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. RaysaJ.
    Mar 16, 2008
    0
    Are you kidding.. is this a comedy? What a mess. The casting seems to be a fatal mistake.
  2. 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
  3. BobW.
    Apr 7, 2008
    6
    Well executed, if glossed story as yet. I wait to see whether Adams' dark-side (with Hamilton) make it into the show -- the Alien and Sedition Acts used to suppress political opponents within the US on security pretexts - the historical precursor of components of the USA Patriot Act as well as Wilson's actions early in the 20th century. And where is Thomas Paine in the story? It Well executed, if glossed story as yet. I wait to see whether Adams' dark-side (with Hamilton) make it into the show -- the Alien and Sedition Acts used to suppress political opponents within the US on security pretexts - the historical precursor of components of the USA Patriot Act as well as Wilson's actions early in the 20th century. And where is Thomas Paine in the story? It is generally recognized that his pamphlet, "Common Sense," put the public call for independence to sufficient volume that the Continental Congress would act on their convictions. While a controversial figure for other writings, Paine was on the ground in this part of history.… Expand
  4. MikeG
    Apr 10, 2008
    2
    This boring show is made unwatchable by its awful cinematography. For some reason, the director thought it would be artistic to tilt the camera, do a lot of hand held camera work, and show lousy composition. The sound mix is terrible, and there are many passages of dialog that are completely unintelligible. I never knew American History could be so off putting!
  5. SusanR.
    Apr 3, 2008
    2
    Horribly cast, this is a mockery of history. Important points are glazed over or omitted entirely. Did the producers actually read David McCullough's biography?? Paul Giamatti is abominable as John Adams, a sloppy schlumpy mess. An Italian-American guy plays an English-American. Giamatti looks nothing like Adams' portraits. David Morse is also horribly mis-cast. Just all around Horribly cast, this is a mockery of history. Important points are glazed over or omitted entirely. Did the producers actually read David McCullough's biography?? Paul Giamatti is abominable as John Adams, a sloppy schlumpy mess. An Italian-American guy plays an English-American. Giamatti looks nothing like Adams' portraits. David Morse is also horribly mis-cast. Just all around garbage, except for the sets.… Expand
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. NancyB.
    Jan 23, 2009
    10
    David McCullough: the one true 'genius' behind delivering all this!
  9. 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!
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. NickK.
    Mar 23, 2008
    10
    I am eagerly awaiting ALL 7 episodes, a job WELL Done HBO.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. BarbaraB.
    Apr 20, 2008
    10
    Absolutely wonderful! This series truly brought the people and events that created our country to life.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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!
  23. 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
  24. ToddinHB
    Jul 14, 2008
    5
    I used to believe that HBO and Playtone could do no wrong, and I was really enjoying this at first, but with each successive episode, the dialogue became increasingly unintelligible and I was forced to keep the volume blasting while I went back over scenes three or four times just to get a piece of the dialogue. It is a fascinating peek into our historical roots, but not the most engaging I used to believe that HBO and Playtone could do no wrong, and I was really enjoying this at first, but with each successive episode, the dialogue became increasingly unintelligible and I was forced to keep the volume blasting while I went back over scenes three or four times just to get a piece of the dialogue. It is a fascinating peek into our historical roots, but not the most engaging and the soundtrack was infuriating!… Expand
  25. JS
    Jul 5, 2008
    3
    Acting is excellent but what is the purpose of a historical film if there are numerous inaccuracies. Even a low budget film could have easily been historically accurate. I am disappointed in that this could have been a wonderful movie to enjoy as a family but full frontal nudity especially within the first hour of the first episode. Seems there is more than early American history politics Acting is excellent but what is the purpose of a historical film if there are numerous inaccuracies. Even a low budget film could have easily been historically accurate. I am disappointed in that this could have been a wonderful movie to enjoy as a family but full frontal nudity especially within the first hour of the first episode. Seems there is more than early American history politics being sold in this film.… Expand
  26. 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.
  27. Meabarr
    Mar 16, 2008
    10
    Outstanding - typical HBO quality, by which I mean excellent.
  28. KK.
    Mar 17, 2008
    0
    Hard to watch.
  29. JoanP.
    Mar 17, 2008
    10
    Outstanding in all ways...acting, scenery, etc.
  30. 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.
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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?
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  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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