George & Tammy (2022–2023) User Reviews

An Inspiring, But At The Same Time Tragic Story

[dk777 · 7/10 · 11 January 2023]

An interesting series with excellent acting performances.

The show deals with the lives of two country stars, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, their successes and failures. The series is actually a good old-fashioned drama, where the characters are the most important, and the series depends on how good the acting will be. And the acting here is very good.

Jessica Chastain is convincing in the role of Tammy Wynette and has managed to portray a fragile person who is both inspiring and tragic at the same time. The relationship between George and her is particularly well portrayed, and Michael Shannon is interesting in the role of George Jones.

George Jones is portrayed here as a conflicted person, complex, and in the end he is shown to be someone who is ready to face his mistakes, albeit a little late. Walton Goggins is great as Earl "Peanutt" Montgomery, the man who ends up helping George Jones.

Walton Goggins plays a minor but crucial role in this story. Somehow, I was left with the impression that it would have been even better if this story had been made into a movie, and not into a TV series, because then the story would be more dynamic and would leave an even greater impression on the viewer. This way, sometimes it seemed that some parts were stretched and acted as filler.

The last episode is definitely the best. But, even with these small flaws, the series is definitely worth watching, because of the interesting story and even more interesting characters.

It shows us a glimpse of a different time, which was certainly interesting.

Definitely worth watching.

Opening episode had my attention from start to finish

[paul-allaer · 8/10 · 5 December 2022]

As Episode 1 of "George & Tammy" (2022 release; 6 episodes of about 50 min. Each) opens, the King of Country is barely holding it together at the Grand Ole Opry. Soon after, Tammy is introduced to George at a seedy motel where he is staying with 2 women (neither being his wife), and she convinces him to let her open some of his shows. It's not long before George takes a serious interest in Tammy, who is married herself... At this pint we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this is the long-delayed mini series, helmed by Australian director John Hillcoat ("The Road", countless music videos). It brings the story of George Jones, then in his late 30s and already on the decline, and Tammy Wynette, more than a decade his junior and just about to rise like a meteor. In that this reminded me immediately of "A Star Is Born", rather than, say, "Walk The Line" as one of the other reviews states. The central question is: why would Tammy Wynette chose a life with a guy who is an alcoholic, a serial cheater (if not worse) and basically an overall loser? We get snippets of an explanation in Episode 1. I was quite impressed with Episode 1, from the production sets to the music, etc., but let's state the obvious: the lead performances by Jessica Chastain (as Tammy) and Michael Shannon (as George) are simply outstanding. Chastain IS Wynette, period. (Chastain also performs the songs, check out "Apartment No. 9" and "D. I. V. O. R. C. E." in Episode 1, and you'll see what I mean.

Episode 1 of "George & Tammy" premiered on Showtime last night and is now available on SHO on Demand and the streaming all. The remainder 5 episodes will be released on Sunday evening at 9 pm Eastern over the next 5 weeks. Can't wait to see the remainder episodes. If you have any interest in Tammy Wynette (or George Jones), or simply are in the mood for a mini-series with great lead performances, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

UPDATE Just saw Episode 2 and it reinforces all I saw before. Must see!

Grade A performances

[mls4182 · 8/10 · 3 August 2023]

No one can fault Jessica Chastain or Michael Shannon"s performances. They even do an amazing job of singing. Of course no one can compare with George Jones and Tammy Wynette in the eyes of their fans. They are still impressive.

I would have given this a full ten, but it's one flaw is dragging out the story. This could have been three episodes instead of six. Dragging it out seemed painful.

I'd rather see a miniseries about their rise to the top. Their relationship was so troubled and trying, we already got the point and dragging all of us through it was unnecessary.

Again, top notch performances from the leads.

