A new television event brings a classic whodunit format to life with an impressive cast of celebrated actors. “The Artist,” a murder mystery limited series set during the Gilded Age, makes its debut this week on the streaming platform The Network. The show features a sprawling ensemble including Mandy Patinkin, Janet McTeer, and Zachary Quinto, placing historical figures like Thomas Edison and Edgar Degas at the center of a suspicious death.
Show Premise and Setting
“The Artist” is a historical fiction murder mystery that gathers an ensemble of the era’s most famous celebrities at the home of an eccentric tycoon. The lavish party takes a dark turn when the host dies under mysterious circumstances, setting the stage for a classic whodunit. The series is set during the Gilded Age, a period of rapid industrialization and vast wealth in the United States, providing a backdrop of extreme opulence and hidden tensions.
Creator Aram Rappaport serves as the show’s writer, executive producer, and director. The production filmed in late 2024 in Connecticut, which stands in for the luxurious estates of the time period. The series represents one of the higher-profile original productions for The Network, a U.S.-based streaming platform that offers a mix of original and acquired content supported by advertisements.
Full Cast and Character Details
The series boasts a deep roster of talented actors, though the specific historical figures they are portraying have not been fully detailed in available sources. The confirmed main cast includes:
- Mandy Patinkin as a key character in the ensemble.
- Janet McTeer in a leading role.
- Danny Huston as part of the main cast.
- Zachary Quinto appearing in the series.
- Patti LuPone joining the cast.
- Hank Azaria also featured among the principals.
Additional cast members were announced in December 2024, including Katharine McPhee and Jill Hennessy, further expanding the show’s star power. The characters are a collection of the era’s celebrities and influential personalities, all present at the tycoon’s estate when the murder occurs.
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Release Schedule and How to Watch
“The Artist” is debuting on The Network, with a unique release strategy. The series premieres in two distinct parts:
- The first three episodes will be released on Wednesday, November 27, 2025.
- The final three episodes will then be released on Wednesday, December 25, 2025.
The Network is a free, ad-supported streaming platform that launched in the U.S. in May 2024. It is accessible through its website and apps on various streaming devices. Unlike subscription services, viewers do not need to create an account or pay a fee to watch content, as the platform is supported by advertising.
Global audiences will also have access to the series, as the international rights were purchased by Fifth Season in March 2025, handling distribution outside the United States.
The Network’s Growing Original Content
“The Artist” is a significant addition to The Network’s expanding slate of original programming. The platform launched earlier in 2024 with the series “The Green Veil,” starring John Leguizamo, which was already renewed for a second season. By releasing new original titles every month, The Network is establishing itself in the competitive streaming landscape. The success of “The Artist” could mark an important step for the independent streaming service, demonstrating its ability to attract top-tier acting talent and produce high-concept period dramas.
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