John Adams

2008 • HBO
4.7
253 reviews
TV-14
Rating
Eligible
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Season 1 episodes (7)

1 Part 1: Join or Die
3/16/08
Boston, 1770. In the aftermath of the Boston Massacre, John Adams takes an unpopular stand by defending the accused soldiers. Counseled by his beloved wife Abigail, Adams wins the case. Later, Adams is invited to join the new Continental Congress.
2 Part 2: Independence
3/16/08
Following a fruitless session of the Continental Congress, a sabbatical at Adams' Braintree farm is disrupted by news of the siege of Lexington and Concord. Later, he jousts with delegates on the idea of independence.
3 Part 3: Don't Tread On Me
3/23/08
1777. A new period of separation from Abigail looms when Adams is appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to France along with Benjamin Franklin. Abigail insists that Adams take along their son, John Quincy.
4 Part 4: Reunion
3/30/08
1781. Convalescing in Holland, Adams joyously learns the British surrendered to Washington at Yorktown; later, he and Abigail reunite in his opulent mansion in Paris.
5 Part 5: Unite or Die
4/6/08
Elected America's first Vice President, Adams is scolded by Abigail for his vanity, and is frustrated by his exclusion from President Washington's inner circle.
6 Part 6: Unnecessary War
4/13/08
Abandoned by Jefferson for retaining Washington's cabinet, President Adams holds firm on keeping the nation out of war, despite French aggression and pro-war sentiment among his advisors.
7 Part 7: Peacefield
4/20/08
In retirement, Adams starts writing his memoirs, then endures a series of tragedies. At the urging of Dr. Rush, Adams reports the sad news to Jefferson, with the two old friends and adversaries taking solace in a correspondence that mends old wounds.

About this show

From HBO Films comes this Emmy(R)-winning, seven-part miniseries starring Paul Giamatti as John Adams, the Founding Father and 2nd President of the U.S who played a pivotal role in fostering the American Revolution and building a republic.
From HBO Films comes this Emmy(R)-winning, seven-part miniseries starring Paul Giamatti as John Adams, the Founding Father and 2nd President of the U.S who played a pivotal role in fostering the American Revolution and building a republic.

Ratings and reviews

253 reviews
Bangkhen Thai
January 24, 2018
Every American should watch this mini series account of the birth of our country. To understand what those before us went through to give us the freedom we enjoy daily. John Adams I feel was highly responsible for our freedom more than the other delegates. I bought a dvd box set of this title and watch it often. Each time I view it I make notes on parts which I don't understand or parts I want to know more about and then investigate online and find books to help. Google earth gives me a deeper understanding and appreciation of our founders by viewing where history was made and how those places look today. The series is not 100% complete so it gives me the desire to dig deeper and learn more. I suggest buying a copy of the book to enjoy at the same time. One of the important facts I learned is the death of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson on the very same day about 5 hours apart on the 50th anniversary of the birth of our Nation, July 4th. History is alive.
12 people found this review helpful
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Matt Wood
June 4, 2017
I am an American revolutionary war historian, I read this book when it was released, and unlike other books where there was conjecture, this book is fact, as the basis of it was built around John Adams personal correspondence to his wife Abigail. The mini series was great. Paul Giamatti was brilliant playing John Adams. The story arc followed the book and actual events
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Aaron Tutt
July 31, 2015
This series took a delightful look at the life and times of President Adams. There was a brilliant balance between light moments with his family and the moments that shaped and formed these United States. A definite must watch!
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