Feud (TV series)

Feud (TV series). *Feud* is an American anthology series created by Ryan Murphy that dramatizes famous historical conflicts and rivalries. The first season, subtitled Bette and Joan, chronicles the bitter rivalry between Hollywood legends Bette Davis and Joan Crawford during the making of the 1962 film What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?. The second season, Capote vs. The Swans, explores the fallout after author Truman Capote published excerpts from his unfinished novel, revealing the secrets of his high-society friends, a group of wealthy New York women known as the Swans.

Premise and format

Each season of the series functions as a self-contained narrative focusing on a specific, well-documented interpersonal or cultural conflict. The format employs a nonlinear narrative structure, often using flashbacks and documentary-style interviews with characters to provide context and commentary. The premiere season examines the intense professional and personal animosity between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, set against the backdrop of the declining studio system in 1960s Hollywood. The second installment shifts to the Upper East Side of 1970s New York City, detailing how Truman Capote's betrayal in Esquire magazine shattered his relationships with socialites like Babe Paley and Slim Keith.

Cast and characters

The series features acclaimed actors portraying real-life figures. The first season starred Jessica Lange as Joan Crawford, Susan Sarandon as Bette Davis, and Alfred Molina as director Robert Aldrich. Key supporting roles included Stanley Tucci as studio head Jack L. Warner, Judy Davis as gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, and Jackie Hoffman as Crawford's housekeeper, Mamacita. For the second season, Tom Hollander portrayed Truman Capote, with the ensemble of "Swans" including Naomi Watts as Babe Paley, Diane Lane as Slim Keith, Chloë Sevigny as C. Z. Guest, and Calista Flockhart as Lee Radziwill. Molly Ringwald appeared as author Joanne Carson.

Production

The series was created by Ryan Murphy as part of his overall deal with 20th Television for broadcast on the FX network. Murphy, along with frequent collaborators like Jaffe Cohen and Michael Zam, developed the concept to explore themes of fame, aging, and resentment. The first season was largely filmed in Los Angeles, with meticulous recreations of historic sites like the Pantages Theatre and the Academy Awards ceremony. The second season filmed in New York City and Long Island, with production design aiming to capture the opulent aesthetic of the Jet set. Jon Robin Baitz served as the primary showrunner for the second season.

Episodes

The first season, Bette and Joan, consists of eight episodes, premiering in March 2017 and concluding in April 2017. Notable episodes include the premiere, "Pilot," which establishes the collaboration on What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, and "And the Winner Is…," which dramatizes the 34th Academy Awards where Joan Crawford allegedly campaigned against Bette Davis. The second season, Capote vs. The Swans, also comprises eight episodes, airing from January to April 2024. Its narrative arc spans from Capote's peak popularity after In Cold Blood to his social exile and decline following the publication of "La Côte Basque, 1965."

Reception

The first season received widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise directed at the performances of Jessica Lange and Susan Sarandon. Reviewers from publications like The New York Times and The Hollywood Reporter lauded its stylish production and incisive commentary on misogyny in Old Hollywood. The second season garnered more mixed reviews, though performances by Tom Hollander and Naomi Watts were consistently highlighted. Critics noted the season's lavish attention to period detail but debated the depth of its character exploration compared to the first installment.

Awards and nominations

The series has received numerous accolades, primarily for its first season. It earned 18 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including for Outstanding Limited Series. Jessica Lange won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, and the series also won awards for hairstyling and makeup. Both Lange and Susan Sarandon received Golden Globe Award nominations, with Lange winning the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film. The second season received nominations from the Hollywood Critics Association and the Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild.