The scoop: The heartfelt drama starring Tom Hanks as the iconic children's show star gives us a peek into the real-life friendship that bloomed between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod (The Americans star Matthew Rhys). The true story recounts how the jaded magazine writer sent to do a story on Rogers and his beloved TV series in Pittsburgh began to form a bond with Fred, hearing his lessons on overcoming cynicism in favor of kindness and empathy, ultimately transforming both of their lives.