Fellow Travelers is an American historical romance political thriller television miniseries based on the 2007 novel of the same name by Thomas Mallon. Starring Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey, it centers on the decades-long romance between two men who first meet during the height of McCarthyism in the 1950s. The series premiered on October 29, 2023, on Showtime following an October 27 release on Paramount+ with Showtime.[1]
| Fellow Travelers | |
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| Genre | |
| Created by | Ron Nyswaner |
| Based on | Fellow Travelers by Thomas Mallon |
| Starring |
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| Composer | Paul Leonard-Morgan |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of episodes | 8 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
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| Producer | Anya Leta |
| Cinematography |
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| Editors |
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| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | Showtime |
| Release | October 29 – December 17, 2023 |
Premise
editAfter a chance encounter in Washington, D.C., in the 1950s, Hawkins Fuller and Timothy Laughlin start a volatile romance that spans "the Vietnam War protests of the 1960s, the drug-fueled disco hedonism of the 1970s and the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, while facing obstacles in the world and in themselves".[2]
Cast
editMain
edit- Matt Bomer as Hawkins "Hawk" Fuller, a World War II veteran and official at the State Department who vigilantly hides his homosexuality
- Jonathan Bailey as Timothy "Tim" Laughlin, a young and idealistic congressional staffer who becomes entangled with Hawkins
- Jelani Alladin as Marcus Gaines,[3] a gay African-American reporter chafing at the unofficial segregation of 1950s Washington, D.C.
- Linus Roache as Senator Wesley Smith, a father figure to Hawkins and opponent of McCarthyism (based in part on Lester C. Hunt)
- Noah J. Ricketts as Frankie Hines, a self-assured drag queen and love interest of Marcus
- Allison Williams as Lucy Smith, daughter of Senator Smith and a childhood friend of Hawkins
Supporting
edit- Will Brill as Roy Cohn[4]
- Chris Bauer as Senator Joseph McCarthy[4]
- Matt Visser as David Schine[4]
- Christine Horne as Jean Kerr, aide to Senator McCarthy and later his wife[4]
- Erin Neufer as Mary Johnson, a closeted secretary in Hawkins' office and friend of Tim[4]
- Keara Graves as Miss Addison, a secretary in Hawkins' office who is a true believer in McCarthyism
- Chelsea Russell as Stormé, an entertainer at the Cozy Corner
- Andy Milne as Andre, the pianist at the Cozy Corner
- David Tomlinson as Eddie Kofler, a young government employee who Hawkins sleeps with and later turns in to investigators
- Jane Moffat as Helen Smith, wife of Senator Smith
- Mike Taylor as Leonard Smith, son of Senator Smith and brother of Lucy
- Rosemary Dunsmore as Estelle, Hawkins' mother
- Michael Therriault as Fred Treband, an investigator working to purge homosexual employees from the U.S. government
- Jude Wilson as Jerome, a San Francisco youth taken in by Marcus and Frankie
- Brittany Raymond and Teagan Sellers as the adult and teenage Kimberly, daughter of Hawkins and Lucy
- Etienne Kellici as Jackson, son of Hawkins and Lucy
- Morgan Lever as Craig, Hawkins’ "boy toy" on Fire Island
Episodes
edit| No. | Title | Directed by | Teleplay by [5] | Original air date [6] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "You're Wonderful" | Daniel Minahan | Ron Nyswaner | October 29, 2023 | |
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In 1950s Washington, Hawkins Fuller is a war hero moving up the ladder at the State Department, flirting with women while enjoying clandestine sex with men and avoiding emotional entanglements. Everything changes when Hawk meets religious Tim Laughlin: they begin an affair that puts them in jeopardy. In 1986, married Hawk receives a mysterious package and decides he must see Tim. | |||||
| 2 | "Bulletproof" | Daniel Minahan | Dee Johnson | November 5, 2023 | |
|
When the State Department begins investigations into suspected homosexuals, Hawk distances himself from Tim, who questions his faith. Hawk's colleague Mary comes under suspicion. Journalist Marcus loses his job after a dispute with Roy Cohn but is comforted by drag performer Frankie. Needing cover, Hawk draws closer to Lucy Smith. In 1980s San Francisco, Hawk observes gay life in the AIDS crisis when Tim's sister forbids him to see Tim. | |||||
| 3 | "Hit Me" | Destiny Ekaragha | Teleplay by : Brandon K. Hines & Jack Solomon Story by : Ron Nyswaner | November 12, 2023 | |
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Hawk and Tim go on a road trip that turns sour when Tim realizes Hawk is using the trip to dig up dirt on Senator Smith's enemies. Marcus and Frankie's encounter with a racist bouncer nearly tears them apart. Roy is desperate to keep David from being drafted, and Jean Kerr questions McCarthy's masculinity. In 1980s San Francisco, Tim withholds forgiveness until a medical emergency gives Hawk a chance to prove he's worthy of it. | |||||
