'American Gigolo': Why was David Hollander let go as showrunner of much-awaited Showtime drama?
One of the major developments during 'American Gigolo's production was the firing of longtime Showtime showrunner, David Hollander. The developer, director, and executive producer of the much-awaited Jon Bernthal series was let go by the network following misconduct allegations.
Nikki Toscano was later roped in as Season 1's showrunner with Jonathan Littman, KristieAnne Reed, and Russell Rothberg serving as Executive Producers. Also joining the list of EPs is Jerry Bruckheimer, who was involved in an 80's iconic movie of the same name starring Richard Gere. The official synopsis of the series reads, "Julian Kaye (Bernthal), 15 years after being arrested for murder and struggling to find his footing in the modern-day Los Angeles sex industry, seeks the truth about the frame that sent him to prison for all those years ago and also hoping to reconnect with his one true love, Michelle."
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'American Gigolo': Why was David Hollander fired?
Per a Deadline report, a statement from the network said, “David Hollander is no longer on the drama series ‘American Gigolo’ and Paramount Television Studios no longer has a producing relationship with him." The report also added that multiple sources close to the series production reportedly claimed Hollander’s firing was after a thorough investigation into misconduct allegations that were allegedly not related to sexual harassment. Hollander wrote and directed the pilot and seven episodes of the series were already filmed. The first season comprises ten episodes. His previous works in TV include 'Heartland' and 'The Guardian'.
Soon after, it was reported that co-executive producer David Bar Katz, who also worked with Hollander on 'Ray Donovan', will take over as the showrunner of the Bernthal-starter. Season one of 'American Gigolo' also stars Gretchen Mol, Rosie O’Donnell, Lizzie Brocheré, Gabriel LaBelle, and Leland Orser. Wayne Brady, Alex Fernandez, Sandrine Holt, Yolonda Ross, and Melora Walters.
'American Gigolo' premieres Friday, 9/9 on Streaming/Demand And On Sunday, 9/11 on Showtime.