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Season 1 – Thomas Jefferson

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Thomas Jefferson Feb 2025 Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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The story of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and a Founding Father, who was also a plantation owner, ambassador to France, and a Renaissance man.
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Thomas Jefferson — Season 1

Critics Reviews

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Joel Keller Decider 02/19/2025
History’s Thomas Jefferson docuseries tries its best to make sure the Founding Father is seen in a proper light, and for the most part achieves that goal. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Joe T @RT89778827 Apr 29 I recently watched the History Channel’s 2025 documentary on Thomas Jefferson and came away disappointed with its balance and focus. The series heavily emphasizes his flaws, especially his role as a slave owner and his relationship with Sally Hemings, which is introduced in the opening minutes and remains central throughout. Those are important parts of his story and should be included, but they dominate the entire narrative from the very beginning. At times, it feels like it could have been titled "Jefferson and Sally Hemings," as that aspect dominates the narrative. For nearly every achievement, the series quickly moves on and spends more time on criticism. Major moments like the Louisiana Purchase lack important context, including why France agreed to sell the territory. Overall, it feels more focused on critique and modern judgment than providing a balanced historical view. I’d rate it 1.5 to 2 out of 5 and wouldn’t recommend it as an introduction to Jefferson. See more Bryan G @RT83869950 Oct 7 This is just a hit piece on Jefferson and does not portray Jefferson in the context of the time he lived, but by current morality standards. The factual elements were overshadowed by the overzealousnessness of the storytellers to paint him as an evil slave owner. See more Christian T @ctully333 Sep 10 A thoughtful, detailed biography, using some of the best historians of our time. Pearl clutchers, who wish only to think of our founding fathers as purely virtuous heroes may need to take a minute and find their open mind, as this documentary, gratefully, explores the nuanced, complicated and perhaps darker side of this great, but flawed giant of American history. But hey, we're all grown ups right? Tons of information, a great soundtrack and editing. Very enjoyable! See more Danielle N @RT57286647 Jul 12 Disappointing. Portrays our founding father in a negative light. See more Read all reviews
Thomas Jefferson — Season 1

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Feb 17, 2025 A Revolutionary Is Born (1743-1773) In 1843, Thomas Jefferson is born to one of the most powerful families in the most powerful of Britain's 13 North American colonies; after a privileged upbringing, young Jefferson quietly prepares to lead the charge towards a burgeoning revolution. Details Episode 2 Aired Feb 17, 2025 Independence (1774-1776) As colonists become more disgruntled with British tyranny, Thomas Jefferson's words become a push towards liberty; when colonists finally reach their breaking point, he is tasked with declaring independence. Details Episode 3 Aired Feb 18, 2025 Jefferson at War (1777-1784) Just as Jefferson is sworn in as the governor of the new state of Virginia, war arrives at his doorstep; as an intellectual with no military background, he struggles to protect himself and his constituents in the face of British attacks. Details Episode 4 Aired Feb 18, 2025 Jefferson in Paris (1784-1793) After the loss of his wife, Jefferson is sent to Paris, where he thrives personally and politically; while there, he begins an entanglement with an enslaved teenager that shapes the next 40 years of his life. Details Episode 5 Aired Feb 19, 2025 President Jefferson (1793-1809) Jefferson wins the presidency against his former friend, John Adams; he spends the next eight years defining the tenets of the executive office and more than doubling the size of the country. Details Episode 6 Aired Feb 19, 2025 Jefferson's Legacy (1809-1826) Jefferson's retirement is fraught with controversy; while consumed in debts he cannot repay, he fights to perpetuate his legacy as America's Founding Father and the Apostle of Liberty. Details
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Season Info

Director
Jon Hirsch, Max Micallef
Network
History
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date
Feb 17, 2025