Plot Synopsis

Based on Thomas Mallon's novel of the same name, FELLOW TRAVELERS is an eight-episode limited series that's both an epic love story and a political thriller. Hawkins Fuller maintains a financially rewarding, behind-the-scenes career in politics, where he avoids emotional entanglements -- until he meets Tim Laughlin, a young man who's brimming with idealism and religious faith. They begin a romance just as Joseph McCarthy and Roy Cohn declare war on "subversives and sexual deviants," initiating one of the darkest periods in 20th-century American history. Over the course of four decades, the series follows the story's five main characters -- Hawk, Tim, Marcus, Lucy, and Frankie -- as they cross paths through the Vietnam War protests of the 1960s, the drug-fueled disco hedonism of the 1970s and the AIDS crisis of the 1980s while facing obstacles in the world and within themselves. Episodes include:

"You're Wonderful" (Sunday, October 29, 2023 on Showtime; preview on Friday, October 27, 2023 on Paramount+): In 1950s Washington, Hawkins Fuller is a war hero moving up the ladder at the State Department, flirting with women while enjoying clandestine sex with men and avoiding emotional entanglements. Everything changes when Hawk meets religious Tim Laughlin: they begin an affair that puts them in jeopardy. In 1986, married Hawk receives a mysterious package and decides he must see Tim.

"Bulletproof" (Sunday, November 5, 2023 on Showtime; preview on Friday, November 3, 2023 on Paramount+): When the State Department begins investigations into suspected homosexuals, Hawk distances himself from Tim, who questions his faith. Hawk's colleague Mary comes under suspicion. Journalist Marcus loses his job after a dispute with Roy Cohn but is comforted by drag performer Frankie. Needing cover, Hawk draws closer to Lucy Smith. In 1980s San Francisco, Hawk observes gay life in the AIDS crisis when Tim's sister forbids him to see Tim.

"Hit Me" (Sunday, November 12, 2023 on Showtime; preview on Friday, November 10, 2023 on Paramount+): Hawk and Tim go on a road trip that turns sour when Tim realizes Hawk is using the trip to dig up dirt on Senator Smith's enemies. Marcus and Frankie's encounter with a racist bouncer nearly tears them apart. Roy is desperate to keep David from being drafted and Jean Kerr questions McCarthy's masculinity. In 1980s San Francisco, Tim withholds forgiveness until a medical emergency gives Hawk a chance to prove he's worthy of it.

"Your Nuts Roasting on an Open Fire" (Sunday, November 19, 2023 on Showtime; preview on Friday, November 17, 2023 on Paramount+): As the government's purge of homosexuals continues, Hawk faces a polygraph test about his sex life and publicly courts Lucy while involving Tim in a desperate plot to destroy McCarthy and Cohn. Marcus makes peace with his attraction to Frankie's feminine persona. David has been drafted and Roy threatens to destroy the Army. In 1980s San Francisco, Hawk meets Marcus and Frankie's adopted son and Tim recruits Hawk to help his AIDS activist group.

"Promise You Won't Write" (Sunday, November 26, 2023): Roy Cohn's obsession with David Schine leads to the televised Army-McCarthy hearings and national scandal as McCarthy's allies attack Senator Smith, threatening to expose family secrets. Hawk tries to protect Smith while hiding his secret life from Lucy, although a tragedy brings them closer. Marcus must decide between his love for Frankie and his new job at the Post. Exposed to McCarthy's -- and Hawk's -- true natures, Tim makes a life-changing decision about his future.

"Beyond Measure" (Sunday, December 3, 2023): It's 1968 and Tim's an anti-war protester sought by the FBI. Hawk and Lucy have a settled life, two children and a country house -- the perfect spot for Tim to hide. Out of touch for years, Hawk wants Tim back in his life and Tim -- on his way to becoming a priest -- can't resist Hawk's charms. Marcus puts aside his career to care for his aged father while denying himself romance. Frankie becomes a counselor for "girls" left behind by society.

"White Nights" (Sunday, December 10, 2023): It's 1979 and Tim, now a social worker in San Francisco, travels to Fire Island where he suspects Hawk is drinking himself to death after a family tragedy. Hawk takes Tim on a tour of "gay paradise," indulging in dancing, drugs and unbridled sex until things take a dark turn. In San Francisco, Marcus and Frankie are drawn into the explosion of gay rage prompted by the verdict in Dan White's murder trial. Hawk's adult daughter, Kimberly, challenges Lucy to share the truth about her marriage.

"Make It Easy" (Sunday, December 17, 2023): In 1957, Hawk and Tim reunite at Senator McCarthy's funeral and try, one last time, to find a way to be together, but the pressures of impending fatherhood may force Hawk to commit an act of betrayal. In San Francisco, in 1986, Hawk seeks redemption, seeing Tim through a medical crisis and facing Lucy, who arrives with an ultimatum. Marcus and Frankie are stunned by news concerning their adopted son, Jerome. Tim makes a wrenching decision that will change Hawk's life forever.