Jessica Chastain and Abe Sylvia‘s long-in-the-works “George & Tammy” limited series finally has a real home, Showtime. And it will be getting a “Yellowstone”-powered kickoff when the first episode is simulcast following the episode of that Paramount Television Network hit on December 4. Showtime timed the announcement with the program’s first trailer, which is embedded in this post.
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Originally intended as a Spectrum Originals release, the John Hillcoat-directed series chronicles the romantic and professional relationship between Tammy Wynette (Chastain) and George Jones (Michael Shannon). Still referred to as the “First Lady of Country Music,” Wynette is the voice and co-songwriter behind the now classic (although still controversial) song “Stand by Your Man.” Jones is best known for “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” which many consider the greatest country song of all time. The pair recorded over 30 number-one country songs together including “We’re Gonna Hold On,” “Golden Ring,” and “Near You.”
Based on the book “The Three of Us: Growing Up with Tammy and George” by their daughter, Georgette Jones, the production also stars Steve Zahn, Kelly McCormack, Walton Goggins, and Pat Healy, among others.
In a statement, Showtime and Paramount Media Networks President/CEO Chris McCarthy remarked, “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. 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 of Freckle Films, Chastain’s production company, added “We are exhilarated to finally bring this epic story about two of country [music’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.”
The timing of the series will put Chastain and Shannon into SAG Awards consideration, but more importantly, it will be broadcast during the same viewing window that helped Amanda Seyfried and Julia Garner earn Emmy nominations this past summer. Neither actor has been nominated for an Emmy up to this point in their career. Chastain won her first Academy Award for playing another real-life Tammy, Tammy Faye Baker, in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” earlier this year. “Tammy Faye” was also written by Sylvia, who is an Executive Producer on “George & Tammy.”
“George & Tammy” will debut on Showtime on Dec 4