Few showrunners have experienced the rollercoaster of cancellations and renewals quite like Shawn Ryan has with CBS’s S.W.A.T.. After the drama’s initial cancellation in 2022, a surprising renewal for a “final” season followed, only for the series to face a third cancellation announcement in early 2025. This tumultuous journey could have derailed many careers, but Ryan has swiftly turned the page with an exciting new project that promises to captivate audiences anew.
Transitioning from his eight-year collaboration with Shemar Moore on S.W.A.T., Ryan now shifts focus to a fresh streaming series titled American Hostage, featuring none other than Jon Hamm in the lead. Hamm, renowned for his commanding presence and nuanced performances, steps into this high-octane anthology format to portray a riveting true crime story. This marks a significant evolution for Ryan, moving from long-running network procedural drama to bold, serialized streaming content.
American Hostage is co-created by Shawn Ryan alongside Eileen Myers, known for her work on Mad Dogs and Big Love. The series is adapted from the acclaimed scripted podcast of the same name, which has already drawn critical praise for its gripping narrative and compelling characters. At its core, the story reenacts the tense 1977 hostage situation involving Tony Kiritsis, a desperate man who kidnapped his mortgage broker, Richard O. Hall, driven by paranoia and financial strain. This real-life incident unfolds as a high-stakes battle of wits and survival, perfectly suited to a suspense-driven television format.
MGM+, the streaming platform that secured the rights to American Hostage, has eagerly backed the project since its development began in late 2023. The platform’s head, Michael Wright, expressed enthusiasm about bringing this intense drama to life, praising Jon Hamm’s talent and suitability for anchoring such a gripping narrative. His statement highlights the unique blend of real-life urgency and cinematic storytelling that the series aims to achieve.
Production is slated to begin this fall in Winnipeg, Canada, setting the stage for what is expected to be a visually and emotionally intense series. Although American Hostage is not expected to premiere until mid-2026, anticipation is already building among fans of true crime and prestige dramas alike.
While casting details beyond Hamm remain under wraps, there’s speculation about who might join him from the podcast’s original ensemble, which includes acclaimed actors like Carla Gugino, Dylan Baker, and Joseph Perrino. Their inclusion could elevate the series further, though scheduling logistics will inevitably play a role in final casting decisions. Given Jon Hamm’s recent work—most notably in Taylor Sheridan’s Landman alongside Billy Bob Thornton and Demi Moore—it seems this new leading role is well-timed to showcase his dramatic versatility.
This announcement arrives alongside news of other major true crime adaptations in development, such as Bill Hader’s potential lead in a Jonestown tragedy series. The surge in high-profile, real-life inspired dramas underscores a broader industry trend toward gripping, fact-based storytelling. It also hints at an exciting future for actors like Shemar Moore, who may soon reappear in similarly compelling projects.
In sum, Shawn Ryan’s move from the action-driven streets of S.W.A.T. to the intense psychological battleground of American Hostage represents a bold creative leap. Anchored by Jon Hamm’s magnetic performance, the series is poised to deliver a suspenseful, thought-provoking exploration of desperation, trust, and survival that will resonate deeply with streaming audiences. As production gears up, viewers and industry insiders alike are eager to witness how this real-life drama unfolds on screen.
