Full Breakdown
Tom Francis Joins Apple TV’s Prestige Limited Series “The Off Weeks”
5/27/2026, 8:15:57 AM
Core Event
Tony Award-nominee Tom Francis has been confirmed for a recurring role in Apple TV’s eight-episode limited series *The Off Weeks*. He will portray the son of Jonathan, a character played by Richard Gere. The drama follows writing professor Gus Adler (Ben Stiller) whose post-divorce life unravels during “off weeks” when he lacks custody of his children, leading him into a dangerous relationship with Stella West (Jessica Chastain). The series contrasts these “off weeks” with “on weeks,” when Adler has custody, creating the central conflict.
Context and Creative Team
Francis’s casting follows his Olivier Award win and Tony nomination for the Broadway revival of *Sunset Boulevard*, roles that have accelerated his move into screen work, including recent appearances in Netflix’s *You* and Noah Baumbach’s *Jay Kelly*. *The Off Weeks* is led by Jessica Chastain and Ben Stiller, both serving as executive producers. Additional executive producers include Alissa Nutting (showrunner), Michael Showalter (director), John Lesher (Red Hour), Kelly Carmichael (Freckle Films), Jordana Mollick (Semi-Formal Productions), Paul Lee and Gabriel Fisher (wiip), and Dean Bakopoulos (Artists First). Supporting cast features Annaleigh Ashford, Arian Moayed, John Cho, Zoë Winters, Ravi V. Patel, Will Yun Lee and Tony Macht.
Data & Production Details
The series comprises eight episodes and is produced by Apple Studios in partnership with Red Hour, Freckle Films, Semi-Formal Productions, wiip and Artists First. Francis’s recent accolades include an Olivier Award (West End) and a Tony nomination (Broadway) for *Sunset Boulevard*.
Official Statements
Apple TV describes *The Off Weeks* as a star-driven prestige drama that examines parental responsibility and romantic entanglement after divorce, noting the series blends emotional storytelling with dark humor.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources provide only that Francis plays Jonathan’s son; no further plot details, episode breakdowns or release date have been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “, Jay Kelly) is set for a recurring role opposite Richard Gere in The Off Weeks, Apple TV‘s eight-episode limited series starring and executive produced by Jessica Chastain and Ben Stiller, from director Michael Showalter, showrunner Alissa Nutting and Apple Studios.” — Deadline, Entertainment News
- “In The Off Weeks, when divorce throws writing professor Gus Adler’s (Stiller) life into chaos, he struggles to hold things together during “on weeks” when he has custody of his kids.” when he has custody of his kids.” — Deadline, Entertainment News
- “But in his “off weeks,” he’s falling dangerously in love with Stella West (Chastain), a mysterious woman whose arrival puts Gus’ on-week duties and off-weeks ambitions on a fatal collision course.” he’s falling dangerously in love with Stella West (Chastain), a mysterious woman whose arrival puts Gus’ on-week duties and off-weeks ambitions on a fatal collision course.” — Deadline, Entertainment News
- “Francis will play Jonathan’s (Gere) son.” — HOLR Magazine, Entertainment News
What’s Next
The series is slated to premiere on Apple TV in 2026; further production updates and a specific release date are expected as the series nears completion.