Blown Away to the point of liking Country

[silvasiembra · 10/10 · 24 January 2023]

This review is written to those who were never brought up listening to "country" music. I'm one who wasn't. I watched this series because I like the main actors. Man, I blown away by the lyrics of these songs and the way they were sung! I didn't care if George and Tammy's life was accurately portrayed. I cared more about how the actors and the series itself made the words to these songs so vivid to me. I congratulate everyone who made this emotional story possible... which included their youngest daughter. It made me appreciate this music so much more. I'm impressed how how these simple songs can be packed with so much emotion. I'm convinced that anyone who isn't familiar with this genre will develop a special liking for it. I sure as hell did.

This better get every best acting award. incredible performances.

[rebeccax5 · 10/10 · 6 January 2023]

I finished watching the last episode last night. It's just an amazing story of what love is or could be.

It will be shameful if Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon don't win the highest awards. Everyone needs to see this. It is a timeless story of a particular time.

The movie epitomizes the glimpse of real life story that is imbedded in the fabric of American life, with the good and the bad. Human weaknesses and inspiration take center stage.

Music, sets, make-up, direction, writing, is all a standout compared to the meaningless rubbish, being thrown at viewers.

The fact they sing it themselves is incredible and awe inspiring.

Wanted this to be better

[avakay-98287 · 7/10 · 10 December 2022]

The music was not right....it was dragging at times. The voices are not as strong as the real George and Tammy. George's voice was one of a kind. I saw him in person a few times. Maybe they should have lip synched instead. Jessica does look a little like Tammy. The action was true according to accounts I had heard before. I think this mini series could have been better. Now I'll have to get my George and Tammy albums out and give them another listen. Tim Blake Nelson was Roy Acuff who also had a big voice but not in this show. Above all, the music has to be right for a music bio to succeed. Wish this one had.

One of my favourite first episodes ever

[marjoriebrehl-40500 · 9/10 · 14 December 2022]

I've been captivated from start to end! The casting is amazing. Both actors have understood the assignment. Jessica is stunning and her voice OMG it's perfect.

The flipping table scene is insanely good. They better not ruin the rest of the show and this iconic love story that gave us some iconic songs although we all know it's not gonna end well, i'm still here for it😂

Jessica Chastain singing Stand by your man is candy for the ears but i really do believe i've just unlocked a new obsession for Michael Shannon! Once again an actor who does no social media so i'll have to dig for crumbles on the internet 😂

I wanted to like it, but it's a high wire act

[thejdrage · 6/10 · 5 December 2022]

This review is from the from the first episode only - I have no desire to watch the rest, and not just because I don't have Showtime.

Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon are two of my favorite actors. Add in all the other brilliant character actors including Walton Groggins, Tom Blake Nelson, Steven Zahn, and you have a can't lose force. Only this time they are drowned out in country music that isn't that good and macho actions that could sink a tour bus.

I found my face hurting from grimacing for so long at the disbelief at what I was seeing - versus what I told I was going to be watching. Please - don't take me wrong. They are all good singers, but they are not close to George and Tammy. The sounds were soft. There was no real depth or heft or weight to the vocals.

Obviously their lives were intense, but that doesn't mean I have to watch it. Sadly, I don't want to.

A Great Lady and an Impossible Man

[henrylbs · 10/10 · 13 December 2022]

George Jones was already a country music legend but heavy drinking was taking its' toll and he was on the way out unless he could do something about it. But there is no sign that he is about to do this or that he even cares what he is doing to himself until Tammy Wynette enters his life. Tammy was on the rise being only a year and a half in Nashville with three successful records to her credit. Tammy idolizes George or rather his music and finally is able to be hired as an opening singer for him. She is in love with him from the start but he is married and so is she with three kids of her own from a previous marriage and three inherited from her second husband. George falls in love with her and takes her away from her husband but their problems are just beginning and the biggest problem is that George is a self-destructive abusive drunk. I've only seen the first two episodes but it is pretty obvious how this is going to play out. Tammy is going to rise to the heights while George is probably going to sink to the depths and Tammy is going to hold onto him as long as she can but it will prove more than she can bare.

