American Hostage
4.9/5
Critic Rating
4.5/5
Listener Rating
Based on a true story, American Hostage stars Jon Hamm as Fred Heckman, a beloved local radio reporter who is thrust into the middle of a life-or-death crisis when hostage-taker, Tony Kiritsis, demands to be interviewed on his popular radio news program.American Hostage is an 8-episode scripted psychological thriller from Criminal Content starring Emmy Award-winner Jon Hamm and directed by Academy Award® winner Shawn Christensen.
Critic Reviews
Score: 5
Emma Carey • Esquire • Mar 10, 2022
"If you long for the days of radio plays like War of the Worlds, this series starring Jon Hamm should scratch your itch. "
Score: 5
Rory Appleton • Indianapolis Star • Mar 7, 2022
""American Hostage," a narrative true-crime podcast that is the first of its kind...Heckman's character provides a steadying force to the chaotic Kiritsis, played by Joe Perrino ("Power"). The podcast also incorporates narrative elements from Heckman's life, with his wife, Barbara, played by Carla Gugino ("Spy Kids," "Watchmen"). "
Score: 4.8
Patricia Nicol • The Times UK • Mar 6, 2022
"This is enjoyably slick, impressively mixed audio action...Hamm transcends hammier elements, but overall it fails to deliver on grander claims of examining bigger issues of American rage and media responsibility."
Listener Reviews
Score: 4.5
Imran A. • Feb 28, 2022
"I don't know how it happened, but I finished American Hostage in two days. Maybe because I got lost during my 2+ hour run and the story was easy to concentrate on vs my tired legs. Jon Hamm, what can I say, he was great in the role. It's not a life changing one, he's just a natural at it. I am not a fan of exclusive releases at this time, it is only released on Amazon Music app and Wondery+ subscription, but that does not factor into my scoring. It will be released on other apps March 8th."
