What is Fellow Travelers about?

Fellow Travelers is an American historical romance political thriller television miniseries that intertwines the personal and political spheres, exploring the intricate relationship between its protagonists, Hawkins Fuller and Timothy Laughlin. The narrative traverses several decades, beginning during the height of the McCarthy era's Lavender Scare in the 1950s, a time noted for its intense scrutiny and persecution of homosexuals in government positions. Hawkins Fuller, portrayed by Matt Bomer, is depicted as a charming and ambitious World War II veteran and State Department official who is cautious about his sexual identity. Jonathan Bailey's character, Tim Laughlin, completes the heart of this story, as a young, idealistic congressional staffer who becomes romantically involved with Hawkins. Their journey together is marked by the challenges they face both within themselves and from the world around them, including the Vietnam War protests, the exuberant yet perilous disco culture of the 1970s, and the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. Fellow Travelers, premiering on Showtime and released on Paramount+, is inspired by the novel of the same name by Thomas Mallon. It stands out for its poignant portrayal of a secret romance that strengthens and combusts amidst the seismic shifts of American political and social history, offering viewers a glimpse into a personal realm deeply affected by the public zeitgeist.

The first episode of Fellow Travelers aired on October 29, 2023 and the most recent episode to air was on December 17, 2023.