Name: John Adams
Released: 2008-03-16T00:00:00.000Z
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson

TV Show · Drama · Biography

He is one of America’s least understood and most underestimated Founding Fathers, the second President of the United States, John Adams. From HBO Films comes this sprawling seven-part miniseries event that depicts the extraordinary life of one of the primary shapers of our independence and government.

2008 · 1h 10m

Starring Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson

Director David McCullough, Tom Hooper

EPISODE 1

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.

1h 7 min
EPISODE 2

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.

1h 10 min
EPISODE 3

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.

1h 6 min
EPISODE 4

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.

1h 3 min
EPISODE 5

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.

52 min
EPISODE 6

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.

1h 6 min