I know what happens later on and its' not pleasant. In fact, even episode two was hard to watch in places. So why do I think this is a 10 and plan to watch each episode multiple times as I have with the first two? First, it is extremely well written. It is very fast moving with each scene well thought out and placed. The scenes tell the story often without the need for dialog. George and Tammy are together and the scene cuts to her singing. He's singing and the scene cuts to her in the shower. She is singing "Stand By Your Man" and there are intercuts to George punching out Tammy's evil husband and retrieving the nude photographs he has been blackmailing her with. Second, the picture we get of the music industry in Nashville is revealing to say the least and the character development is sharp. Finally, the two main characters are terrific. Jessica Chastain as Tammy steals your heart as she stole George's and she is a heroine as she tries to rescue George from himself while putting up with his abuse. Of course she doesn't sound exactly like the real Tammy but to me she sings and performs the songs very well. George as played by Michael Shannon is probably a much stronger presence than was the real George Jones. He almost has to be in order to make the character palatable. The real George was 5-7 and quite ordinary looking while Shannon is 6-3, handsome and masculine. It is easy to see why Tammy, who was in love with his music, can also be in love with the man. And to me, Shannon not only sings like George, I think he sings the songs better than George. I love listening to him sing those great George Jones songs.

This is a long sad story about two people in a rut who work in a business populated by drunks, womanizers and con-men. And yet it is fascinating to watch. Highly recommended.

Acting is fine but.....

[julieact · 6/10 · 5 December 2022]

Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon are always great in everything I've ever seen them in. The problem here is this feels like a generic version of the, so far, far superior Walk the Line, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. This may be the true story of George Jones and Tammy Wynette but you could almost change the names to Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash at this point. There are an abundance of situations that occur that are almost identical to the other project. Seeing as this is a series and not a movie, there will be more hours of content so hopefully at some point there will be something here that doesn't feel like a rerun.

Great series!

[mstevm-88545 · 10/10 · 8 January 2023]

I am not much of a country fan so I had no expectations or the knowledge to nit pic the performances. I think both Jessica and Michael should win awards for their fantastic roles and, I loved their singing as well, this is a departure for Michael Shannon from my experience and he blew me away, Jessica Chastain is so beautiful, I now have a crush on her. I had no idea that their story was so fraught with addictions, jealousy and the usual hangers on pushing them to perform so they could make money off them. Overall great casting and a heart felt sad love story worth telling. I am telling everyone I know to watch the show.

No Show Jones

[douglasmcbroom · 6/10 · 16 December 2022]

George Jones had a sense of humor because he wrote and sang that song about his notorious habit of not showing up for his shows. Michael Shannon plays George and Shannon is a fine actor. He also has a face for classic country music; not this modern, blow-dried country music full of snowflakes who all look and sound the same and have Liberal sensibilities, but the hard-livin' hard-drinkin' country music stars in its heyday wherein they had individual personalities, iconic voices and the songs meant something.

Jessica Chastain plays Tammy Wynette and the same applies to her. Chastain is an outstanding actress who did a great job in 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye.' However, Chastain is a mediocre singer who could not sing as well as Tammy Faye, who was not the greatest singer. But Tammy Wynette was a great singer with an iconic voice. Therein, lies a big problem.

Shannon does a much better job of capturing Jones's vocals, but Hollywood, when you're doing a bio-pic about iconic singers with iconic voices use the damn soundtrack with the original voices and let the actors lip synch. It's a bit of a conceit that actors want to sing the role of famous singers. The same mistake was made with Joaquin Phoenix singing Johnny Cash. On the other hand, Sissy Spacek and Beverly D'Angelo, as Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline, did a great job, as did Kevin Spacey doing Bobby Darin.

