuance and complexity that are the hallmarks of the Showtime brand and what our viewers deserve and demand.”
Kelly Carmichael, President of Production & Development at Freckle Films, added: “We are exhilarated to finally bring this epic story about two of country’s most loved legends to a global audience with Showtime and Paramount Networks. This story has been a profound journey of love for Freckle Films and we are eager for audiences to experience the magic that this exemplary cast will bring into their homes.”
“I am thrilled Showtime is bringing George & Tammy to audiences all over the world,” said David Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios and Executive Producer. “This has been Jessica, Abe & Andrew’s labor of love for 11 years and to see it all come together is pure joy. Jessica and Michael bring all of the heart, love, tragedy and drama to this epic love story of George & Tammy. There is no better home for this than Showtime which is as passionate about this project as we are at 101 Studios.”
In addition to creating the show, Sylvia serves as executive producer along with Andrew Lazar, Josh Brolin, Chastain and Kelly Carmichael, Glasser, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, and Hillcoat.
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