Young Paul Newman and an even younger Joanne Woodward set out for stardom in the 1950s; she finds early success as he, a married father of three, struggles to find his way -- until they fatefully cross paths backstage during a production of "Picnic."
As they go public with their relationship, newlyweds Paul and Joanne find success together; but as the pressures of marriage and motherhood mount, Joanne's career is put on hold, while Paul's stardom rises to new heights.
In the 1960s, Paul achieves international celebrity through roles in "Cool Hand Luke" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"; Paul transforms into both a Hollywood heartthrob and a serious actor; Joanne emerges from retirement to star in "Rachel."
In the late 1960s, Paul begins to advocate for social justice; at home, Joanne is forced to juggle Paul's drinking problem and alleged infidelities with her career-defining role in "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds."
Paul's alcoholism causes Joanne to deliver an ultimatum; as the couple works on their relationship, Paul and Joanne find success; soon, a temporary peace is shattered by a shocking family tragedy and Paul's subsequent involvement in race car driving.
In the wake of their son's death, Joanne enters a career renaissance while Paul dives deeper into the high-stakes world of car racing; the couple find solace in charitable work through their company Newman's Own and enter their twilight years.
