Tonight FX kicks off the 8-episode limited series Fosse/Verdon, which explores the personal and professional relationship between acclaimed theater and film choreographer/director Bob Fosse (Sam Rockwell) and his wife/partner/dancer Gwen Verdon (Michelle Williams). The series opens in 1968 as Fosse is directing his first feature film, Sweet Charity, in Hollywood. It covers a period of five decades, jumping backwards and forwards in time, showing what brought this talented duo to where they are, and what their futures ultimately lead to. Throughout the premiere, years are not displayed on screen, rather, time is measured in how many years Fosse has left.

I have always heard the name Bob Fosse, but never really knew anything about him. The series takes an interesting look at this man, and the underappreciated woman responsible for much of his success. Gwen Verdon was once the hot young starlet that everyone sought after, but now she struggles to find roles. When it comes time to translate her big Broadway roles to film, they are given to other, younger actresses. Gwen often assists with her husband’s projects, just not in front of the camera. At times she is the only person who understands Bob’s vision, but she is able to foster and explain it to others in a way that her husband can’t. She is able to put out his fires before they start. Gwen loves Bob, but often turns a blind eye to his infidelities and other questionable activities.

The series has an amazing supporting cast that includes Kelli Barrett (The Punisher) as Liza Minnelli, Norbert Leo Butz (Bloodline) as playwright Paddy Chayefsky, Nate Corddry (Mindhunter) as playwright Neil Simon and Aya Cash (You’re the Worst) as his wife Joan, Evan Handler (Power) as theater producer/director Hal Prince, Laura Osnes as Shirley MacLaine, and Paul Reiser (Mad About You) as film producer Cy Feuer. The series also recreates many of the films/musicals that Fosse worked on, which leads to some excellent song and dance numbers.

Tonight’s premiere is titled “Life Is a Cabaret”, so you can pretty easily guess what musical is represented in the episode!

Tonight I’ll also be watching/recording American Housewife, The Kids Are Alright, blackish, The Rookie, The Code, The Village, and Growing Up Chrisley.

For additional suggestions on what to check out tonight, including the series premiere of The Code, and new episodes of New Amsterdam, and The Rookie, check out the If We Controlled Your Remote… 4/9/19 post at TVisMyPacifier.com.