Watch John Adams

John Adams is a historical drama television series, which was broadcasted on HBO in 2008. It is a seven-part miniseries based on the biography of the same name written by David McCullough. The show chronicles the life of John Adams - one of the founding fathers of America and the second president of the United States.

The series opens in 1770, with Adams (portrayed by Paul Giamatti) defending British soldiers who were accused of killing five colonists in the Boston Massacre. The show then follows Adams throughout some of the most important moments of his life, including his role in the revolutionary war, the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, his term as vice-president under George Washington, and his presidency itself.

Throughout the show, we see both the personal and political aspects of Adams' life. We see his relationship with his wife Abigail (played by Laura Linney) and their letters to each other that offer intimate glimpses into their lives. We also see his strained relationship with Thomas Jefferson (Stephen Dillane), particularly over the issue of slavery, as well as his friendship and respect for George Washington (David Morse).

The show also portrays the intricacies of American politics at the time, with Adams often at odds with his own party and fighting against the idea of political parties in general. The fourth episode, titled "Reunion," sees Adams and Jefferson meeting in Paris for negotiations with the British, and they end up in a heated debate on the future of the country.

The cast is exceptional, with Paul Giamatti delivering an exceptional performance as John Adams. He expertly portrays Adams as a difficult yet principled man who is often his own worst enemy. Laura Linney is equally impressive as Abigail, providing insight into their relationship, while also showing Abigail's strength and independence. Supporting actors such as Tom Wilkinson, Rufus Sewell, and Danny Huston also deliver powerful performances, bringing important historical figures to life.

The show is well-researched and beautifully shot, with excellent attention to detail in terms of costumes, sets, and historical accuracy. The writing is top-notch, based on McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography and written by Kirk Ellis, who won an Emmy for his work on the show. The music, composed by Rob Lane, is also a highlight, adding to the drama and emotion of each scene.

Overall, John Adams is an engrossing and educational watch. It gives viewers a glimpse into a critical moment in American history, and the people who risked everything to create a new nation. It is both a personal and political drama, with fantastic performances, elegant writing, and meticulous attention to detail. It is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and anyone interested in the founding of the United States.

John Adams is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between March 16, 2008 and on HBO