American Rust (2021)
A gritty Rust Belt crime drama following a morally conflicted Pennsylvania police chief forced to choose between justice and the people he loves.
American Rust - Series Information
- Original Title: American Rust
- First Air Year: 2021
- Last Air Year: 2024
- Created by: Dan Futterman, Philipp Meyer
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 19
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 12, 2021 (United States - TV-MA), September 12, 2021 (Canada - 18+), September 12, 2021 (United Kingdom - 18), September 12, 2021 (France - 12), September 12, 2021 (Australia - MA 15+), September 12, 2021 (Brazil - 16), September 12, 2021 (Italy - VM12), September 12, 2021 (Spain - 16), September 12, 2021 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: Showtime, Prime Video, Amazon Freevee
- Alternative Titles: 美国之锈 (CN), Rust (US)
- Production Companies: Showtime Networks, SouthSlope Pictures, Boat Rocker Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America
American Rust - Plot
A compelling family drama and a timeless story told through the eyes of complicated and compromised chief of police Del Harris of a Pennsylvania Rust Belt town full of good people making bad choices.
American Rust - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at the world of American Rust:
Trust • Revenge • Redemption
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American Rust - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Dan Futterman
- Philipp Meyer
Main Cast
- Jeff Daniels
- Maura Tierney
- David Alvarez
- Alex Neustaedter
- Julia Mayorga
- Bill Camp
- Mark Pellegrino
- Emily Davis
- Joe Fishel
- Gordon Clapp
Writers
- Adam Rapp
- Jessica Brickman
- Álvaro Rodríguez
- Ted Malawer
- Jaquén Castellanos
Executive Producers
- Michael De Luca
- Elisa Ellis
- Jeff Daniels
- Dan Futterman
American Rust - FAQs
Is American Rust based on a true story?
American Rust is based on Philipp Meyer's acclaimed 2009 debut novel of the same name, which drew on his own experiences living in post-industrial Pennsylvania. While not based on a single real event, the novel and series are deeply rooted in the authentic social and economic realities of America's declining Rust Belt communities.
Why was American Rust cancelled after two seasons?
Showtime cancelled American Rust after its second season, subtitled Broken Justice, in 2024. The cancellation followed the show's move from Showtime to Amazon Freevee for its second run, reflecting shifting audience numbers and the broader consolidation of streaming platforms under Paramount and Amazon's respective portfolios.
What is American Rust about?
Set in a struggling Pennsylvania Rust Belt town, the series follows Del Harris, a morally conflicted police chief played by Jeff Daniels, who must choose between upholding the law and protecting the people he loves after a local murder implicates the son of his girlfriend. It's a slow-burn drama about loyalty, sacrifice, and community decay.
Where can you stream American Rust?
American Rust is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. You can also watch it free with ads through Amazon Prime Video's ad-supported tier. If you prefer to own it, episodes are available to buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Who plays Del Harris in American Rust?
Jeff Daniels plays Detective Del Harris, the morally compromised police chief at the heart of the series. Daniels also served as an executive producer on the show. His portrayal of a man torn between justice and personal loyalty earned considerable praise, with critics highlighting his understated intensity throughout both seasons.
How many seasons and episodes does American Rust have?
American Rust ran for two seasons totalling 19 episodes. Season 1 consisted of 9 episodes, while Season 2, subtitled Broken Justice, expanded to 10 episodes. The series was cancelled in 2024 following the conclusion of its second season, leaving the story without a planned continuation.
How was American Rust received by critics?
Critical reception was mixed but respectful. Reviewers consistently praised Jeff Daniels' performance and the show's atmospheric depiction of post-industrial America, while some found the pacing deliberately slow. The second season, Broken Justice, was seen as a stronger, more focused effort that deepened the characters and sharpened the drama's moral tensions.
What are similar shows to American Rust?
If American Rust resonates with you, consider The Leftovers for its brooding small-town atmosphere, Tin Star for morally complex law enforcement drama, or Long Bright River for a similarly gritty, character-driven crime story set in a struggling American community. Aquarius and Interrogation also offer compelling procedural storytelling with strong dramatic underpinnings.
More About American Rust
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