| 4 | "Your Nuts Roasting on an Open Fire" | James Kent | Anya Leta | November 19, 2023 | |
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As the government's purge of homosexuals continues, Hawk faces a polygraph test about his sex life and publicly courts Lucy while involving Tim in a desperate plot to destroy McCarthy and Cohn. Marcus makes peace with his attraction to Frankie's feminine persona. David has been drafted, and Roy threatens to destroy the Army. In 1980s San Francisco, Hawk meets Marcus and Frankie's adopted son, and Tim recruits Hawk to help his AIDS activist group. | |||||
| 5 | "Promise You Won't Write" | James Kent | Katie Rose Rogers & Robbie Rogers | November 26, 2023 | |
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Roy Cohn's obsession with David Schine leads to the televised Army–McCarthy hearings and national scandal as McCarthy's allies attack Senator Smith, threatening to expose family secrets. Hawk tries to protect Smith while hiding his secret life from Lucy, although a tragedy brings them closer. Marcus must decide between his love for Frankie and his new job at the Post. Exposed to McCarthy's – and Hawk's – true natures, Tim makes a life-changing decision about his future. | |||||
| 6 | "Beyond Measure" | Uta Briesewitz | Dee Johnson | December 3, 2023 | |
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It's 1968, and Tim's an anti-war protester sought by the FBI. Hawk and Lucy have a settled life, two children and a country house – the perfect spot for Tim to hide. Out of touch for years, Hawk wants Tim back in his life, and Tim – on his way to becoming a priest – can't resist Hawk's charms. Marcus puts aside his career to care for his aged father while denying himself romance. Frankie becomes a counselor for "girls" left behind by society. | |||||
| 7 | "White Nights" | Destiny Ekaragha | Brandon K. Hines & Ron Nyswaner | December 10, 2023 | |
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It's 1979, and Tim, now a social worker in San Francisco, travels to Fire Island where he suspects Hawk is drinking himself to death after a family tragedy. Hawk takes Tim on a tour of "gay paradise", indulging in dancing, drugs and unbridled sex until things take a dark turn. In San Francisco, Marcus and Frankie are drawn into the explosion of gay rage prompted by the verdict in Dan White's murder trial. Hawk's adult daughter, Kimberly, challenges Lucy to share the truth about her marriage. | |||||
| 8 | "Make It Easy" | Uta Briesewitz | Teleplay by : Anya Leta & Jack Solomon Story by : Ron Nyswaner | December 17, 2023 | |
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In 1957, Hawk and Tim reunite at Senator McCarthy's funeral and try, one last time, to find a way to be together, but the pressures of impending fatherhood may force Hawk to commit an act of betrayal. In San Francisco, in 1986, Hawk seeks redemption, seeing Tim through a medical crisis and facing Lucy, who arrives with an ultimatum. Marcus and Frankie are stunned by news concerning their adopted son, Jerome. Tim makes a wrenching decision that will change Hawk's life forever. | |||||
Production
editDevelopment
editA television adaptation of Mallon's work was in development as a co-production from Fremantle for Showtime as of October 2021.[7] Showtime officially greenlit the series in April 2022, with the series being written by Ron Nyswaner who also served as executive producer. Other executive producers included Daniel Minahan, who directed the first two episodes.[8]
Casting
editAlongside the greenlight announcement in April 2022, it was announced Matt Bomer would executive produce the series and star as Hawkins Fuller.[8] Allison Williams joined the cast in June as Lucy Smith.[9] It was announced in July that Jonathan Bailey would star opposite Bomer as Tim Laughlin.[10]
Filming
editPrincipal photography began in Toronto on July 27, 2022, and wrapped on December 9, 2022.[8][11]
Release
editEpisodes of the series were released on Paramount+ with Showtime two days prior to their debuts on Showtime.[1][6]
Reception
editCritical response
editFellow Travelers won a Peabody Award at the 83rd ceremony for chronicling LGBTQ+ history over 50 years. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 90% of 76 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8.4/10. The website's consensus reads: "A queer romance with the full breadth and depth of an epic, Fellow Travelers is a moving showcase for Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey's captivating on-screen chemistry."[12] On Metacritic, the series has a weighted average score of 76 out of 100, based on 25 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[13]
Fellow Travelers was named among the best TV shows of 2023 by Variety, The Washington Post and The New Yorker.[14][15][16] The show was nominated for three awards at the 76th Emmy Awards, Lead Actor in a Limited Series (Bomer), Supporting Actor in a Limited Series (Bailey), and Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series.
