Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody Are Trying to Sell Their Show ‘Seasoned’ — Again

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Three years ago, Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody filmed a pilot for a comedic TV series inspired by their real-life marriage in an exaggerated way. Since then, there has been a change in network management at Showtime, the cancellation of the project, an industry-wide strike, but now they are bringing it back to the Tribeca Festival in search of a potential buyer. The show’s co-creators, their son Gideon Grody-Patinkin and Ewen Wright, are part of this endeavor too. They understand the challenges facing the entertainment industry, but Patinkin expresses a sense of urgency, stating, “We really hope to get this show out there soon before we… well, kick the bucket.” The couple spoke with THR ahead of the festival to discuss their long journey in bringing Seasoned to the screen and express why they are so dedicated to making it succeed. Grody adds, “There are simply not enough cultural explorations of couples at our stage in life.” She hopes she lives long enough to share this experience with others.

Can you talk about the journey you’ve been on with this show since filming the pilot?

PATINKIN Showtime gave us the go-ahead, but they ultimately had to pull the plug due to financial constraints. They also cancelled Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa’s production, which was more costly than ours, as well as several others. I was informed then that it was because of the pandemic, strikes, and so forth. Our executive, Gary Levine, was a big fan and felt badly about it. He offered assistance, but we decided to wait until the strike ended and things settled down. However, when the strike was over, it became clear that the business had taken an unexpected turn during that period. I have many friends who are struggling to secure funding for their projects.

You were only able to film the pilot, but is the rest of the series ready to film?

PATINKIN Showtime was an exceptional partner in the creation of this project, and we chose to debut it at Tribeca as a pilot. The subsequent five episodes are unlike anything I’ve encountered or read before – not just on television. Gideon and Ewen guide us through extraordinary journeys that stem from their creative minds. I appreciate that our characters aren’t portrayed as adorable, elderly individuals, which can often be condescending. Instead, it feels like people continue to develop and evolve, only to encounter a moment where they are not diminished.

I find it quite unusual for the elderly, but here I am, struggling and calling out, “Lend a hand, lend a hand!”

This version maintains the sentiment of the original while using more natural and easy-to-read language in the first person perspective.

What are you looking for in a distributor?

I, as a passionate advocate, am excited to share about collaborative opportunities at hand. We’ve meticulously designed them to be incredibly budget-friendly and eco-conscious. I’ve been part of productions that spent a staggering million dollars daily, which I find hard to justify. In today’s climate, I believe it’s inappropriate. This project, on the other hand, is thoughtfully budgeted with ethical and moral considerations in mind. Unfortunately, my train of thought got derailed because, well, I’m 72 years young, so bear with me!

EAGERLY ENTHUSIASTIC Although I am six years senior, I can still contribute my ideas. Initially, we were thrilled when this project was approved as it seemed perfectly timed. However, we are eagerly searching for a unique, innovative individual who recognizes the potential in this endeavor.

My primary goal is to promote this show so that it graces the cover of AARP magazine.

Have you found that viewing the series or reviewing its script has caused you to see any aspects of your relationship from a different perspective?

Has the show or its screenplay led you to reconsider anything related to your romantic partnership in a fresh way?

Does the series or its script prompt you to view certain aspects of your relationship differently?

Has watching or reading about this show caused you to reevaluate any facets of your relationship in a new light?

Does the program or its script make you see your connection in a different way?

Has going through the series or reading its script caused you to look at your romantic involvement from a fresh perspective?

Initially encountering one another, I believed any disagreements would signal an end to our relationship, leading me to admire our prolonged connection in a fresh light. Now, with years of shared experiences under our belts, we’ve grown adept at expressing a broad spectrum of feelings and moving past conflicts. People often presume long-term married couples are dull, but my spouse has never failed to captivate me. In this instance, he proved yet again that there remains much to discover about each other.

PATINKIN Gideon and Ewen understand us as if they’ve read our life stories, and they both are well-acquainted with our madness. They are fully aware, to an astonishing degree, that we are not sane. It seems unbelievable that two individuals like us could endure each other for a single meal, let alone 47 years. Yet, they’ve seen the indestructible bond, almost instinctive in nature, that binds our love for one another. As my long-time sound technician once put it, “The two of you are destined to be together.

You can find this article in the June 4 edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To ensure you don’t miss out on future issues, consider subscribing.

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2025-06-04 19:24