Ranking Every HBO Miniseries From Worst To Best
11. John Adams
One of HBO’s most prestigious and beloved historical dramas, John Adams is immaculate television. Worthy and commendably smart without being the least bit stuffy, its great writing and superb performances saw it win a veritable boatload of awards, providing star turns for two actors who are cast in the lead all too infrequently.
To wit: Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney as John and Abigail Adams. While the obvious selling point of the show is its depiction of the American Revolution, just as captivating are the quieter, more intimate scenes between husband and wife. The two put on their own miniature plays, bringing the best out of one another and breathing life into the relationship of two major historical figures.
This is TV that you can learn from (though it’s not bereft of historical inaccuracies and/or creative choices) and be entertained by simultaneously, with brilliantly shot and incredibly tense moments of political machinations and the like.
As a biography (but no hagiography) of an important and fascinating man, it could hardly be more successful.