Series
John Adams
“He united the states of America.”
Drama
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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Seasons & episodes
1Join or Die16 Mar 2008 · 68m · ★ 7.5In an emotionally charged trial John Adams defends the British sentries involved in the Boston Massacre who contend they were provoked into firing on the assembled crowd. John's success brings him offers of positions in the Massachusetts government. But after John Hancock rouses a crowd to tar and feather a representative of the British East India Tea Company and the British respond to the growing unrest with oppressive measures, John instead speaks against the British policies and chooses to represent Massachusetts in the Continental Congress.
2Independence16 Mar 2008 · 88m · ★ 8.6After viewing the dead and wounded on the battlefield of Concord, John Adams takes up the cause of Independence. Frustrated by the caution of delegates from colonies that do not share Massachusetts plight, the inexperienced politician is abrasive, obnoxious and even insulting. But with the advice of Abigail and Ben Franklin he soon learns he has allies, to cultivate them, to bide his time and to seize opportunities. Following John's nomination, George Washington takes charge of the army and enjoys successes despite supply shortages. Back at home, Abigail and the children risk supporting the war effort in most tangible ways but find Mother Nature more threatening.
3Don't Tread on Me23 Mar 2008 · 66m · ★ 8.3Over the emotional objections of Abigail, John Adam and his son endure turbulent seas and an encounter with the British Navy to join Ben Franklin on a diplomatic mission to Paris. But Ben cannot restrain John's abrasive personality which is even less well suited to Paris than Philadelphia.
4Reunion30 Mar 2008 · 63m · ★ 8.3Following the surrender of the British, John secures a long sought loan from the Dutch and returns to Paris to oversee the peace treaty. John can no longer bear his absence from Abigail and invites her to Paris which immediately overwhelms her with it's opulence. John is appointed ambassador to England but soon longs to return home to participate in the formation of the new government and, like Abigail, to be reunited with the children. They return home to an overwhelming welcome and John reluctantly returns to public service.
5Unite or Die6 Apr 2008 · 61m · ★ 8.2John Adams chaffs under the mantle of Vice President for its utter lack of authority and responsibility. Despite his abhorrence of the divisiveness of political parties John is drawn to the Federalist camp favoring a strong executive. Divisions even reach into the President's cabinet, exacerbated by war in Europe.
6Unnecessary War13 Apr 2008 · 76m · ★ 8.2Following the peace treaty with England President Adams struggles to avoid war with France despite pressure from his Federalist cabinet and French provocation. John finds the price of peace to his career and the price of his long career of public service to his family is indeed high.
7Peacefield20 Apr 2008 · 60m · ★ 6.9In retirement John Adams laments the perils of a long life; loss of loved ones and growing irrelevance. But out of tragedy John rekindles his broken friendship with Thomas Jefferson and lives to discuss John Quincy's ambitious presidential agenda with him.
Details
- Created by
- Kirk Ellis
- First aired
- 16 Mar 2008
- Last aired
- 20 Apr 2008
- Status
- Ended
- Language
- English
- Network
- HBO
- Episodes
- 7
- Votes
- 349 on TMDB
Cast
Paul GiamattiJohn Adams
Laura LinneyAbigail Adams
Stephen DillaneThomas Jefferson
Danny HustonSamuel Adams
David MorseGeorge Washington
Sarah PolleyAbigail Adams Smith
Tom WilkinsonBenjamin Franklin
Steven HinkleYoung John Quincy Adams
Madeline TaylorYoung Nabby Adams
John DossettBenjamin Rush
Ebon Moss-BachrachJohn Quincy Adams
Samuel BarnettThomas Adams
Andrew ScottColonel William Smith
Kevin TrainorCharles Adams
