Watch the trailer for Kevin Kline’s streaming comedy ‘American Classic’
Watch the trailer for Kevin Kline’s streaming comedy ‘American Classic’
The new half-hour series follows a narcissistic stage legend whose big comeback starts at a dinner theater.
I grew up a total theater geek. “Noises Off” was on repeat in my house, so it’s probably no surprise I get excited when a good backstage comedy comes along. That’s why “American Classic,” starring Kevin Kline, instantly caught my eye. It’s a half-hour MGM+ comedy about family, ego, and small-town theater chaos, and it sounds right up my alley. My wife and I loved Kline’s work in “Disclaimer” earlier this year, so seeing him step into a comedy lead feels like a treat. Here’s everything you need to know about “American Classic.”
Everything you need to know about ‘American Classic’
When will episodes of ‘American Classic’ come on MGM+?
“American Classic” will premiere on MGM+ on Sunday, March 1 at 9 p.m. ET with back-to-back episodes. From there, the remaining installments of the eight-episode season will air weekly in the same timeslot through the series finale on Sunday, April 12.
What is the ‘American Classic’ episode schedule?
| Date | Time (ET) | Episode | Outlet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, March 1 | 9 p.m. | Series premiere | MGM+ |
| Sunday, March 1 | 9 p.m. | Episode 2 | MGM+ |
| Sunday, March 8 | 9 p.m. | Episode 3 | MGM+ |
| Sunday, March 15 | 9 p.m. | Episode 4 | MGM+ |
| Sunday, March 22 | 9 p.m. | Episode 5 | MGM+ |
| Sunday, March 29 | 9 p.m. | Episode 6 | MGM+ |
| Sunday, April 5 | 9 p.m. | Episode 7 | MGM+ |
| Sunday, April 12 | 9 p.m. | Series finale | MGM+ |
Can you watch episodes of ‘American Classic’ for free?
Yes, but it depends on when you are watching. If you’re a first-time subscriber, MGM+ offers a seven-day free trial for new users, and after that, it costs $7 per month. So, if you are hoping to catch episodes as they release weekly, you will be able to watch the first two episodes (three if you time it correctly) without having to pay. If you want to binge the entire series without having to put down any cash, then you will have to wait until after Sunday, April 5, so you can catch up on the first seven episodes before the finale.
The service is ad-free and includes offline downloads, which makes it easy to stream wherever you go. You can sign up directly or through add-ons like Prime Video.
MGM+ App
MGM+ is a premium subscription streaming service from Amazon MGM Studios that features a curated library of theatrical films, original series, and classic entertainment. It focuses on high-quality, cinematic programming with an emphasis on Hollywood movies, prestige dramas, and action-oriented storytelling.
Check out the trailer for ‘American Classic’
What is ‘American Classic’ about?
The story follows Richard Bean, a Broadway star and proud narcissist who has a full-blown public meltdown and heads home to regroup. When he arrives, he finds that his family’s once-prestigious theater has turned into a low-rent dinner theater serving roast beef and hosting murder mysteries.
It’s now run by his brother Jon and Jon’s wife, who also happens to be the town’s mayor. Naturally, Richard decides to save the theater, the town, and humanity itself by staging what he calls a “great American classic,” directed by and starring, of course, Richard Bean. The setup feels like the perfect mix of family dysfunction and backstage comedy. It pokes fun at artistic egos but also celebrates the kind of people who can’t help but chase one more standing ovation.
Who stars in ‘American Classic’?
Kevin Kline leads the cast as Richard Bean, bringing his signature wit and theater chops to the role. Jon Tenney plays his brother Jon Bean, and Laura Linney stars as Jon’s wife, Kristen, who’s balancing her marriage, mayor duties, and dinner theater headaches.
Rounding out the family are Harris Yulin as their father, Linus, a once-great actor now showing his age, and Jane Alexander as their mother, Ethel, who helped build the family theater from the ground up. The rest of the cast includes Jessica Hecht as Richard’s ex-wife and Broadway designer Polly, Nell Verlaque as Jon and Kristen’s daughter Miranda, Billy Carter as ambitious local developer Connor Boyle, Elise Kibler as aspiring actress Nadia Romanova, and Ajay Friese as Miranda’s loyal boyfriend Randall.
Who created ‘American Classic’?
The series comes from Michael Hoffman and Bob Martin, who also worked together on “Soapdish” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Hoffman is directing the pilot, and both he and Martin serve as executive producers along with Ellen Fairey, Kevin Kline, Leslie Urdang, Anthony Bregman, and Miriam Mintz.