Fleishman Is in Trouble (miniseries)
| Company type | Limited series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | November 17, 2022 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Television miniseries |
Fleishman Is in Trouble is a U.S. comedy-drama television miniseries created by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, adapted from her 2019 novel bearing the same title. The cast features Jesse Eisenberg, Claire Danes, Lizzy Caplan, Adam Brody, Meara Mahoney Gross, and Maxim Swinton. The storyline follows a recently divorced Manhattan hepatologist as he adjusts to single life after his ex-wife unexpectedly disappears, leaving him to care for their two children.
This eight-episode series was broadcast on FX on Hulu from November 17 through December 29, 2022. It garnered favorable reviews and received seven nominations at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, including for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series and acting nominations for Danes and Caplan.
Premise
In his early 40s, Toby Fleishman, a hepatologist, ventures into online dating for the first time following his divorce. Just as he begins to experience some romantic success, his ex-wife Rachel disappears, leaving him responsible for their children, Hannah and Solly. While juggling fatherhood, a possible career advancement, and the challenges of Manhattan’s dating world, Toby discovers that solving the mystery of Rachel’s absence means facing the realities behind their broken marriage.
Main
- Jesse Eisenberg portrays Toby Fleishman, a recently divorced Jewish hepatologist
- Claire Danes plays Rachel Fleishman, Toby's ex-wife and a talent agent
- Lizzy Caplan is Libby Epstein, a magazine journalist turned suburban homemaker who also serves as the narrator
- Adam Brody appears as Seth Morris, one of Toby’s closest friends
- Meara Mahoney Gross as Hannah Fleishman, the 12-year-old daughter of Toby and Rachel
- Maxim Swinton as Solly Fleishman, their 9-year-old son
Recurring
- Josh Stamberg acts as Sam Rothberg, vice president at a pharmaceutical firm
- Ashley Austin Morris plays Roxanne Hertz, a wealthy acquaintance of Rachel
- Jenny Powers is Miriam Rothberg, Sam’s wife and friend of Rachel
- Joy Suprano portrays Cyndi Leffer, another affluent friend of Rachel
- Eric William Morris as Todd Leffer, Cyndi’s husband
- Ralph Adriel Johnson, Brian Miskell, Ava Yaghmaie appear as resident physicians at Toby’s hospital
- Josh Radnor plays Adam Epstein, Libby’s spouse
- Mozhan Marnò is Nahid, a woman Toby encounters via a dating app
- Frances Li portrays Vanessa, who becomes Seth’s girlfriend and later fiancée
- Joe Tuttle acts as Glenn, Libby’s editor
Guest
- Juani Feliz as Alejandra Lopez, a Broadway performer and client of Rachel
- Zack Robidas plays Rick Hertz, husband of Roxanne
- Tara Summers appears as Tess, one of Toby’s short-term romantic partners
- Michael Gaston acts as Dr. Bartuck, Toby’s superior at the hospital
- J. Smith-Cameron portrays Barbara Hiller, Toby’s divorce attorney
- Christian Slater appears as Archer Sylvan, an author associated with Libby’s former magazine
Development
On September 12, 2019, ABC Signature acquired the rights to adapt the novel Fleishman Is in Trouble following a competitive bidding process involving ten studios. The project was developed for FX, with author Taffy Brodesser-Akner attached to write and executive produce alongside Susannah Grant, Carl Beverly, and Sarah Timberman. On March 11, 2021, the series was officially ordered as a nine-episode limited series, slated to premiere exclusively on Hulu under the FX on Hulu banner.
Brodesser-Akner expressed excitement about expanding her narrative through collaboration with key partners to delve into intricate themes surrounding marriage and midlife.
On August 13, 2021, FX Networks revealed that directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris—known for Little Miss Sunshine—would direct several episodes.
The limited series debuted on November 17, 2022, with the initial two episodes released simultaneously and subsequent installments airing weekly.
Casting
In November 2021, Lizzy Caplan and Jesse Eisenberg were confirmed as series regulars, marking their second project together following Now You See Me 2. By January 2022, Claire Danes and Adam Brody also joined the main cast, while Maxim Jasper Swinton and Meara Mahoney Gross were brought on in recurring roles. The following month, Joy Suprano was added to the recurring lineup. In March 2022, the cast expanded further with Michael Gaston, Ralph Adriel Johnson, and Brian Miskell taking on recurring parts. April 2022 saw the announcement of Christian Slater and Josh Radnor joining as recurring actors.
Filming
Principal photography commenced in New York City by February 2022.
Critical response
Annie Berke from The A.V. Club awarded the miniseries an A− grade, commenting, "These eight episodes and their characters strive admirably, and Fleishman's effort surpasses many others." Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times gave it a 3 out of 4 stars rating, commending the strong ensemble cast—including Eisenberg, Danes, Caplan, and Brody—for effectively utilizing their talents.
Ross Douthat of The New York Times emphasized the series’ examination of social class distinctions within today’s meritocracy, the drive for merit-based success, and marriage as a tool for social mobility. The show depicts the "privileged anxiety" experienced by affluent individuals encountering lifestyle inflation alongside the insecurities tied to wealth. Caitlin Moscatello from The Cut provided a comparable interpretation.
Accolades
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Casting for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie | Laura Rosenthal and Jodi Angstreich | Template:Nom | ||
| Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Contemporary Costumes | Leah Katznelson, Angel Peart, Katie Novello, Deidre Wegner, Anne Newton-Harding (for "Me-Time") | Template:Nom | ||
| 39th Artios Awards | Outstanding Achievement in Casting – Limited Series | Jodi Angstriech, Laura Rosenthal, Tracy Kaczorowski | Template:Nom |
External links
- Articles with short description
- American drama miniseries of the 2020s
- American television series debuts in 2022
- American television series conclusions in 2022
- English-language American television programs
- FX on Hulu original series
- Jewish American television productions
- Television series focused on divorce
- ABC Signature Studios television productions
- Television series set during 2016
- Television programs exploring midlife crises
- Television adaptations of American novels
- Television series filmed in NYC
- Television shows located in Manhattan
- Television shows set in New Jersey
- FX on Hulu original programming