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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. NancyB.
    Jan 23, 2009
    10
    David McCullough: the one true 'genius' behind delivering all this!
  4. 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!
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. NickK.
    Mar 23, 2008
    10
    I am eagerly awaiting ALL 7 episodes, a job WELL Done HBO.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. BarbaraB.
    Apr 20, 2008
    10
    Absolutely wonderful! This series truly brought the people and events that created our country to life.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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!
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. Meabarr
    Mar 16, 2008
    10
    Outstanding - typical HBO quality, by which I mean excellent.
  17. JoanP.
    Mar 17, 2008
    10
    Outstanding in all ways...acting, scenery, etc.
  18. 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.
  19. 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!
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. HudsonT.
    Mar 28, 2008
    10
    Best television experience since... I'm not quite sure.
  23. 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.
  24. CarolineW.
    Apr 21, 2008
    10
    Paul Giamatti is astounding - surely one of the finest performances ever seen in a television drama.
  25. KathleenS.
    Apr 20, 2008
    10
    This is by far the best film I have ever seen in all my 65 years. I am astounded at how real every expression, scene, costume, makeup and setting was. It was like you were right there witnessing their lives. I marvel at the script, sounds, music, lighting and action. I was so moved by these actors who faithfully characterized their subjects to the last nuance with language and customs of This is by far the best film I have ever seen in all my 65 years. I am astounded at how real every expression, scene, costume, makeup and setting was. It was like you were right there witnessing their lives. I marvel at the script, sounds, music, lighting and action. I was so moved by these actors who faithfully characterized their subjects to the last nuance with language and customs of the 18th century. God Bless the director and producers and all the makers of this movie including those in Hungary!… Expand
  26. MichaelD.
    Apr 22, 2008
    10
    Despite the fact that didn't get to see any other side of JA than his angry side, this shows that if movie makers just "tell the story" it makes for great entertainment. After all, history is one great story after another. And who doesn't like a great a story?
  27. MattA.
    Apr 6, 2008
    10
    If this was a movie, It would sweep the oscars. Giamatti in his best performance of his career. The crew did a perfect job of portraying John Adams and the first 50 years of the USA.
  28. TaylorM.
    May 3, 2008
    10
    Excellent and well scripted tv show. I feel i have learned more of the nature revolving the creation of our country than any other public-school textbook or teacher could have provided. And, one must admit, with profound eloquence and thoughtful narrative. A Must See.
  29. PhilipH.
    Jun 14, 2008
    10
    Great series and historical representation of when America was born. A must see for those who love early American history.
  30. GregA
    Mar 16, 2008
    10
    Bravo HBO!
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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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