Watch The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents

2013
1 Season
8.0 (216)

The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents from History is a fascinating and informative television series that covers all 44 of America's presidents up until the time of the show's creation in 2013. Hosted by the esteemed actor Bruce McGill, with H.W. Brands and Richard Norton Smith providing historical commentary, the show delves deeply into the personal and political lives of each of the presidents, exploring their actions, their achievements, and their failures.

Each episode of the show is dedicated to a single president, starting with George Washington and progressing chronologically through to Barack Obama. With the help of expert historians and various archival materials, the show provides a detailed look at each president's life, including their childhood, early career, political rise, presidency, and post-presidential years.

One of the great strengths of the show is its engaging and accessible style. The hosts and experts are all clearly passionate about their subject matter, and they present their insights in a way that is both informative and entertaining. They use a range of storytelling techniques, from reenactments to archival footage to historical recreations, to bring the presidents and their times to life.

The show is also impressively comprehensive in its coverage. Each episode covers not only the key events and accomplishments of the president in question but also delves into the broader historical context in which they operated. This includes discussions of the major economic, social, and political issues of their time, as well as the key domestic and international challenges they faced during their presidency.

Throughout the series, the show also places a strong emphasis on the personal side of each president's life. This includes discussions of their family history, relationships, hobbies, and other interests, providing a more rounded portrait of each president as a person. At the same time, the show does not shy away from examining the more controversial and problematic aspects of each president's legacy, such as slavery, racism, war crimes, and scandals.

One of the most interesting aspects of the show is the way it explores the evolution of the presidency over time. Viewers can watch as the role of the president changes and expands, from the more limited role envisioned by the Founding Fathers to the modern-day presidency with its vast array of responsibilities and powers. The show also charts the ways in which technology, media, and public opinion have shaped the presidency and influenced how presidents are perceived and judged by history.

Overall, The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents from History is an excellent and engaging television series that offers a thorough and well-rounded exploration of America's past leaders. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in American history, politics, or culture, and provides valuable insights into the events and issues that have shaped the nation since its founding.

The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between January 15, 2013 and on History

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Seasons

8. Mantle of Power 1965-2013

January 18, 2013

Since the mid 1960s, the power of the presidency has had its ups and downs. It's been burdened by the personal failings of the men who occupied the office; by a Congress determined to reassert its power; by a skeptical and fragmented media; and by a public that had grown indifferent. Global terror networks rose to present a more complicated threat. Despite these new challenges, the power of the office has grown substantially--remaining the shining symbol of America s noble experiment in democracy.

7. Hail to the Chief 1945-1964

January 18, 2013

In 1945, at the end of a devastating global war, America emerged as a superpower. The Cold War presented the nation with nuclear annihilation. The country looked to the President to protect them during these dangerous times. The struggle against the spread of communism abroad, and the corrosive effects of inequality at home, demanded a new resolve and a steadfast international leader.

6. Changing of the Guard 1920-1945

January 17, 2013

America in the 1920s was a country ready for a fresh start. The horrific brutality of the first global war was over. The economy was gaining momentum, and the Presidents at the helm were happy to take a backseat to Congress. But as America crashed into Depression--and then another World War--the times called for a stronger leader, one who set the table for presidential power in the 20th century.

5. Call of Duty 1899-1921

January 17, 2013

At the beginning of the 20th century there was a major division between the rich and poor. The country's priorities were changing, as was the Presidency. Since the end of the Civil War, Congress and the deep pockets of Big Industry had dictated the course for the nation. But one President took control of the reigns, fighting for the common man, just as a grisly international fight began to emerge that would test America's strength and its leader's resolve.

4. Executive Retreat 1865-1901

January 16, 2013

America after the Civil War was a traumatized country in desperate need of leadership. The President who'd seen the nation through its most divisive conflict was dead, leaving no road map for peace. Over the next three decades, weak presidents assumed leadership, and continued to take a back seat to Congress and to captains of industry--and the Presidency hit rock bottom.

3. A House Divided 1849-1865

January 16, 2013

America by the mid-1800s had tripled in size because of actions made by Jefferson, Jackson, and Polk. But with new territory came old confrontations. Slavery--the question that had been avoided since the country's birth--now had to be answered.

2. Power to the People 1824-1849

January 15, 2013

America in 1824 saw the end of the era of the Founding Fathers. Over the next 25 years, six presidents assume the uneasy transition from old traditions to an expansion of land, influence and opportunity. Democracy was the word on everyone's lips, and the true power of the nation's leader would be found in the common man.

1. Assume the Position 1789-1825

January 15, 2013

The United States of America was a bold invention that did not come without sacrifice and risk. An 8-year war of independence, followed by intense political debate produced a government of, by and for the people. This democracy was an experiment with three branches--a Court, a Congress and an Executive--all sharing power; a precarious balancing act purposely left open to interpretation.

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Where to Watch The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents

The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents is available for streaming on the History website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Amazon and Apple TV.