AceShowbiz - American Classic is a new MGM+ comedy series that centers on the world of theater and small-town struggles, starring Kevin Kline as Richard Bean, a Tony-winning actor whose passion for drama often overshadows reality. The show opens with a dramatic moment where Richard, desperate for a loan to fund his latest project, performs a spontaneous Shakespearean monologue in a bank, winning applause from onlookers. This scene sets the tone for a series steeped in theatrical passion but lacking in relatable grounding.

The creators, Michael Hoffman and Bob Martin, craft a story that feels like a throwback, steeped in old-fashioned charm and familiar tropes. The narrative kicks off with two deaths: a metaphorical one, when Richard's career faces jeopardy after a viral meltdown involving a critic, and a literal one, the passing of Richard’s mother. Richard’s reaction to the news — asking if she had read the review — reveals his self-absorbed nature and sets up the emotional core of the show.

Richard returns to his hometown of Millsburg, Pennsylvania, where he plans to revive the local theater by mounting a production of Our Town, hoping it will save both the theater and the town’s spirit. Unfortunately, the series’ portrayal of Millsburg and its residents is shallow, offering little insight into the community beyond a few broad character sketches.

Among the supporting cast, Len Cariou shines as Linus, Richard’s father, a puppeteer grappling with dementia, who brings moments of warmth and subtle humor. Elise Kibler’s Nadia, a Russian émigré with more enthusiasm than talent, adds comic relief but in a rather broad style. However, important characters such as Jon Tenney’s Jon, Richard’s brother, and Laura Linney’s Kristen, who is both Jon’s wife and Richard’s ex as well as the town mayor, are underdeveloped. Their complex personal and familial relationships remain largely unexplored, diminishing audience connection.

The younger generation fares worse in characterization. Miranda, Jon and Kristen’s teenage daughter played by Nell Verlaque, delivers lines that feel scripted by someone far removed from actual youth perspectives, lamenting societal decline in a way that rings hollow and unconvincing. The show struggles to authentically portray the concerns and attitudes of younger characters, which contrasts sharply with its frequent references to classic plays and theatrical history.

Kevin Kline’s portrayal of Richard is nuanced enough to avoid making the character entirely unlikeable, but the writing confines him to the archetype of the self-important, slightly oblivious actor. The series leans heavily on Richard’s perspective, giving him the most depth, while sidelining the complexity of others around him. This narrow focus limits the show’s emotional range and scope.

One notable aspect of the series is its reverence for theater, with several scenes highlighting performances of iconic works by Shakespeare and Thornton Wilder. These moments are often the most compelling, as the characters’ real-life struggles echo the themes and lines of the plays they perform. However, this theatrical devotion also underscores a weakness: the show uses drama as a lens but fails to broaden its understanding of genuine human nature and contemporary life.

The visual presentation of American Classic further hampers the experience. The series unfolds mostly within a handful of interiors, all bathed in the same bright, flat lighting that robs scenes of depth and atmosphere. The production values feel limited, and the lack of visual creativity contributes to an overall sense of confinement and dullness. While the minimalist staging of Our Town is true to theatrical tradition and can be powerful, here it highlights the show’s lack of imagination beyond its theater-centric focus.

Despite its earnestness and affection for the performing arts, the series struggles to engage viewers beyond its theatrical in-jokes and nostalgic charm. Its storyline relies heavily on predictable elements: the troubled star, the quaint town, the salvific play. These familiar beats are played out without fresh insight or meaningful surprises, resulting in a bland and old-fashioned feel that neither offends nor excites.

The performances from the ensemble cast are generally competent, with Tony Shalhoub appearing as Alvy, Richard’s agent, who is tasked with managing the fallout from Richard’s public meltdown. Although the cast brings professionalism and occasional warmth, the underwritten characters and uninspired dialogue hamper their ability to fully connect with the audience.

Throughout the eight episodes of the season, the series attempts to explore themes of legacy, family, and the survival of art in small-town America. Yet, its execution lacks the nuance and emotional depth necessary to elevate these themes above clichés. The town of Millsburg itself remains more a backdrop than a living, breathing community, and the citizens rarely move beyond caricature.

In summary, American Classic is a well-meaning but ultimately uninspired tribute to theater and small-town life. Its affection for dramatic arts is clear and sincere, but the show’s limited scope, dated cultural references, and shallow character development keep it from resonating on a deeper level. While fans of theater might appreciate the frequent nods to classic works and the passion of Kevin Kline’s lead performance, the series as a whole lacks the vitality and complexity needed to make it a must-watch.

For viewers seeking a fresh or meaningful exploration of theater’s place in modern life or a nuanced family drama, American Classic may feel too safe and conventional. Its bright but flat production and predictable plotlines do little to challenge or surprise. Ultimately, it stands as a modest, old-fashioned offering on MGM+ that honors the stage but struggles to capture the spirit of today’s television audiences.