JANUARY 2023:

Genre: Drama, Biopic, Musical drama, Created by Abe Sylvia, Based on "The Three of Us: Growing Up with Tammy and George" by Georgette Jones, Directed by John Hillcoat, Starring: Jessica Chastain, Michael Shannon, Steve Zahn, David Wilson Barnes, Walton Goggins, Opening theme "The World's Most Broken Heart" by Tammy Wynette, Country of origin: United States, Original language: English, No. of episodes: 6, Executive producers: Jessica Chastain, Kelly Carmichael, Abe Sylvia, Andrew Lazar, Josh Brolin, David C. Glasser, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Bryan Goluboff, Ron Burkle, John Hillcoat, with Cinematography by Igor Martinovic, Editor: Katharine McQuerrey, Production companies: Freckle Films, 101 Studios, MTV Entertainment Studios, Mad Chance Productions, Blank Films Inc, Aunt Sylvia's Moving Picture Company, Brolin Productions, Original network: Showtime. (2022 - 2023) — *George & Tammy* (2022 – 2023)

A PRESIDENTIAL RETELLING…

George & Tammy is a Showtime limited series from 2022 that chronicles the tumultuous and passionate love story of country music legends George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Starring Michael Shannon as George Jones and Jessica Chastain as Tammy Wynette, the series provides a captivating and emotional portrayal of the iconic couple’s lives and careers.

(L-R): Jessica Chastain as Tammy Wynette and Michael Shannon as George Jones in a scene from the Limited Series, "George & Tammy". Photo Credit: Dana Hawley/Courtesy of SHOWTIME.

(L-R) Tammy Wynette, & George Jones circa 1976. Photo Credit: Stephanie Chernikowski/Redferns

Michael Shannon as George Jones in a scene from the Limited Series, "George & Tammy". Photo Credit: Dana Hawley/Courtesy of SHOWTIME.

George Jones performs on stage at the Country Music Festival held at Wembley Arena, London, United Kingdom on April 01, 1981. Photo Credit: David Redfern/Redferns

Jessica Chastain as Tammy Wynette in a scene from the Limited Series, "George & Tammy". Photo Credit: Dana Hawley/Courtesy of SHOWTIME.

Tammy Wynette, portrait, London, United Kingdom, 1975. Photo Credit: Michael Putland/Getty Images

(L-R): Michael Shannon as George Jones and Jessica Chastain as Tammy Wynette in a scene from the Limited Series, "George & Tammy". Photo Credit: Dana Hawley/Courtesy of SHOWTIME.

George Jones, Tammy Wynette & Tamala Georgette Jones; 1975. Photo Credit: Google Images

Country Artists Tammy Wynette (1942-1998) and George Jones perform live on stage at the Country Music Festival, Wembley Arena, London in April 1981. Photo Credit: David Redfern/Redferns

The performances in George & Tammy are nothing short of remarkable. Michael Shannon flawlessly captures George Jones‘ unique voice and mannerisms, bringing an authenticity to the portrayal that is both captivating and haunting. He skillfully portrays the complex layers of Jones‘ personality, from his undeniable talent to his inner demons, creating a three-dimensional character that feels genuine and relatable.

Jessica Chastain‘s portrayal of Tammy Wynette is equally impressive. She effortlessly embodies the strength and vulnerability that defined Tammy‘s persona, both on and off the stage. Chastain‘s performance showcases the depth of Wynette‘s emotions, and her rendition of Tammy’s iconic songs is both powerful and moving.

The series does an exceptional job of exploring the passionate and tumultuous relationship between George and Tammy. It delves into their initial meeting, their love at first sight, their rollercoaster romance, and the challenges they faced both as artists and as a couple. The chemistry between Shannon and Chastain on-screen is palpable, making their love story all the more captivating.

George & Tammy also offers a captivating look into the world of country music during the height of its popularity. The attention to detail in recreating the music scene of the era, along with the inclusion of iconic performances and hit songs, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the series.

