The series is a gay romance and political thriller set in McCarthy-era Washington.

Showtime has given Fellow Travelers the green light. The series, starring and exec produced by out actor Matt Bomer is based on the Thomas Mallon novel by the same name.

What We Know About the Series

The story follows the lives of Hawkins Fuller (Bomer) and Tim Laughlin in a classic example of opposites attract. Fuller is a handsome, charismatic man with a stable political career and no interest in romance. Laughlin, on the other hand, is a highly religious man who prefers idealism over practicality.

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The two enter into a romance. However, their love is tested by societal obstacles like Senator Joseph McCarthy’s prosecutions of homosexuals. The couple also must brave the Vietnam War protests of the 60s, the sexual revolution of the 70s, and the AIDS crisis of the 80s.

Telling Yesterday’s Stories Today

The eight-part limited series was created by Oscar nominee Ron Nyswane (Philidelphia) and directed by Daniel Minahan (Halston). The two will also exec produce alongside Robbie Rogers and Bomer.

Jana Winograde, co-president of entertainment for Showtime Networks, said telling stories like Fellow Travelers is as urgent today as ever.

“The series delivers us directly into an insider world of Washington rife with national consequences while drawing out the intimate moments that are profoundly personal and often heartbreaking,” she said. “We are beyond thrilled to have Ron, Matt, Robbie, and Daniel take us on this suspenseful and romantic journey.”

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This is Matt Bomer’s second producer credit following his work on the TV series White Collar, which also starred Bomer as criminal consultant Neal Caffrey. In addition to Fellow Travelers, Bomer will also act in Echoes, a Netflix limited series, and in the feature film Maestro with Bradley Cooper.

Fellow Travelers will go into production in Toronto in July.