‘American Hostage’ Episode 3 Release Date, Time and Where to Watch Jon Hamm’s Standoff

Jon Hamm is set to return to the Indianapolis radio booth on MGM+, and fans are eager to know when the third episode of ‘American Hostage’ will be available. The thriller kicks off with a two-episode premiere, making the third episode the first true weekly test of the series’ ability to maintain its suspense.

Here’s everything you need to know about the release date, streaming time, where to watch, and what early reports suggest is coming next.

The first season consists of eight episodes, releasing weekly on Sundays following a double premiere on September 20. With two episodes available at launch, the third episode will air on the following Sunday, September 27. A JustWatch listing for the MGM+ Roku Premium Channel confirms the September 27 availability date.

This weekly release pattern will continue until the season finale on November 1. With only eight hours to unfold the story, the third episode arrives at a crucial moment as the standoff intensifies.

The premiere is set for a Sunday night, with the first two episodes launching on September 20, followed by new episodes each week until November 1.

The initial two episodes will be available on MGM+ at 10 p.m. on September 20. This late Sunday slot is currently the only confirmed time, so it’s reasonable to expect that subsequent episodes will also drop at this time.

Since the exact time zone isn’t specified, it’s advisable to check your MGM+ app or the platform’s schedule before planning your viewing. Streaming release times can vary by region, and no information suggests otherwise for this series.

With a weekly schedule rather than a full binge drop, each episode has time to resonate with viewers. This format suits a narrative centered around a ticking clock, where each interaction between reporter and captor can spark a week’s worth of speculation.

‘American Hostage’ is exclusively available on MGM+, meaning you’ll need an active subscription to watch the weekly episodes. There are no free options or competing platforms currently available.

If you prefer to subscribe via a device channel, you can do so through the MGM+ Roku Premium Channel.

If you find it listed as unavailable in your search, don’t worry. TV Guide currently indicates that the series is not yet available for streaming, encouraging viewers to add it to their watchlist for notifications. This status should change once the premiere airs.

As for what to expect in the third episode, no specific synopsis has been released yet, keeping the plot details under wraps. However, we know the story is based on a real event from February 8, 1977, when Tony Kiritsis kidnapped mortgage broker Richard Hall, wiring a shotgun to his neck. The standoff lasted 63 hours and became a national media sensation before Kiritsis surrendered and Hall was released unharmed.

On screen, this intense situation unfolds through Hamm’s character, Fred Heckman, who communicates with Kiritsis, often live on air, becoming a pivotal negotiator. Alongside him, FBI agent Cormac McNally, portrayed by Jonathan Tucker, uses Fred to manage Tony, even as Fred begins to empathize with his perspective. Mireille Enos plays Fred’s wife Barbara, who develops a bond with the hostage’s wife due to their shared ordeal.

Critics have mixed feelings about the series. IndieWire praised the period details and Hamm’s performance reminiscent of Don Draper, though they described the drama as tepid. The Playlist criticized the series for being overstuffed. In contrast, RogerEbert.com found it to be an effective true crime narrative. If you were in Fred Heckman’s position when Tony Kiritsis demanded airtime, would you have complied, and where would you have drawn the line as the standoff continued?