Watch Gleason

Gleason is a heartwarming and inspiring biographical drama based on the life of Jackie Gleason, one of America's most iconic comedians of the mid-20th century. Produced by Robert Greenwald Films in 2002, the show stars Brad Garrett as Jackie Gleason, Saul Rubinek as his agent and close friend, and Gretchen Egolf as his second wife.

The show depicts the life of Jackie Gleason from his early days as a struggling comedian in New York to his rise to fame as the host of The Jackie Gleason Show, one of the most popular TV shows of its time. It explores his personal life, including his tumultuous relationships with his wives, his indulgent lifestyle, and his battles with alcoholism and depression.

At the heart of the show is Jackie Gleason's relationship with his agent and friend, Irving Fein (played by Saul Rubinek). Fein is portrayed as a loyal and devoted friend, who is always looking out for Jackie's interests and welfare. He is often the only one who can rein in Jackie's wild and self-destructive behavior and helps him to navigate through the challenges of show business.

The show also explores Gleason's artistic process and his relationship with his audience. He is shown as a larger-than-life personality who demands perfection from his cast and crew, and who is never satisfied with anything less than the best. He is committed to entertaining his audience and bringing joy to their lives, despite his own inner turmoil.

Throughout the show, Garrett delivers a masterful performance as Jackie Gleason. He captures the essence of the comedian's personality, mannerisms, and speech patterns, and brings him to life in a way that is both convincing and captivating. His portrayal of Gleason's vulnerability and emotional complexity is particularly impressive, making the character feel not just like a caricature, but a real person with real struggles.

The supporting cast is also excellent, with Rubinek's performance as Fein standing out as a particular highlight. He brings a warmth and sincerity to the character that is both endearing and effective, and his chemistry with Garrett is palpable. Egolf also delivers a strong performance as Gleason's second wife, Beverly McKittrick, who serves as a stabilizing force in his life.

One of the show's most impressive aspects is its attention to detail and historical accuracy. The sets and costumes are meticulously crafted to reflect the 1950s and 60s, and the show incorporates many real-life events and personalities from Gleason's career. This adds a level of authenticity and depth to the storytelling, making it feel more like a historical drama than a typical biopic.

Overall, Gleason is a moving and compelling tribute to one of America's greatest comedians. It offers an insightful look at the man behind the legend, and explores the joys and struggles of a life lived in the spotlight. With outstanding performances, detailed craftsmanship, and a strong emotional core, it is a show that is both entertaining and poignant.

Gleason is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between October 13, 2002 and on Robert Greenwald Films