What TV shows are you watching these days? Jon Hamm’s new TV series, Your Friends & Neighbors, starts tomorrow…
Doesn’t the trailer look fun? Hamm plays a hedge fund manager, newly divorced and jobless, who starts stealing from his rich neighbors’ homes to maintain his family’s lifestyle.
I have a funny jewelry thief story (as one does): In my twenties, I worked for a magazine called Topic, where we’d interview people who were connected to each issue’s topic (for example, a competitive hot dog eater for the “Food” issue). For our “Sin” issue, I reached out to a jewelry thief, Bill Mason, who had just gotten out of jail. Similar to Jon Hamm’s character, he had charmed his way into high society and then stolen more than $35 million worth of jewelry from people he met at parties, including Phyllis Diller, Bob Hope, and Truman Capote. (!!!) My interview with him was intense: the day after I’d left a voice message for him, he called me back while I was walking home from work in Manhattan, so I sat down on the sidewalk along First Avenue, opened my laptop, and wrote down everything he said.
So, I’m extra excited to watch this show. Will you be watching it? Anything else grabbing your attention these days?
P.S. Our Ultimate TV Guide, if you’re looking for something great, and do TV jobs seem real? We asked a doctor, chef, priest and therapist.
**Jon Hamm Stars in New Black Comedy Centered on a Jewelry Thief**
Hollywood leading man Jon Hamm is set to return to the big screen in a bold new role that blends dark humor with high-stakes crime. The Emmy-winning actor, best known for his portrayal of suave advertising executive Don Draper in *Mad Men*, is taking a sharp turn in his latest project: a black comedy centered around a charming but morally ambiguous jewelry thief.
**A New Direction for Hamm**
Titled *Diamond Heist*, the film is being helmed by acclaimed indie director Marissa Caldwell, known for her offbeat storytelling and razor-sharp wit. The script, penned by screenwriter Theo Barnes (*The Misfits Club*), promises a mix of biting satire, suspenseful heist sequences, and character-driven drama.
Hamm plays Vincent “Vince” Delaney, a once-prominent gemologist who, after a spectacular fall from grace, reinvents himself as a cunning thief targeting the ultra-wealthy elite. With a dry sense of humor and a knack for manipulation, Vince navigates a world of eccentric criminals, corrupt socialites, and double-crossing partners—all while planning his most audacious heist yet.
**Plot Overview**
Set in New York City’s glittering Upper East Side, *Diamond Heist* follows Vince as he assembles a ragtag crew of misfits, including a disgraced art forger (played by Aubrey Plaza), a tech-savvy hacker with a gambling problem (Lakeith Stanfield), and a retired cat burglar with a vendetta (Kathy Bates). Together, they plot to steal a priceless diamond necklace from a billionaire heiress during a high-profile charity gala.
But as the heist unfolds, personal agendas, old grudges, and unexpected romantic entanglements threaten to derail the plan. The film explores themes of greed, identity, and redemption, all wrapped in a stylish, noir-inspired aesthetic.
**A Blend of Genres**
*Diamond Heist* is being described as a cross between *Ocean’s Eleven* and *Fargo*, combining the slick execution of a classic caper with the darkly comedic tone of a Coen Brothers film. The movie aims to subvert traditional heist tropes by focusing on flawed, deeply human characters whose motivations are as murky as their morals.
Director Marissa Caldwell shared her vision for the film in a recent interview: “I wanted to create a story where the audience isn’t sure whether to root for or against the main character. Jon brings a complexity to Vince that’s both magnetic and unsettling. You laugh with him, but you’re never quite sure if you trust him.”
**Critical Buzz and Anticipation**
The film is currently in post-production and is slated for a fall 2024 release. Early screenings have generated buzz among critics, with particular praise for Hamm’s performance, which reportedly showcases his comedic timing and dramatic depth in equal measure.
Industry insiders are already speculating that *Diamond Heist* could be a contender during awards season, especially in categories recognizing original screenplay and lead actor.
**A Career Renaissance**
For Jon Hamm, *Diamond Heist* marks another step in his post-*Mad Men* evolution. While he has appeared in a variety of roles—from comedic turns in *Bridesmaids* and *Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt* to dramatic performances in *Beirut* and *Richard Jewell*—this film allows him to fully embrace the antihero archetype in a genre that plays to his strengths.
Fans and critics alike are eager to see how Hamm’s portrayal of a morally gray protagonist will resonate with audiences. If early reactions are any indication, *Diamond Heist* could be a breakout hit that redefines his career and reinvigorates the black comedy genre.
**Conclusion**
With a stellar cast, a sharp script, and a director known for pushing boundaries, *Diamond Heist* is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of the year. Jon Hamm’s turn as a dashing yet dangerous jewelry thief promises to deliver thrills, laughs, and a few unexpected twists—making this black comedy a gem worth watching.
