"George & Tammy," the limited series about George Jones and Tammy Wynette starring Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain, moves to Showtime.
The six-episode drama previously aired on the Paramount Network. Instead, the series premiere will now air simultaneously on Showtime and Paramount Network commercial for free on December 4 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the heels of a new episode of "Yellowstone." All subsequent episodes will air on Showtime. The new episodes will be available to stream and on-demand to Showtime and Paramount+ package subscribers the following Fridays before their linear debut on Sundays at 9 p.m. on Showtime. The program will also begin rolling out in markets where Paramount+ is available outside of the US and Canada.
Creator: Abe Sylvia
Stars: Jessica Chastain, Michael Shannon, Walton Goggins
“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,” said Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Showtime and Paramount Media Networks. . "The creators and 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."
This marks the latest scheduling change for "Tammy & George," which was originally ordered in September 2020. At the time, it was set to have a nine-month exclusive run on Spectrum Originals before moving to then-unnamed ViacomCBS. (now Paramount) streaming service and Paramount Network.
This marks the first major programming move McCarthy has made since he took over Showtime from David Nevins. According to a person with knowledge of the situation, McCarthy intends to augment the premium cabler's programming slate with similar shows featuring A-list talent.
"We're excited to finally bring this epic story about two of the country's most beloved legends to a global audience with Showtime and Paramount Networks," said Kelly Carmichael, president of production and development for Chastain's Freckle Films, which produces "George & Tammy." . "This story has been a profound journey of love for Freckle Films and we can't wait for audiences to experience the magic that this exemplary cast will bring into their homes."
The show is based on the book "The Three of Us: Growing Up with Tammy and George" by the couple's daughter, Georgette Jones. According to the official tagline, the series "chronicles country music's power couple, Tammy Wynette and George Jones, whose complicated but enduring relationship inspired some of the most iconic music of all time."
Along with Shannon and Chastain, the cast includes Steve Zahn, Kelly McCormack, Walton Goggins, Pat Healy, David Wilson Barnes and Katy Mixon.
Abe Sylvia created the series and also serves as an executive producer. Andrew Lazar, Josh Brolin, Chastain and Carmichael are also executive producers, along with David C. Glasser, David Hutkin and Bob Yari of 101 Studios. John Hillcoat serves as director and executive producer. It is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios, Freckle Films, Mad Chance, Brolin Productions, Aunt Sylvia's Moving Picture Co., and Blank Films Inc.
"I'm thrilled that Showtime is bringing 'George & Tammy' to audiences around the world," said Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios. “This has been Jessica, Abe and Andrew's labor of love for 11 years and seeing it all come together is sheer joy. Jessica and Michael bring all the heart, love, tragedy and drama to this epic love story of George and Tammy. There is no better home for this than Showtime, which is as passionate about this project as we are at 101 Studios."