Accolades
editSee also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Petski, Denise (August 17, 2023). "'Fellow Travelers': Matt Bomer & Jonathan Bailey Limited Series Gets Showtime Premiere Date". Deadline. Archived from the original on August 26, 2023. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
- ^ Otterson, Joe (July 11, 2022). "'Bridgerton' Star Jonathan Bailey Joins Matt Bomer in Showtime Limited Series 'Fellow Travelers'". Variety. Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
- ^ Porter, Rick (July 19, 2022). "Showtime's 'Fellow Travelers' Adds Trio to Cast". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e Otterson, Joe (July 21, 2022). "Showtime Limited Series Fellow Travelers Adds Five to Cast". Variety. Archived from the original on July 21, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022.
- ^ "Fellow Travelers". Writers Guild of America West. Archived from the original on August 17, 2023. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
- ^ a b "Shows A-Z - fellow travelers on showtime". The Futon Critic. Archived from the original on November 6, 2023. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (October 2021). "Fremantle Adds Nyanza Shaw And Jerry Jacobs As Scripted EVPs". Deadline. Archived from the original on July 11, 2022. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
- ^ a b c White, Peter (April 20, 2022). "Matt Bomer's 'Fellow Travelers' Lands Series Order At Showtime". Deadline. Archived from the original on April 20, 2022. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
- ^ Otterson, Joe (June 7, 2022). "Allison Williams to Star Opposite Matt Bomer in Showtime Limited Series 'Fellow Travelers' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on July 11, 2022. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
- ^ Porter, Rick (July 11, 2022). "'Bridgerton' Star Jonathan Bailey Joins Showtime's 'Fellow Travelers'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 11, 2022. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
- ^ "Project Title: Fellow Travelers". toronto.ca. December 9, 2022. Archived from the original on December 9, 2022. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
- ^ "Fellow Travelers: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- ^ "Fellow Travelers". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Archived from the original on October 26, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
- ^ Tinubu, Aramide (December 8, 2023). "The Best TV Shows of 2023". Variety. Archived from the original on December 9, 2023. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
- ^ Loofborouw, Lili (December 5, 2023). "The best TV shows in 2023". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
- ^ Kang, Inkoo (December 10, 2023). "The Best TV Shows of 2023". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on August 27, 2024. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
- ^ "Best Miniseries 2023 | Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on January 14, 2024. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
- ^ "The 2024 Astra TV Awards Nominations Have Arrived". Hollywood Creative Alliance. July 9, 2024. Archived from the original on July 10, 2024. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
- ^ "8th Annual Black Reel Television Awards Nominees". Black Reel Awards. Archived from the original on June 16, 2024. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (December 5, 2023). "'The Morning Show' & 'Succession' Lead Critics Choice Awards TV Nominations". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 14, 2024. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (January 17, 2024). "GLAAD Media Awards Nominations Revealed". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
- ^ Shanfeld, Ethan; Lang, Brent (December 11, 2023). "Golden Globes 2024: Full Nominations List". Variety. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
- ^ "GLAAD Media Awards Nominations Revealed". Deadline. January 17, 2024. Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
- ^ Anderson, Erik (May 10, 2024). "84th Peabody Awards Winners: 'Fellow Travelers,' 'Jury Duty,' '20 Days of Mariupol' and More". Awards Watch. Archived from the original on May 16, 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
- ^ Malec, Brett (January 11, 2024). "2024 People's Choice Awards: Complete List of Nominees". E! Online. Archived from the original on January 11, 2024. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
- ^ "Fellow Travelers". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ Admin, I. P. A. "IPA Reveals Nominations for the 28th Satellite™ Awards | International Press Academy". Archived from the original on December 19, 2023. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
- ^ "Nominees & Recipients - The 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards". Screen Actors Guild Awards. Archived from the original on February 25, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
- ^ Longeretta, Emily (June 10, 2024). "'Baby Reindeer', 'Ripley' and 'Shogun' Lead 2024 TCA Awards Nominations: Full List". Variety. Archived from the original on June 10, 2024. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
