Aired: 7/21/2022
In the early 1950s, aspiring actors Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward meet as understudies on Broadway, sparking two of Hollywood’s most iconic careers and a decades long love story. There’s just one problem: Paul is already married.
Finally able to go public as newlyweds, Paul and Joanne experience the ups and downs of Hollywood. Later, as the pressures of motherhood cause Joanne to take a step back from the limelight, Paul finds his star on the rise.
Through films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Paul achieves international renown alongside his status as Hollywood’s leading heartthrob. Later, Joanne emerges from semi-retirement to star in Paul’s directorial debut.
While films such as The Sting and Winning further bolster both Paul and Joanne’s careers, the couple grows more outspoken about social justice issues, but troubles at home threaten their marriage and family life.
As Paul’s alcoholism continues to wreak havoc on their marriage, Joanne gives her husband an ultimatum – get sober or get out. Later, a personal tragedy causes Paul to dive headfirst into a dangerous hobby…racecar driving.
In the wake of their son’s death, Paul and Joanne channel their grief into charitable work through Newman’s Own. While Paul and Joanne each undergo a career renaissance, it is their love story that is their most enduring legacy.
