The new comedy American Classic, starring Kevin Kline and Laura Linney, follows a Broadway star who returns to his hometown after suffering a public meltdown

© David Giesbrecht/MGM+

The heartfelt comedy series American Classic arrived on UK TV screens over the weekend, and if it’s not yet on your radar, it might be worth checking out.

Co-created by Michael Hoffman and Bob Martin, the eight-part series, starring Kevin Kline and Laura Linney, follows Broadway star Richard Bean, who returns to his hometown after suffering a spectacular public meltdown and decides to save his family’s struggling local theatre.

© David Giesbrecht/MGM+
Kevin Kline as Richard Bean in American Classic

The MGM+ series is a must-watch for fans of light-hearted comedy. Critics have hailed it as a “hidden gem,” comparing it to sitcoms like Schitt’s Creek and Ted Lasso.

Keep reading to find out more…

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What is American Classic about?

The series follows narcissistic Broadway star Richard Bean, whose spectacular public meltdown goes viral, forcing him to retreat to his home town of Millersburg, where his career began at his family’s local theatre.

© David Giesbrecht/MGM+
Laura Linney as Kristen Forrest-Bean

The synopsis continues: “Once there, his extreme behaviour sets off a series of crises among those closest to him: his ex-girlfriend (now the town’s mayor) married to his brother, his brother himself, and his beloved niece who dreams of a life in the theatre.

“As old loves resurface and buried secrets emerge, Richard must confront the consequences of his past actions and the family and town he left behind for fame and glamour. Each season follows a different Richard Bean production that will reflect the stories unfolding in the lovable but flawed Bean family and the transformative power of making art.”

Who stars in American Classic?

Oscar winner Kevin Kline (A Fish Called Wanda) leads the cast as Richard Bean, alongside Emmy-winning actress Laura Linney (Ozark) and Jon Tenney (The Closer).

© David Giesbrecht/MGM+
The series follows Broadway star Richard Bean, who returns to his hometown after suffering a spectacular public meltdown

They’re joined by Len Cariou, Nell Verlaque, Jessica Hecht, Tony Shalhoub, Ajay Friese, Billy Carter, Elise Kibler, Jane Alexander, Stephen Spinella and Aaron Tveit.

What have viewers and TV critics said?

One viewer “highly recommended” the series, hailing it as “a standout show” with wonderful acting and writing, while a second described the comedy as a “fun and easy binge” on IMDb.

© David Giesbrecht/MGM+
The series premiered in the UK on MGM+ on 11 April

A third viewer said the show “excellently captures life in a small town” with great humour, while another hailed leading star Kevin’s performance as “perfect” in the “wonderfully entertaining and heartfelt” series.

Meanwhile, The Guardian handed out four stars, describing the show as “delightful” and “lovely comfort TV” with “hints of Ted Lasso and Schitt’s Creek,” while The Wall Street Journal hailed the comedy as “the funniest series of recent memory”.

© David Giesbrecht/MGM+
Episodes will be released weekly

Elsewhere, The Hollywood Reporter said the series felt “old-fashioned, if not downright hokey,” while Decider noted that while the show isn’t “laugh out loud,” its “excellent cast and warm small-town-and-family feeling” will keep audiences watching.

How to watch American Classic

The series premiered in the UK with the first two episodes on MGM+ on 11 April. Episodes will be released weekly until the finale on Saturday 23 May.