The first trailer for the Apple TV+ limited series Franklin, starring Michael Douglas as inventor/diplomat/patriot Benjamin Franklin, dropped today. The show chronicles Franklin’s time in France attempting to forge an alliance between that nation and the American colonies now at war with France’s archenemy, Great Britain.
With Franklin’s April 12th premiere date still a month away, here are some other shows and films about America’s Founding Fathers that are worth streaming in the meantime. (Several other films and miniseries about the likes of Washington and Jefferson are not currently available to stream.)
John Adams
Where to Watch: MAX
Tom Hanks exec produced this 2008 HBO miniseries about the second President of the United States adapted from David McCullough’s Pulitzer-winning biography. The seven-part series, starring Paul Giamatti in the title role, spans 1770 to 1826, chronicling the colonists’ march to war against King George III (Tom Hollander), the Revolution, the republic's formation, and the divisive, turbulent first years of American self-government. Hanks and his fellow filmmakers aren’t afraid to portray the flaws and foibles of the Founding Fathers, but the miniseries is a thoughtful exploration of why and how the United States came to be. The cast includes Laura Linney as Abigail Adams, David Morse as George Washington, Tom Wilkinson as Benjamin Franklin, Stephen Dillane as Thomas Jefferson, Rufus Sewell as Alexander Hamilton, Justin Theroux as John Hancock, and Danny Huston as Samuel Adams.
Hamilton
Where to Watch: Disney+
A filmed performance of creator Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Pulitzer and Tony-winning Broadway phenomenon was released on Disney+ in 2020. The rambunctious musical casts people of color as the Founding Fathers (and Mothers), with Miranda leading the way as Alexander Hamilton. The sung-and-rapped-through show chronicles Hamilton’s rise from orphaned immigrant to George Washington’s Secretary of the Treasury to his fateful duel with rival Aaron Burr.
1776
Where to Watch: Tubi
This 1972 musical about the American Revolution stars William Daniels, Howard da Silva, Ken Howard, and Blythe Danner. Based on the Tony-winning Broadway play by Sherman Edwards, the spirited film version also enjoys a large cult following. The show recounts the Continental Congress's meeting in July 1776 to sign the Declaration of Independence. Although the Founding Fathers continually break into song (hey, how do we know for sure that they didn't?), 1776 does a commendable job of making the signing of the Declaration of Independence entertaining.
Turn: Washington’s Spies
Where to Watch: AMC+
This AMC series chronicled the Culper Ring, the spy network used by George Washington (played by Ian Kahn) during the British occupation of New York City to gain intelligence on Redcoats and Loyalists. Jamie Bell led the cast as Abraham Woodhull, a real-life Long Island farmer who risked life and limb to spy for the Continental Army.
Sons of Liberty
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Apple TV+
This History Channel miniseries chronicles the actions of Sam Adams (Ben Barnes), Paul Revere (Michael Raymond-James), John Adams (Henry Thomas), Gen. George Washington (Jason O’Mara), Ben Franklin (Dean Norris), John Hancock (Rafe Spall), and Dr. Joseph Warren (Ryan Eggold) in starting and prosecuting the American Revolution.
America: The Motion Picture
Where to Watch: Netflix
This outrageous animated comedy, from producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, jettisons historical fact for a revisionist parody that sees a chainsaw-wielding George Washington (voiced by Channing Tatum) out to avenge the death of his BFF, Abraham Lincoln (Will Forte). Washington takes on werewolf Benedict Arnold (Andy Samberg) and King James (Simon Pegg) with the help of allies Sam Adams (Jason Mantzoukas), Thomas Edison (Olivia Munn), Paul Revere (Bobby Moynihan), John Henry (Killer Mike), and Geronimo (Raoul Max Trujillo).
Liberty’s Kids
Where to Watch: Kartoon Channel
This early aughts animated children’s series follows three youngsters – American teen James, English teen Sarah, and an 8-year-old French boy named Henri – who work as reporters for printer and patriot Benjamin Franklin (voiced by Walter Cronkite). It tracks the kids through all the major events of the American Revolution, from the Boston Tea Party to the Constitutional Convention. Celebrity guest stars – including Franklin’s Michael Douglas – appear throughout the series as various historical figures.
