John Adams

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 16, 2008
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 123 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 103 out of 123
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 123
  3. Negative: 8 out of 123
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User Reviews

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  1. Spielberg00
    Oct 3, 2011
    10
    JOHN ADAMS is (or, rather, was) an HBO mini-series telling of the historical figure of the same name. By the simple title and the promotional poster, you would think that this would only be a shallow feature, giving only textbook information, if that. As surprising as it is, that is definitely not true. The performances are believable, and the story introduces more facts that possibleJOHN ADAMS is (or, rather, was) an HBO mini-series telling of the historical figure of the same name. By the simple title and the promotional poster, you would think that this would only be a shallow feature, giving only textbook information, if that. As surprising as it is, that is definitely not true. The performances are believable, and the story introduces more facts that possible to learn if they were just spat out at you like a textbook (except in a video, of course). Quite surprising, worth checking out if you can find it on the Internet or re-running on HBO.… Expand
  2. MikeN.
    Apr 5, 2008
    10
    One of the best historical dramas that I have seen. Paul Giamatti does a wonderful job in this mini-series as does the others. I only wished it were not mini-series. This could be the start of a great run for a program.
  3. Alicson
    Apr 7, 2008
    10
    Considering the incredible monument of the subject-matter, I am especially impressed with the execution of this TV series so far. It's excellent.
  4. NancyB.
    Jan 23, 2009
    10
    David McCullough: the one true 'genius' behind delivering all this!
  5. TylerV
    Aug 1, 2009
    10
    I am a huge John Adams person. I love this movie so much that they should make an HBO movie for all the US Presidents. It was a creepy movie, but it was the best!!!!! Everyone should see this movie!
  6. WilliamC
    Mar 17, 2008
    9
    Thank you, thank you HBO. A great portrayal of early America....Linney and Giamatti are great together. The set is amazing and the costumes so authentic.....I'm hooked.
  7. JackM.
    Mar 17, 2008
    9
    John Adams almost single-handedly started the Revolutionary War after defending the British officers accused of murder in the Boston Massacre. Or so the HBO version of David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning book would have us believe. Only cousin Sam Adams seems more passionately in favor of war with England. Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine are MIA. Still, the acting is stunning, John Adams almost single-handedly started the Revolutionary War after defending the British officers accused of murder in the Boston Massacre. Or so the HBO version of David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning book would have us believe. Only cousin Sam Adams seems more passionately in favor of war with England. Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine are MIA. Still, the acting is stunning, especially in the characters of Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Adams himself. It is a fascinating recreation of the time.… Expand
  8. ChrisM.
    Mar 18, 2008
    10
    In an election year it's more important then ever to remember what this nation is about. This miniseries is not only entertaining but thought provoking. It is as educational as it is engaging.
  9. KathyS.
    Mar 21, 2008
    10
    After viewing two episodes, I can say that I am pleasantly surprised. Script and performances are top-notch across the board. Highly recommended.
  10. NickK.
    Mar 23, 2008
    10
    I am eagerly awaiting ALL 7 episodes, a job WELL Done HBO.
  11. KimB.
    Mar 27, 2008
    10
    some newspaper reviews say that Paul Gamatti isn't right for the role- but I totally disagree. He is totally compelling and he and Linney have great chemistry together. This is written so well- makes me long for more American History dramas from HBO, please,. We need to be reminded of the power of diverse minds in creating the country we want and need.
  12. GarL.
    Apr 1, 2008
    10
    Superb description of the very real human needs and fears that serve as the motivations for great as well as failed leadership. Terrific depiction of the emotional intelligence necessary for good diplomacy. Wonderfully directed and acted with great production values.
  13. BarbaraB.
    Apr 20, 2008
    10
    Absolutely wonderful! This series truly brought the people and events that created our country to life.
  14. HaroldM.
    Apr 22, 2008
    9
    Outstanding, but you need to read the book to fill in the gaps because of the time constraints of the series.
  15. HemanthK.
    Apr 25, 2008
    9
    I was impressed with the eye for detail in all of the miniseries. But what bothered me through all the series was the impression that Giamatti was over doing his role. I am not sure if history records him to be of a suspicious nature.
  16. TonyC.
    Apr 26, 2008
    10
    Giamonti's best effort to date from my view...and the "real" critics blame Paul for Adam's boring character.
  17. PC
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney are excellent. I enjoyed the attention to detail in the clothing, set, and script. I thought the soundtrack and audio were sublime.
  18. MichelleG.
    May 5, 2008
    10
    Learned so much! Learn more watching this Mini series than I did in school or college. I'm buying 3 copies. One for me, father, and father in-law. I'm from ME, and go to Boston All the time, New new how important John Adams was. He deserves to be on something! I'm going on a tour of his life when the weather warms. up! Thank You for teaching me!