Furthermore, the show explores the complexities of fame and the toll it takes on artists and their personal lives. It doesn’t shy away from depicting the darker aspects of George and Tammy’s relationship, providing a well-rounded portrayal that humanizes these legendary figures.

(L-R): Michael Shannon as George Jones in a scene from the Limited Series, "George & Tammy".

Photo Credit: Dana Hawley/Courtesy of SHOWTIME.

While George & Tammy does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the legendary couple, some viewers may find the pacing a bit uneven at times. Certain plot lines and character arcs could have been given more time to develop fully, but this minor flaw doesn’t detract significantly from the overall impact of the series.

In conclusion, George & Tammy is a must-watch for fans of country music and anyone interested in compelling love stories. With outstanding performances from Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain, the series successfully brings the tumultuous romance of George Jones and Tammy Wynette to life. It is a poignant and emotional journey that pays homage to the enduring legacy of these two iconic artists and the indelible mark they left on the world of country music.

Tammy Wynette, and George Jones circa 1970s.

Photo Credit: Stephanie Chernikowski/Redferns

THE CAST AND CHARACTERS…

(L-R) Kelly McCormack, Vivie Myrick, Pat Healy, Jessica Chastain, Michael Shannon, and David Wilson Barnes attend Showtime's "George & Tammy" Premiere Event at Goya Studios on November 21, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

Photo Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

JESSICA CHASTAIN AS TAMMY WYNETTE…

Michael Shannon as George Jones…

George Jones circa 1970s.

Photo Credit: Google Images

Steve Zahn as George Richey…

Songwriter, Record Producer and Tammy Wynette's fifth husband until her death in 1998, George Richey in 1978.

Photo Credit: Google Images

Walton Goggins as Earl “Peanutt” Montgomery…

Songwriter, singer, musician and Baptist minister, Earl “Peanutt” Montgomery circa 1970s.

Photo Credit: Goggle Images

David Wilson Barnes as Billy Sherrill…

Billy Norris Sherrill (November 5, 1936 – August 4, 2015) was an American record producer, songwriter, and arranger best known for his association with country artists, notably Tammy Wynette and George Jones. Sherrill and business partner Glenn Sutton are regarded as the defining influences of the countrypolitan sound, a smooth amalgamation of pop and country music that was popular during the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. Sherrill also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Stand by Your Man" (written with Tammy Wynette) and "The Most Beautiful Girl" (written with Rory Bourke and Norro Wilson).

Photo Credit: Google Images

Kelly McCormack as Sheila Richey…

George Richey's on and off again wife whom he was married to before Tammy Wynette and after her death, Sheila was also Tammy Wynette's best friend.

Photo Credit: Google Images

Katy Mixon as Jan Smith…

Robert Morgan as Pappy Daily…

Harold W. Daily (February 8, 1902 – December 5, 1987), better known as "Pappy" Daily, was an American country music record producer and entrepreneur who cofounded the Texas-based record label Starday Records. Daily worked with many of the well-known artists in country music during the 1950s and 1960s, especially George Jones, who looked upon him as a father figure and as a business advisor. Other artists with whom Daily worked include Melba Montgomery (signed by Daily following a recommendation by Jones), J. P. Richardson (the Big Bopper), and Roger Miller.

Photo Credit: Google Images

John Teer as Harold Bradley…

Harold Ray Bradley (January 2, 1926 – January 31, 2019) was an American guitarist and entrepreneur, who played on many country, rock and pop recordings and produced numerous TV variety shows and movie soundtracks. Having started as a session musician in the 1940s, he was a part of the Nashville A-Team of session players, which included pianist Floyd Cramer and pedal steel guitarist Pete Drake. He is one of the most recorded guitarists in music history.