Eh

[virginia67 · 4/10 · 7 December 2022]

Great acting... the real story is too good to mess up too badly, I do wish that they might have given a little more back story on both sides. (For those who don't know George or Tammy's music) what I'm saying is that the acting was incredible it's a testament to these actors... but.... It takes a lot of country lonesome to capture George and Tammy....the singing is so bad that we are actually fast forwarding through it. It's AWFUL. This review has no spoilers.... No need for it, the singing does that. Maybe next time just dub in the real music or get Faith Hill to play Tammy. She would have been incredible in this role. I suggest that whoever made this movie needs to go watch some of the great classic legendary music that these legends made. The crowd at the Ryman auditorium would never had crowded the stage like in the first episode. Roy Acuff NEVER wore a cowboy hat... These are just little things that do matter.

Emmy awards all around

[timjculbertson · 10/10 · 9 January 2023]

I for one never been a fan of early country and western music growing up, I knew who they were and their stories of comnflict kinda reminded you of Taylor and Burton. Its sad they were married a short time, given their history they should have been married much lopnger and its obviousm depsite all the troubles they did really still love each other, it just didnt work. The performance of Jessica and Michael had me sold from episode 1, their dramatic performances from them doing their own singing,m it was just a blessing. I see where josh Brolin was first signed, I think it could have worked but shannon had Jones down from the get go. I sure hope when the Emmy nominations are announced come next year, these two will be on the top of the list and better win too.

Jessica Chastain performance is worth watching

[rosieceb-54028 · 9/10 · 5 December 2022]

For one I enjoy movies based on real life especially on musician. I had been anticipating the day this would air which was today Dec 4, I was surprised it was a mini series and not a movie by how this episode ended. It left me wanting more. The chemistry between the two actors was undeniable. Great acting by both Michael Shannon and of course Jessica Chastain, I watch everything she is in. He is also a great actor. The main actors character George is just a mess in this from the start, while Tammy's character is a upcoming singer trying to make it in country music married with children who idolizes George music with a note pad of every song he has sang. Without giving away to much George obviously try's to work his way into Tammy's life by agreeing to have her open for him, agreeing to sing a song her husband has written, giving away a tour bus and inviting himself over for dinner. Causing friction in her marriage, you can feel something is about to happen and it does. The episode ends with you wanting more of the storyline.

I Would Have Preferred Singers that Could act a Bit

[tedfthis-268-983217 · 6/10 · 3 February 2023]

I think it would have been a better project, had they selected singers that could act a bit, rather than actors that could sing a bit. Annette O'Toole was brilliant at Tammy Wynette in the movie Stand by Your Man, surely they could have found a couple that sounded more like George and Tammy. While the back story of both George Jones and Tammy Wynette was pretty widely know, I was surprised at Tammy Wynette's extreme addiction to prescription medications and the ease with which she could keep getting supplies to keep the addiction going. Doctors and surgeons should be just as accountable and ethical as the rest of the medical profession or general populous. Tammy seemed to be used or abused by every male she came into contact with. I thought Jessica Chastain played her part OK, but I thought the singing from both actors spoiled it for me. I thought that George Jones came across as the bully he was when drunk and Tammy Wynette came across as an enabler for George, which went on for far too long, before she dumped him. George Jones seems to garner most of the publicity, probably because of the amount of no shows and negative stories that he attracted with his bad behaviour. I felt sorry for Tammy in the beginning, I thought Standing by her Man was commendable, but she did it for too long. It was ironic that Tammy had 20 x #1 hits, compared to Georges 10 and that Tammy died at 55, while George with only short periods of sobriety, managed to live to 82. Both George Jones and Tammy Wynette had unique voices, but I would rather they had used soundtrack originals and lip synched, rather than the way it was served up.

