Gaslit: Everything we know about the scandalous new TV series, starring Julia Roberts

If our favourite TV shows have taught us anything, it’s that we can’t resist a scandal. And Gaslit, a new TV series starring Julia Roberts, tells the story behind the original scandal: Watergate. 

Based on the untold stories and forgotten characters from Leon Neyfakh’s podcast Slow Burn, the political thriller will depict the infamous Watergate scandal of  1972, examining the relationship between Martha and John Mitchell (a socialite and President Richard Nixon’s Attorney General, played by Julia Roberts and Sean Penn) as well as the events that culminated in the break-in of the Watergate Office Building.

What is Gaslit about?

The mini-series is based on the scandalous true story set during Richard Nixon’s presidency. The episodes focus on Richard Nixon’s subordinates and the whistle-blowers who brought the entire enterprise down.

The story follows socialite Martha Mitchell and Nixon’s Attorney General, John Mitchell and how she eventually becomes a huge detriment to his career. Martha was outspoken and not slow in coming forwards when sharing the stories of the corruption of the party and the truth of cover-ups from the White House. The President, by all accounts, then creates a plan to silence Martha, but this only causes tensions as John must choose between his very important job and his wife.

What was the Watergate Scandal?

The Watergate scandal is arguably what led to President Nixon’s resignation from the US government. It was a series of coverups from the White House and Nixon, including the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate complex of Washington D.C on June 17, 1972.

Five burglars were found by police in the complex and four of the five were identified as former CIA agents who had worked against Fidel Castro in Cuba. The fifth was the Security Chief of the committee who re-elects the president (nicknamed the Creep).

Facing impeachment for his role in covering up the scandal, Nixon became the only U.S president to resign. This was his only move left as his constituents had concerns about his ethics and because he could have been charged and removed from office with force.

Who is Martha Mitchell?

Martha Mitchell was born to a cotton maker and teacher, in 1918 in rural Arkansas. She was originally married in 1942 to Clyde Jennings US Army Officer, Clyde Jennings and had one son but separated in 1956.

A year later, Mitchell had met and married bond lawyer and partner of a New York firm, John Mitchell. The couple moved to D.C to support his new career.

She earned the nickname of ‘mouth of the south’ as she was known to speak her mind and often raised controversial opinions to the press. During Nixon’s administration, she became one of the most famous faces and the couple seemed to be very close friends to the president.

However, Martha was arguably the reason for Nixon’s decline as she was the one who leaked the White House’s ‘corruption’ to the press. It’s thought that Nixon blamed Martha for the Watergate scandal.

Who stars in Gaslit?

Well, there’s Julia Roberts (no biggie) who will play Martha Mitchell. She’ll also be joined by Sean Penn, in the role of President Nixon’s Attorney General; Dan Stevens, Betty Gilpin, Darby Camp, Shea Whigham, Allison Tolman, Nat Foxon, and Chris Connor. 

What have fans said about Gaslit?

People are already gripped by Gaslit, with many praising the great cast and noting how important it is for women to share stories and speak out for what is right. The Silenced No More Foundation, tweeted, “Martha Marshall, who was one of the first #whistleblowers around #Watergate, is now front-and-center in the new @Starz drama, #Gaslit. It is important to keep sharing the stories of courageous female whistleblowers to empower other women to speak out for what’s right.”