Showtime Picks Up ‘George & Tammy’ Series, Starring Jessica Chastain & Michael Shannon

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Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain as George Jones and Tammy Wynette

Oscar winner Jessica Chastain and nominee Michael Shannon will play country titans Tammy Wynette and George Jones in a six-part limited series, George & Tammy.

Jessica Chastain as Tammy Wynette

The series chronicles the country music power couple, whose complicated-but-enduring relationship inspired some of the most iconic music of all time. Remembered as the “First Lady of Country Music,” Wynette’s most successful song “Stand by Your Man” remains one of the most iconic and best-selling country singles by a female artist. Jones’ song “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” is still widely called the greatest country song of all time.

With over 30 No. 1 country songs between them, including duets “We’re Gonna Hold On,” “Golden Ring” and “Near You,” Jones and Wynette’s legacy, both musically and romantically, remains one of the greatest love stories ever told.

In addition to the Country Music Hall of Famers, George & Tammy also features iconic record producer and songwriter Billy Sherrill (played by David Wilson Barnes), Wynette’s final husband and manager George Richey (played by Steve Zahn), Wynette’s second husband and collaborator Don Chapel (played by Pat Healy), songwriter and collaborator of Jones’ Earl “Peanutt” Montgomery (played by Walton Goggins), and more.

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The premiere episode of George & Tammy will debut simultaneously on Showtime and on the Paramount Network behind Yellowstone commercial free on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. CT. The remainder of the season will be available exclusively on Showtime, with new episodes available on streaming and on demand, as well as Paramount+ with Showtime bundle subscribers on Fridays, before making its on-air debut on Sundays at 8 p.m. CT. The series will also begin rolling out across additional Paramount+ markets outside the US and Canada.

Michael Shannon as George Jones

The series is created by Abe Sylvia (The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Nurse Jackie), directed by John Hillcoat (The Road) and produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios, Freckle Films, Mad Chance, Brolin Productions, Aunt Sylvia’s Moving Picture Co. and Blank Films Inc.

Sylvia serves as creator and executive producer along with executive producers Andrew Lazar (American Sniper), Josh Brolin, Chastain and Kelly Carmichael. David C. Glasser, David Hutkin and Bob Yari are executive producers from 101 Studios (Yellowstone). Hillcoat serves as director and executive producer. The series is based on the book, The Three of Us: Growing Up with Tammy and George, penned by the couple’s daughter, Georgette Jones.

“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,” says Carmichael, President of Production & Development, Freckle Films. “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,” shares 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.”

LB Cantrell
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