Interesting and Keeps your Attention

[Mombrain · 8/10 · 8 January 2023]

It seems to be a trend right now to have shows about true life stories or loosely based stories. From start to finish it really kept my attention their love and struggles while hearing music I enjoy. I see people posting the singing was terrible, but I do not think so. Shannon especially sounded good. I think people get in their head the real singers and will not have it in their heads someone else singing some of the songs. Sometimes we do not see past the true performances on stage and tv. The characters we derive in our heads may be completely different than their true personalities so you got to go into it open minded. Unlike some of the other stories I have watched recently that the captivating parts were in the first 2-3 episodes this was different it kept my attention start to finish. I am sure that everything is not completely accurate, but I found it well put together and interesting.

The Party's over

[Ed-Shullivan · 6/10 · 10 January 2023]

I really didn't know much about the history of country and western singer(s) royalty couple Tammy Wynette and George Jones. Having selected the best of the best actress (Jessica Chastain) and actor (Michael Shannon) for this made for TV mini-series provided some great insight into the deep love and tumultuous relationship between these two stars.

Adding more first class presence to the TV mini-series were supporting actors Walton Goggins, and Steve Zahn. The cinematography was excellent and the song choreography was quite enjoyable. What was a disappointment was the emphasis on George Jones excessive drinking and Tammy's substance abuse.

I can understand some other reviewers dismay with the casting of Michael Shannon as George Jones if they were big George Jones fans, but it is the writer/director who provide the script and if they choose to have Michael Shannon play a bad drunk most of the time is he to blame if that is the character he is asked to portray?

Overall. I got to learn a bit about the on and off again relationship between these two country and western stars and a mere smidgeon of the many hit songs they gave to their millions of fans. I enjoyed it overall and I give it a decent 6 out of 10 IMDb rating.

Rest in peace George & Tammy. Your story has been partially told for all to enjoy the good and the bad. The party's over.

My HEART

[sarahdrymon · 10/10 · 7 January 2023]

I am familiar with both George and Tammy's music but did not know anything about their story so that is my perspective. I was absolutely hooked from episode one. Michael Shannon really makes you feel the undying love and passion come out of the screen and practically smack you in the face. Jessica Chastain is as perfect as she always is and you never stop loving the character even when you don't exactly like what she is doing. Same is said for Shannon's performance.

I cried I think the entire last episode. It was beautiful, real, sad and unfortunately not a fairytale like I wanted it to be. It's another love story where people got in the way of their own happiness. Such is the reality for so many people.

Can't the costume designer look at archival photos and film?

[aculprit · 7/10 · 18 January 2023]

Really well done program, the acting was terrific. While i agree that dubbing the real artists' singing would have been preferable (maybe they couldn't get the rights?) the actors did a serviceable job. Michael Shannon especially, turned out to be a surprisingly good singer. Of course he's no George Jones; if he was he'd be a country music star instead of an actor. Or maybe not these days...he'd have to be autotuned and work with hiphop producers to top the so-called country charts of today. But I digress....

Sure the story was fictionalized, what biopic isn't? No one but George & Tammy know the details of their sex life, and neither is talking. What happens in private is only between those who were present, so is by neccesity embellished for dramatic effect (this IS television, after all). Even if a story is told by one who witnessed it, is that truth? Ever seen Rashomon?

The bone that needs picking (in this and far too many period films of the 50s through the 80s) is that the costume designer decided what they thought was "cool" and sorta 70s-ish. Glaringly inaccurate fashions were very distracting--OK maybe not if you're 30 but to anyone who lived through that era. With the budget they obviously had, couldn't they hire a professional costume designer who KNOWS the era? (or at least could do the research?)

And O My Dog, how about the makeup?? Women weren't wearing glittery earth-toned eye shadows in the 60s, not even if they were Tammy Wynette!

Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain give wonderful performances!

