HBO is set to introduce a new character to its roster, as the renowned comedy “Oh, Mary!” makes its way to the channel, bringing with it the captivating figure of Mary Todd Lincoln. The adaptation of this award-winning theatre production has generated significant excitement, with its television debut scheduled for 2027.
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The announcement was showcased through a delightful teaser featuring the show’s star, Cole Escola, who will reprise the role of Mary Todd Lincoln. The special was filmed during a live performance of “Oh, Mary!” at London’s Trafalgar Theatre on 28 July 2026, a highlight in Escola’s theatrical career.
In a whimsical promotional video, Escola, adorned in their extravagant costume that embodies a boozy, cabaret-influenced interpretation of the former First Lady, makes an amusing entrance at the HBO Max offices. “Hello. I would like to do my play here, please,” they request. The receptionist in the clip turns out to be none other than Sarah Jessica Parker, who notably offers encouragement, while Cynthia Nixon also makes a surprise appearance with a glass of water. The moment offers fans a playful nod to Parker and Nixon’s history together as co-stars on the iconic series “Sex and the City.”
The filmed performance for HBO is not just a routine capture but a significant affair, showcasing Escola’s acclaimed portrayal amid the vibrant atmosphere of the West End. Directed by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton, who has been at the helm of the production since its inception, the filmed version aims to encapsulate the energy and brilliance of the live show. Alongside Escola, original cast members such as Bianca Leigh and Tony Macht will also reprise their roles, ensuring that the essence of the theatrical experience is preserved.
Escola expressed enthusiasm about bringing “Oh, Mary!” to a broader audience, stating, “I’m so happy to share this show with a wider audience and spread Oh, Mary! awareness.” This sentiment reflects a broader goal of allowing more viewers to engage with the unique vision of Mary Todd Lincoln as a character.
In parallel, Pinkleton shared his own nostalgia about the significance of filmed stage productions, recalling how he fell in love with theatre by watching recordings of shows like “Cats” and “Into the Woods.” He expressed his delight at the opportunity to preserve Escola’s work for audiences who may not have the chance to see it live. He remarked, “I’m giddy that the genius of original idiot Cole Escola will now be immortalised on televisions across America and beyond.”
HBO’s Vice President of Programming, Nina Rosenstein, commended the show as “80 minutes of meticulously choreographed chaos,” recognising Escola’s creative prowess. “Oh, Mary!” is described as a comedy that feels distinctly original while appearing effortless, a feat that has garnered attention from both critics and audiences.
At its core, “Oh, Mary!” offers a fresh and humorous perspective on Mary Todd Lincoln during a turbulent time in her life. The narrative follows her as a discontented and hard-drinking aspirant for a cabaret career, desperate to escape her life as the First Lady in the weeks leading up to President Abraham Lincoln’s tragic assassination. The production’s journey began downtown in January 2024, later finding a home on Broadway, where it made headlines by grossing over $1 million in a week—the first in the Lyceum Theatre’s long history to do so.
Following its Broadway run, during which Escola received a Tony Award for their stellar performance, the show made a triumphant transition to the West End in December 2025. There, it continued to flourish, winning the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and securing accolades for its supporting cast.
In the meantime, preparations for a North American tour are underway, led by established entertainers including RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars winner Alaska Thunderf— 5000. The enthusiasm surrounding “Oh, Mary!” continues to build as its premiere on HBO approaches, promising to introduce the remarkable story of Mary Todd Lincoln to an even wider audience.
With the filming of “Oh, Mary!” capturing the vibrancy of its live performances, audiences can anticipate an engaging and thought-provoking experience when it arrives on HBO and streams on HBO Max in 2027.