The Roosevelts: An Intimate History

:

Season 1
  • Network: PBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 14, 2014
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 26
  3. Negative: 3 out of 26
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User Reviews

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  1. BogKid
    Sep 18, 2014
    10
    Ken Burns' documentaries are excellent but, I have to admit, they always seem to me to flatten out for me to almost the point of boredom. "The Roosevelts" is a definite exception. I have watched three episodes so far and it has riveted my interest. I have found the Teddy Roosevelt episodes most interesting, illustrating his greatness and his failings in a harsh but intelligent light.Ken Burns' documentaries are excellent but, I have to admit, they always seem to me to flatten out for me to almost the point of boredom. "The Roosevelts" is a definite exception. I have watched three episodes so far and it has riveted my interest. I have found the Teddy Roosevelt episodes most interesting, illustrating his greatness and his failings in a harsh but intelligent light. Great documentary!… Expand
  2. abeaujard
    Sep 19, 2014
    5
    Has it's ups and downs. Almost boring in it's detail. Very one sided and hesitant to address the more controversial aspects of FDR and Eleanor's personalities. Nothing here to offend and it will soon be part of the endless PBS pledge drive programming.
  3. erom1943
    Sep 24, 2014
    10
    I don't usually watch 14 hour TV shows, but this was scheduled at just the right time.....in the lull between summer and fall seasons. Not only excellent and well done, but extremely informative. I feel like I learned more about American history from this series.......than I did in all my history classes in high school and college.
  4. horcrux2007
    Sep 19, 2014
    9
    Another great documentary by Ken Burns. It's extremely interesting, and I like how it shows a "warts and all" look at the family and their impact. I've watched a couple episodes so far, and I thought both of them were remarkable.
  5. rbhdjf
    Oct 15, 2014
    10
    Burns' documentaries showed so much about these pivotal years in US history. The relationships between the two Roosevelt families made an interesting backdrop to pull the series together. I especially appreciated that PBS had the shows available online for those of us who missed the live airings. Ken Burns skillfully integrated authentic film and photos into the series which gaveBurns' documentaries showed so much about these pivotal years in US history. The relationships between the two Roosevelt families made an interesting backdrop to pull the series together. I especially appreciated that PBS had the shows available online for those of us who missed the live airings. Ken Burns skillfully integrated authentic film and photos into the series which gave insights into what was going on around the characters. After watching the series, I better understand just how frightening the WW I and II years were for people and just how at risk our country was at the time. Gives me hope for the future, given the past resilience of Americans... Our leaders were not perfect and had brutal critics, but managed to do what needed to be done. Recommend watching this series.… Expand
  6. lizardrath
    Dec 13, 2014
    10
    Great series that brought these historic legends to life while also showing their humanity. I am not sure why anyone would think it was dull...sometimes it is the multitude of details, opportunities and lost opportunities that explain who we are. The makers of this film placed these pieces so that you and I can see these people as close as they really were.

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best TV Season of 2014
99
#99 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya
    Sep 22, 2014
    91
    It’s beautiful work that speaks to the storytelling power of Burns. This isn’t just a history lesson; it’s cinema.
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  2. Sioux City Journal
    Reviewed by: Bruce Miller
    Sep 15, 2014
    90
    It’s a fascinating documentary that’ll make you want to devour it all, no matter where you start.
    Read full review
  3. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Sep 12, 2014
    100
    It’s a remarkable piece of filmmaking that fully rises to the occasion of its remarkable subjects. Television’s new season is upon us, but this is an achievement for all seasons.
    Read full review
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