Hail to the chief: Sean Penn.
The Oscar winner will play President Andrew Jackson in American Lion, HBO’s miniseries adaptation of Jon Meacham’s Jackson biography.
The six-hour project — which goes into production in 2016 — chronicles Jackson’s life and political career, including the death of his wife and his fight against Congress to preserve the Union.
Penn will executive-produce American Lion alongside Narcos creators Doug Miro and Carlo Bernard, who also will pen the script.
Ready for more of today’s newsy nuggets? Well…
* NBC’s midseason dramedy You, Me and the Apocalypse (fka You, Me and the End of the World, fka Apocalypse) will premiere Thursday, Jan. 28, at 8/7c, the network announced Thursday. Starring Rob Lowe (The Grinder), Jenna Fischer (The Office) and Megan Mullally (Will & Grace), the series follows an eclectic group of seemingly unconnected characters whose lives intersect during the last days of mankind.
* Comedienne Margaret Cho — who has appeared as a guest on Fashion Police — will join the E! series as a permanent co-host when it returns in 2016.
* VICE‘s 18-episode fourth season will debut Friday, Feb. 5, at 11/10c on HBO.
* NBC will air an encore of Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors on Christmas Day at 9/8c.
* Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 23, at midnight, Science Channel will air every MythBusters episode ever, in chronological order, as part of its Holiday Mega Marathon.