[rybye-97841 · 10/10 · 31 December 2022]

The story of George Jones and Tammy Wynette is very complicated. This show doesn't take sides but shows both people who are self destructive and truly talented artists. Country music is very much an acquired taste. I love it...the old stuff. The songs are only as good as the pain and their marriage suffered Jones and his drinking and abusive behavior. Tammy Wynette is such an inspiration for women. She broke the glass ceiling in Country music for women. Reminds me of Walk the Line Both actors do their own singing. Lovely. Wish Michael Shannon had received a Golden Globe nomination with Jessica Chastain..she is lovely and heartbreaking 💔

It's ok.

[wldsthrnboy · 6/10 · 21 December 2022]

First the brilliant. The acting talent is beyond stellar from every single character. And as far fetched and crazy as some might think the events are, I wholeheartedly believe that it is just a smidge of the true volatility that existed. It is the type of story operas where once written about.

All that being said, I wish they had put a little more weight on singing talent than they did acting talent. The true story is so compelling that lesser actors who could sing better was called for. Don't get me wrong, Jessica and Michael are very good singers. But they are attempting to perform some of the absolutely best known music in classic country music catalog that were performed by atleast one of the absolute greatest voices to to it. They don't even come close to pulling it off. Great respects to them for even trying but it was a swing and a miss.

I'll still probably watch the whole thing. It could have been SOO much better though.

Edit: I must edit my previous statements. Jessica Chastain was absolutely the perfect casting for this part. I absolutely bow my head to heard dedication to not only sing with a MS accent. But she got pretty damned close to dialog too.

I must unfortunately leave my previous rating in place because as much as I love and respect Michael Shannon as an actor and an artist, he doesn't capture the whine and heartache that made George Jones the king of Country.

Really wanted to like this, but...

[bserrett · 1/10 · 6 December 2022]

I was really excited about this series because I loved the "real" George & Tammy, but the first show was a painful to watch. Jessica is a great actress, but the slow, drawn out singing was painful. It needed to keep the "Tammy" musical timing, because that slow twangy impersonation is completely OFF! The one thing it does is make you go back an listen to the REAL recordings, just to get that sound out of your head! Could have been cast better and directed better. They should have taken cues from the Johnny Cash movie or the Elvis movie. I read great reviews from the Critics, but they obviously got paid to lie.

Fantastic acting and pace

[htynt · 9/10 · 18 December 2022]

I was really saddened by all the bad reviews here when I feel it's a great production. I don't have a big history with country music or know the real lives of George or Tammy. I do know good acting and good singing and I think Jessica and Michael are giving superb performances. I don't think the singing needs to be an exact impersonation either. I'm thrilled to know the essence of their stories and have found the first two episodes to be very well done and a pleasure to watch. I'm amazed at how well these two actors sing together. Michael Shannon never really looks his parts but he always does a spectacular job. Jessica Chastain is a joy to watch and listen to. It can be a challenge to see a dramatic interpretation of something you're very close to or grew up with. It's never going to be that. But this is fine work.

Very Watchable

[oshngrl · 10/10 · 19 December 2022]

As a New York City girl who really never knew anything about country music, I can tell all you that I remember "stand by your man" but I had very little idea who George Jones was, I still really don't know the music that made him famous although I'm hoping to learn. But let's move on to this production, the telling of the story of these two people.

I've watched the first three episodes and I am still interested, I relate to these people, my heart goes out to them as individuals and as a couple.

I'm not in love with Jessica Chastain's rendition of stand by your man, I do remember this song very well and it was a bit more upbeat, and Tammy Wynette had a more powerful voice than Jessica Chastain does.

But the story is a classic story, the story of trials and tribulations that so many of us have gone through. Most of us know what a bear alcoholism is, and how hard it is to be under the kind of pressure George Jones must've been under and not drink. How difficult it is to love a man who is older and comes with some pretty serious baggage as well as being a woman with problems that women have.

To my way of thinking, this is a highly relatable story and it's well told. That's all that really matters to me and I will continue to watch it, because I don't know how the story ends, and I would like to.

I'm also a big fan of both lead actors, so I have no complaints, other than wishing Jessica really sounded like Tammy Wynette.