Jon Hamm Opens Up About The Morning Show, Landman, Comedy Plans, and the Challenges Behind His Most Demanding Roles

Jon Hamm recently sat down to discuss his expanding lineup of television and film roles, sharing candid thoughts on joining established casts, portraying ultra-wealthy characters, and navigating the emotional toll of certain performances. He also reflected on standout collaborations, upcoming projects, and his continued interest in full-on comedy.

Hamm explained that stepping into an already successful series like The Morning Show doesn’t change his process, though it does bring a sense of pressure. He said that when a show is thriving, the goal is to be value-added rather than the actor who arrives late in a series and derails its momentum.

He mentioned that on Mad Men, the introduction of actors like Jared Harris showed how fresh additions can elevate a show instead of upsetting its chemistry. Hamm said he focuses on doing what he was hired to do, which is to perform at a high level without trying to reshape himself to match the show’s existing tone.

When asked about playing characters with extreme wealth—which includes his Morning Show character Paul Marks—Hamm emphasized that he never judges a character while portraying them. He referenced Don Draper as a prime example of a character riddled with questionable moral choices, noting that the same rule applied to creating Paul Marks and his character Coop from Your Friends & Neighbors.

Hamm pointed out that many wealthy characters he has played live with internal conflict, especially when dealing with the excesses and pressures of their lifestyles. He described how Landman explores the high-risk world of wildcatting and oil exploration, referencing Monty’s arc and the show’s themes about family and the fleeting nature of material success.

He shared which actors from The Morning Show he wishes he could have worked with more, naming Marion Cotillard and Holland Taylor. Hamm said he admires their work and noted that with a cast this deep—including talents like Boyd Holbrook and William Jackson Harper—it’s impossible for every character to share meaningful screen time.

Hamm also talked about the few moments in his career when he felt truly starstruck. Two roles stood out clearly for him: working with Tom Cruise on Top Gun: Maverick and Jeff Bridges on Bad Times at the El Royale. He called both actors major figures in his personal “superstar echelon.”

On the current state of television, Hamm said he goes wherever the most interesting work is—whether that’s features, TV, animation, or even podcast adaptations. He believes audiences are living in an excellent era for what used to simply be called “TV,” thanks to the range of platforms and formats now available.

When discussing his most emotionally draining roles, Hamm immediately referenced Fargo, which he filmed in Calgary during a harsh winter while separated from his family. The isolation, combined with the darkness of the character, made it one of his toughest jobs, though he still feels proud of the final product.

Finally, Hamm confirmed that he’s absolutely open to joining a full-on comedy series if the right opportunity appears. He recalled his experiences on 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt as some of the most enjoyable of his career, highlighting the fun of leaning into silly, over-the-top characters—especially the escalating absurdity of his recurring role on 30 Rock.

The latest season of The Morning Show is currently streaming on Apple TV+, and fans can expect to see Hamm continue exploring a blend of dramatic depth and comedic unpredictability in his future projects.