Everything you need to know about TV’s American Gigolo reboot
42 years after a topless Richard Gere swaggered into his walk-in wardrobe to prep for a hot night seducing clients, American Gigolo returns – bigger, better and with a banging new cast. Here’s the low-down
1/ Meet the new gigolo!
With more than a passing resemblance to Gere himself, you’ll recognise Jon Bernthal from playing Shane Walsh in The Walking Dead or maybe as Marvel’s The Punisher in Daredevil. And boy does he have the chops (and biceps) to play Julian Kaye, American Gigolo‘s male escort who caters to a clientele of LA’s upper-class women until he is framed for murder and sentenced for 15 years. We’re ALL eyes.
2/ He’s heading to your house
I mean, not literally, ahem. But this one is a brand new series so you don’t even need to hot-foot it to the cinema to get in on the action. Grab the remote, snacks at the ready and hit play on your next big TV obsession because American Gigolo lands on Paramount+ on 10th September. Mark the date, set all the phone reminders and do no disturb, thank you.
3/ The line up is stellar
There’s more to this TV moment than Bernthal as he shares a killer cast line-up with Rosie O’Donnell (yes, THE Rosie) who plays Detective Sunday, responsible for finding out the truth behind the murder that puts Julian behind bars. You’ve also got a stunning turn from the never-not-brilliant Gretchen Mol, who plays Julian’s lost love Michelle Stratton, who you’ll recognise from Yellowstone and Perry Mason. The talent pool is big and plentiful.
4/ Plot twist!
Expect the unexpected in the best possible way. When the professional turns personal for Julian, he sets about solving the crime he was framed for and it takes him on a path of dark discovery and has him revisiting an uncomfortable past in search of the truth. There is depth and drama and bad guys and seduction. True crime just got sexy.
5/ It’s not all about sex
This reimagining of Gere’s 1980 classic has a whole new back story and is rife with murder, mystery and edge-of-sofa drama (thanks to showrunner Nikki Toscano, best known for Revenge and The Offer) and it is exec produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. If that doesn’t have cancelling your plans for a night in front of the telly in a heartbeat then there really is no saving you.
6/ Relax, there’s plenty of that too
Steamy encounters between beautiful people? Check. Tensions building to passionate climaxes? Sure. Gratuitous shirtless shots of Bernthal at any given opportunity? You better believe it! But like we said, there’s more to American Gigolo than this. Don’t take our word for it, you know what to do.
Stream American Gigolo on Paramount+ from 10 Sept 2022.
Want more? Of course you do! Try these:
