Mike Smith
Here’s everything you need to know about American Hostage, the new MGM+ crime drama series starring Jon Hamm and inspired by a true hostage crisis.
How to watch American Hostage outside the US on MGM+
To watch American Hostage outside the US, install a VPN, connect to a US server, then open MGM+ and sign in. You can then stream American Hostage online with your MGM+ subscription.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a US-based server.
- Open the MGM+ website, then login or sign up for a new account.
- You are all set to watch American Hostage series online and from anywhere!
American Hostage (2026 TV Series) Synopsis
American Hostage is a 2026 American crime drama and psychological thriller anthology series created by Shawn Ryan and Eileen Myers. Based on the first season of the scripted podcast of the same name and inspired by true events, the series stars Jon Hamm, Giovanni Ribisi, Kristoffer Polaha, William Jackson Harper and Mireille Enos.
Set in Indianapolis during the 1970s, the first season follows radio news director Fred Heckman, who is pulled into a dangerous hostage crisis when Tony Kiritsis demands to be interviewed live on Heckman’s radio program. As the situation develops, Fred moves beyond his normal role as a journalist and becomes directly involved in efforts to keep the hostage alive and bring the crisis to an end.
When Does American Hostage Premiere?
American Hostage premieres on September 20, 2026, on MGM+. The first two episodes are released together on premiere day, followed by one new episode every Sunday.
Where to Watch American Hostage in the US
You can watch American Hostage in the US on MGM+ starting September 20, 2026. The series is also available to stream through the MGM+ Prime Video Channel and MGM+ Roku Premium Channel.
Where to Watch American Hostage in Canada
American Hostage is available to stream in Canada on Crave from September 20, 2026. Canadian viewers can watch the new crime drama with a Crave subscription.
Where to Watch American Hostage in the UK
You can stream American Hostage in the UK through the MGM+ Prime Video Channel. A subscription to the MGM+ channel through Prime Video is required to watch the series.
Where to Watch American Hostage in Australia
Australian viewers can watch American Hostage on Stan. The new series is available to stream with an active Stan subscription.
American Hostage Season 1 Episodes
Here are the episodes in American Hostage Season 1.
- Episode 1 – My Town Indy – Premiere date: September 20, 2026
WIBC news director Fred Heckman faces a major decision when hostage-taker Tony Kiritsis demands a live radio interview. - Episode 2 – McMahon, Martinis & Madness – Premiere date: September 20, 2026
Fred interviews Tony on air and becomes increasingly involved in the developing hostage crisis. - Episode 3 – Magic Ticket Sweepstakes – Premiere date: September 27, 2026
After a WIBC report causes the situation to worsen, Fred takes on a larger role in trying to keep Dick alive. - Episode 4 – A Taste of Indianapolis – Premiere date: October 4, 2026
Fred tries to guide Tony through a difficult period and reveals personal details that affect his marriage. - Episode 5 – WIBC Mystery Science Theatre – Premiere date: October 11, 2026
Fred waits to learn whether Tony will accept the district attorney’s immunity offer while facing difficult decisions about his involvement. - Episode 6 – Moon News and Markets – Premiere date: October 18, 2026
Fred struggles with the plan to convince Tony on air that the immunity agreement is genuine. - Episode 7 – Tomorrow’s Here – Premiere date: October 25, 2026
After convincing Tony to sign the immunity agreement, Fred finds himself excluded from law enforcement’s plans to end the crisis. - Episode 8 – Break the Bank – Premiere date: November 1, 2026
Fred tries to keep Tony alive as the hostage crisis moves into the public spotlight.
American Hostage Cast
Here are the main cast members in American Hostage Season 1.
- Jon Hamm as Fred Heckman
- Giovanni Ribisi as Tony Kiritsis
- Kristoffer Polaha as Dick Hall
- William Jackson Harper as Ben Hairston
- Mireille Enos as Barbara Heckman
Can You Watch American Hostage Online for Free?
Yes. MGM+ offers a 7-day free trial, which can be used to stream American Hostage during the trial period. A paid MGM+ subscription is required after the free trial ends if you want to continue streaming the series.
Is American Hostage Suitable for All Ages?
No. American Hostage is rated TV-MA and is not suitable for children. The series includes violence, strong language, smoking and mature themes connected to a hostage crisis, making it best suited for mature audiences.
Where Can I Download American Hostage Full Episodes?
You can legally download American Hostage episodes through MGM+ on supported mobile devices. Open the MGM+ app, select an available episode and use the download option for offline viewing. Downloaded episodes can then be watched offline through the MGM+ app.
On What Devices Can You Watch MGM+?
You can stream MGM+ on a range of supported phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs and streaming devices.
| Category | Devices |
|---|---|
| Smartphones | iPhone, Android phones |
| Tablets | iPad, Android tablets |
| Computers | Windows PCs, Mac computers |
| Smart TVs | Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Vizio Smart TVs |
| Streaming Devices | Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast |
| TV Platforms | Android TV, Google TV |
| Web Browsers | Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Microsoft Edge |
FAQs
Who created American Hostage?
Shawn Ryan and Eileen Myers created American Hostage.
Who directed American Hostage?
Adam Arkin and Nina Lopez-Corrado directed episodes of American Hostage.
Who plays Fred Heckman in American Hostage?
Jon Hamm plays Fred Heckman in American Hostage.
Is American Hostage based on a true story?
Yes. American Hostage is inspired by the true story of Indianapolis radio reporter Fred Heckman and the hostage crisis involving Tony Kiritsis in the 1970s.
Is American Hostage based on a podcast?
Yes. The television series is based on the first season of the scripted podcast American Hostage, which also tells a dramatized version of the Fred Heckman and Tony Kiritsis story.
What genre is American Hostage?
American Hostage is a crime drama and psychological thriller series.
How many episodes are in American Hostage Season 1?
American Hostage Season 1 has eight episodes.
Trailer
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