  19. MikeO
    Jun 2, 2008
    10
    I was impressed by how true to the book the mini series stayed. I wish they would do more bio-pics that stay as close to the truth, as John Adams. I would especially love to see one on Benjamin Franklin, arguably and in my opinion, the MOST fascinating American who ever lived. He's the real life Forrest Gump. he was funny, intelligent and he was EVERYWHERE. I think he was present at I was impressed by how true to the book the mini series stayed. I wish they would do more bio-pics that stay as close to the truth, as John Adams. I would especially love to see one on Benjamin Franklin, arguably and in my opinion, the MOST fascinating American who ever lived. He's the real life Forrest Gump. he was funny, intelligent and he was EVERYWHERE. I think he was present at every famous and significant event in his time.… Expand
  20. RicardoT.
    Jul 8, 2008
    10
    This series is incredible accurate, well filmed, greatly acted. It is the best I've seen in my life. It made feel I was there. And OMG how many J Adams have I met in my life. Paul is great, the script is incredible, and Benjamin Franklyn came to life as I always saw him in my imagination. No words can describe this film.
  21. Meabarr
    Mar 16, 2008
    10
    Outstanding - typical HBO quality, by which I mean excellent.
  22. JoanP.
    Mar 17, 2008
    10
    Outstanding in all ways...acting, scenery, etc.
  23. LarryS.
    Mar 17, 2008
    10
    I've only seen the first two parts, but I am hooked. This mini-series vividly brings to life McCollough's biography. Paul Giamatti is brilliant. Laura Linney is perfect as Abagail. Stephen Dillane, as the phlegmatic Thomas Jefferson, had a wonderful scene off-handedly explaining his condemnation of slavery while Franklin and Adams edited it out of the Declaration of Independence.
  24. GeorgeJ.
    Mar 17, 2008
    10
    This is a powerful, moving drama. The production values are top-notch, You get the sense this is an accurate portrayal of what actually happened. It's a fantastic account one of the greatest events to happen in human history, the birth of the American nation. Do not miss this series!
  25. Tom
    Mar 22, 2008
    10
    I loved the book, love the show, so far. I have been to the re-enactment at lexington/concord and to williamsburg. this is almost as good. I hope the time in europe is not stretched out, get john home already. It's a 10, so far.
  26. DanB.
    Mar 24, 2008
    8
    I hate to be cliche but, this series really makes history come alive. The personal drama between john and abigail, however, falls a bit flat for me. It is welldone and acted, but, I find myself wanting to know more about the politics and history.
  27. EricP.
    Mar 26, 2008
    10
    Rarely do I rate any TV program or movie to be a '10', but this would receive from me a rating of '20' if it were available. Although there are some missing characters the story stays true to history, and the acting is superb! Giamatti is amazing. It seems as though this role was made for him, and could well be his life's greatest. I was unfairly biased against Rarely do I rate any TV program or movie to be a '10', but this would receive from me a rating of '20' if it were available. Although there are some missing characters the story stays true to history, and the acting is superb! Giamatti is amazing. It seems as though this role was made for him, and could well be his life's greatest. I was unfairly biased against Linney from her performance in 'The Truman Show' as the selfish wretch of a wife, but here she is magnificent as Adam's wife. The boy who plays Johnny is also quite well portrayed. He seems young, wise, confused, and awestruck all at the same time. Bravo HBO for a magnificent program. Bring us more American History!… Expand
  28. HudsonT.
    Mar 28, 2008
    10
    Best television experience since... I'm not quite sure.
  29. MitchellK.
    Mar 30, 2008
    9
    I look forward toward Sunday evenings at 9:00 now that John Adams is here. I have emailed HBO thanking them for such an historic masterpiece as John Adams. Paul Giamatti is superb, a great force. I believe that he actually has an emotional attachment to his character he's so good. I did not know until now how instrumental John Adams was in making our country (after a further I look forward toward Sunday evenings at 9:00 now that John Adams is here. I have emailed HBO thanking them for such an historic masterpiece as John Adams. Paul Giamatti is superb, a great force. I believe that he actually has an emotional attachment to his character he's so good. I did not know until now how instrumental John Adams was in making our country (after a further concurring investigation thanks to Wikepedia). This mini series makes me feel; well; patriotic to say the least, and appreciative of all the hardships our forefathers had to endure. Luckily I do have an HDTV and this series is extremely well done. The cinematography is beautiful. Long live these American States!… Expand
  30. GerardM.
    Apr 14, 2008
    10
    This is a very good show. Giammatti is good and so is Linney. This is history as drama, and pretty accurate at that.
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best TV Season of 2008
10
#10 Most Discussed TV Season of 2008
11
#11 Most Shared TV Season of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    91
    Who says TV doesn't make history thought-provokingly exciting?
    Read full review
  2. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: John Leonard
    80
    We’re in excellent company, from the Boston Massacre to the Declaration of Independence to Adams’s plenipotentiary missions to Versailles and the Court of St. James to his unsought but extremely gratifying vice-presidency in the first Washington administration.
    Read full review
  3. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Jill Lepore
    70
    At its best, the storytelling itself manages to accommodate a sense of historical contingency.
    Read full review
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