Photo Credit: Google Images

Tim Blake Nelson as Roy Acuff…

Roy Claxton Acuff (September 15, 1903 – November 23, 1992) was an American country music singer, fiddler, and promoter. Known as the "King of Country Music", Acuff is often credited with moving the genre from its early string band and "hoedown" format to the singer-based format that helped make it internationally successful. In 1952, Hank Williams told Ralph Gleason, "He's the biggest singer this music ever knew. You booked him and you didn't worry about crowds. For drawing power in the South, it was Roy Acuff, then God."

Roy Acuff on 1/30/82 in Chicago, Il.

Photo Credit: Paul Natkin/WireImage

Pat Healy as Don Chapel…

b. Don Lloyd Amburgey, c.1931, Kentucky, USA. One of six children, Chapel was raised in a very musical atmosphere; sisters Irene, Bertha and Opal sang as Martha, Minnie and Mattie, the Sunshine Girls. Irene, who married James Roberts, became noted country gospel singer Martha Carson; Minnie sang with Bill Carlisle; Mattie, who took the stage name of Jean Chapel, became a rockabilly star. Encouraged by the latter, who recorded his ‘I’ve Got A Mem’ry (You Can’t Touch)’, Don concentrated on songwriting and along the way adopting his sister’s stage surname. His songs, some written in collaboration with others, have been recorded over the years by many stars of country and rock, including Lynn Anderson, Doug Kershaw, Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Louvin, Melba Montgomery, Webb Pierce, Ray Price, Ernest Tubb and Conway Twitty.

During the 60s, Chapel worked for various recording companies, sometimes recording himself but often as a songwriter. In the late 60s, he and his daughter, future country singer Donna Chapel, recorded duets, including ‘Take A Little Goodwill Home’ and ‘We’ve Got Love’; another of his three children, Mike, played drums and became a record producer. With Donna and Mike, Chapel appeared as the Chapperones. In 1967, he and country singer Tammy Wynette were married and they briefly worked together. Both had three children and Donna was for a while one of Wynette’s backing singers. The marriage did not last long and, under personal and professional pressures, the following year they were divorced. Among Wynette’s recordings are some of Chapel’s songs, including ‘Together We Stand, Divided We Fall’ (which she did as a duet with David Houston), ‘Joey’, ‘My Heart Is Soakin’ Wet’ and ‘All Night Long’.

One of the best known and most-recorded of Chapel’s songs is ‘When The Grass Grows Over Me’, notably by George Jones who also recorded ‘Let’s Get Together’. Other songs of Chapel’s include ‘From Here To The Door’, ‘Call Off The Party Tonight’, ‘Misty Morning Rain’, ‘Everything Is Coming Back But You’, ‘Feed It To The Fish’ and ‘Loving You Is A Way Of Life With Me’. Among songs that Chapel also recorded are ‘Here We Go Again’, ‘Hurtin’ Time’, ‘Summer Winds’ and ‘Flowers And Candy’. Although songwriting was central to his career from its earliest years, Chapel has appeared as a performer on many occasions, including taking the stage at the Grand Ole Opry. Chaperl was the second husband of Tammy Wynette.

Photo Credit: Google Images

Kate Arrington as Charlene Montgomery…

Abby Glover as Georgette Jones…

Georgette Jones attends Showtime's "George & Tammy" premiere event at Goya Studios on November 21, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo Credit: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

EPISODES…

EPISODE TITLE: “The Race Is On”

DIRECTOR: John Hillcoat

WRITTEN BY: Abe Sylvia

AIRDATE: December 4, 2022

In 1967, George Jones has become infamous for missing shows due to his alcoholism. Virginia Pugh, having experienced some success on the country charts as Tammy Wynette, rushes to see him perform at the Grand Ole Opry with her husband, Don Chapel. Tammy‘s producer Billy Sherrill introduces Tammy to George, who agrees to have her open for him on tour, causing conflict between Tammy and Don, who pushes her to pitch his song “When the Grass Grows Over Me“ for Jones to record. George watches Tammy perform “Apartment No. 9“ during a soundcheck and connects to her emotional lyrics and vocal delivery.