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Miniseries – John Adams

Play trailer Poster for Miniseries – John Adams Mar 2008 History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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83% Tomatometer 40 Reviews 86% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
Adapted from David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, this lavish seven-part miniseries chronicles the life of Founding Father John Adams, starting with the Boston Massacre of 1770 through his years as an ambassador in Europe, then his terms as vice president and president of the United States, up to his death on July 4, 1826.
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John Adams — Miniseries

John Adams — Miniseries

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Critics Consensus

Elegantly shot and relatively educational, John Adams is a worthy addition to the genre -- though its casting leaves something to be desired.

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Critics Reviews

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Geordie Gray The Australian 02/24/2024
It’s the perfect, dishy historical drama... Go to Full Review James Poniewozik TIME Magazine 05/22/2018
The miniseries' best move in demythologizing the founding of America is John Adams himself. Giamatti makes him an intelligent but pugilistic workaday politician. Go to Full Review Nicole Jackson Guardian 05/21/2018
While the series is visually striking, it is not beautiful - and it's all the better for that. Go to Full Review Melissa Camacho Common Sense Media Jan 27
5/5
This outstanding seven-part miniseries offers an insightful and mostly accurate portrayal of John Adams' political activism and leadership during the difficult birth and early years of the United States of America. Go to Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand 07/09/2022
Directed by Tom Hooper and built on a performance by Paul Giamatti full of passion and indecision, brave stands and reckless bullheadedness, modesty and vanity, it is one of the most nuanced biographical portraits of a historical figure you’ll ever see. Go to Full Review Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies 02/21/2022
John Adams the miniseries should not be viewed as a definitive take of the president's life. David McCullough's book is still the best resource. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jack T Oct 14 I’ve watched this series about 3 times now. I never cease to be amazed by the dedication and immersive performances of this cast. An amazing adaptation of the source material and an even better portrayal of the life of one of the most underrated and incredibly inspiring founding fathers. See more Louis F Jun 19 An almost perfect series with appearances by great actors. See more Lee 01/05/2025 Excellent movie. Excellent scenery This would be a great movie to show students. They would have a better idea of the founders of this nation and the Constitution. See more Jennifer H @ColoChickie 04/19/2024 I watched this series for a second time and I liked it just as much as the first time. I have no other references on the character of Pres Adams and would need to read some books before I can judge the way his character was portrayed in this show. I was entertained. I am a history junky and this feeds my inner nerd. See more Patrick H 04/09/2024 Enjoyable and at times even moving portrayal of my personal favorite founding father. See more Robert C @Cratchit 01/24/2024 Amazing! Such a realistic portrayal. See more Read all reviews
John Adams — Miniseries

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Cast & Crew

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Paul Giamatti

John Adams

Laura Linney

Abigail Adams

Stephen Dillane

Thomas Jefferson

Danny Huston

Samuel Adams

Tom Wilkinson

Benjamin Franklin

Sarah Polley

Abigail Adams Smith

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Mar 16, 2008 Part 1: Join or Die After the Boston Massacre, John Adams agrees to serve as defense attorney for the accused British soldiers; several years later, he joins the Continental Congress. Details Episode 2 Aired Mar 16, 2008 Part 2: Independence Adams nominates George Washington to lead the newly formed Continental Army; Thomas Jefferson drafts the Declaration of Independence; Congress votes to declare independence from England. Details Episode 3 Aired Mar 23, 2008 Part 3: Don't Tread on Me Adams and Jefferson visit France to gain financial and military support for America's Revolutionary War effort; Adams falls victim to an illness. Details Episode 4 Aired Mar 30, 2008 Part 4: Reunion John and Abigail reunite in Paris; he goes to London as America's first minister to Britain, then must deal with family concerns upon his return to Boston. Details Episode 5 Aired Apr 6, 2008 Part 5: Unite or Die Adams becomes the country's first vice president; the ongoing conflict between the British and the French strains Adams' friendship with Jefferson; Adams is elected president in 1796. Details Episode 6 Aired Apr 13, 2008 Part 6: Unnecessary War President Adams tries desperately to keep the nation out of war; Adams disowns his alcoholic son, Charles; Jefferson claims the presidency after Adams fails to win a second term. Details Episode 7 Aired Apr 20, 2008 Part 7: Peacefield While in retirement, Adams begins to write his memoirs, corresponds with Jefferson after a series of personal tragedies, and lives to see his son John Quincy become president. Details

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John Adams — Miniseries

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Season Info

Director
Tom Hooper
Executive Producer
Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, Kirk Ellis
Network
HBO
Rating
TV-14
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date
Mar 16, 2008