'American Classic' is a hidden gem that gets even better as it goes

"American Classic begins with Kevin Kline, as Shakespearean actor Richard Bean, confronting a New York Times drama critic about his negative opening-night review of Richard's King Lear. The next day, Richard's agent, played by Tony Shalhoub, calls Richard in to tell him his tantrum was captured by cellphone and went viral, and that he has to lay low for a while."

"Richard returns home to the small town of Millersburg, Pa., where his parents ran a local theater. Almost everyone we meet is a treasure. His father, who has bouts of dementia, is played by Len Cariou, who starred on Broadway in Sweeney Todd."

"Charming, in the way it brings small towns and ordinary people to life, as in Northern Exposure. Wonderful, in the way it reflects the joys of local theater productions, as in Slings & Arrows, and the American Playhouse production of Kurt Vonnegut's Who Am I This Time?"

American Classic, created by Michael Hoffman and Bob Martin, follows Kevin Kline as Richard Bean, a prestigious Shakespearean actor whose viral tantrum at a New York Times critic forces him to retreat to his small hometown of Millersburg, Pennsylvania. There, Richard reconnects with his family and the local theater where his parents worked. The series features an impressive ensemble cast including Tony Shalhoub, Len Cariou, Jon Tenney, and Laura Linney. The show captures the charm of small-town life and celebrates community theater, drawing comparisons to Northern Exposure and Slings & Arrows. Despite being available on the lesser-known MGM+ streaming service, the series offers a wonderful exploration of ordinary people and their extraordinary performances.

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