Kathryn Grody and Mandy Patinkin star in Seasoned, which the 47-year-married couple is selling at the Tribeca Film Festival.
The dynamic acting couple Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody are once again on a mission to get their semi-autobiographical series, Seasoned, off the ground, as they bring the project back to the Tribeca Film Festival. The duo remains resolute in their quest, despite hindrances such as network reshuffling at Showtime, project cancellation, and the tumultuous storm that was the industry-wide strike. The couple’s fierce desire to have their show reach audiences is driven not only by a passion for storytelling but also by the ticking clock. “We really hope to have this show out there very soon, before we drop dead,” Patinkin candidly confesses, highlighting the urgency of their endeavor.
Three years prior, Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody embarked on filming a pilot that humorously mirrors and amplifies their own marriage. Following setbacks, they are now joined by the show’s co-creators, their son Gideon Grody-Patinkin and Ewen Wright, to reintroduce the project at Tribeca. As the entertainment sector grapples with post-pandemic adjustments, Patinkin reflects, “We are pursuing this vigorously, aware that the sands are shifting in this industry but also aware that time waits for no one.”
Patinkin and Grody’s unique take on married life brings a refreshing cultural perspective, especially for couples of their age. Grody emphasizes, “There are not nearly enough cultural examinations of couples at our age. And I hope I live long enough to be able to share it with other people.”
In an interview with THR, Grody elaborated on how the series reflects the complexities of long-term relationships: “When we first met, if we had a fight, I thought, ‘OK, we’re not getting married.’ But over time, our relationship has evolved, allowing us to express a full range of emotions and still move forward.”
With the show’s pilot already in the can, the creators have penned five additional episodes, ushered by the imaginative minds of Gideon and Ewen. Patinkin shares his excitement: “These episodes are like nothing I’ve seen or read before particularly in television. They’re not constrained by stereotypes, especially the patronizing portrayals of older couples.”
Addressing distributor prospects, Patinkin and Grody are on the lookout for partners who appreciate their minimalist, budget-conscious approach. “We have structured it so that it’s incredibly affordable,” declares Patinkin, underscoring their commitment to ethical and cost-effective production values. He humorously loses his train of thought, playfully acknowledging his age: “I’m 72, so I don’t know where I’m going with that.”
Grody jumps in, adding vibrancy to their vision while seeking a distributor who values originality: “We seek someone who sees this project for what it truly is.” Patinkin reminisces about his time on Homeland, underscoring the magic of synergy when all collaborators are engaged: “What was so extraordinary was that it was the right chemistry. Everyone listened, and it was a beautiful arrangement.”
Fans of the couple can look forward to the potential uncovering of new facets of their relationship through the series. “Gideon knows us like a book,” quips Patinkin. “And the show captures our wild, almost nonsensical partnership. We’ve been told that we’re ‘fucking crazy,’ and yet, here we are, together for 47 years.”
As the couple pushes forward with Seasoned, they remain optimistic that the right distributor will recognize the series’ value and match their zeal for this labor of love. Mandy Patinkin’s playful ambition concludes with an amusing reassurance: “I mostly want to sell this show so that we can be on the cover of AARP magazine.” With persistence and an unwavering bond, Mandy and Kathryn continue to blaze their unique trail in Hollywood, eager to share their enriching and entertaining narrative with the world.
This article first appeared in the June 4 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.
