Franklin (miniseries)

Last updated
Franklin
Franklin (2024) poster.jpg
Genre Biographical drama
Based onA Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America
by Stacy Schiff
Written byKirk Ellis and Howard Korder
Directed by Tim Van Patten
Starring
Theme music composerJay Wadley
Country of originUnited States of America
Original languages
  • English
  • French
No. of episodes8
Production
Executive producers
Running time60 minutes
Production companies
Original release
Network Apple TV+
ReleaseApril 12 (2024-04-12) 
May 17, 2024 (2024-05-17)

Franklin is a 2024 biographical drama miniseries about the United States Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, based on Stacy Schiff's 2005 book A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America. It was released on Apple TV+ on April 12, 2024. [1] The series depicts the eight years Benjamin Franklin spent in France to convince King Louis XVI to support the burgeoning United States in the American Revolutionary War.

Contents

Cast

Main

Recurring

Guest

Episodes

No.TitleDirected byWritten by [2] Original release date [3]
1"Sauce for Prayers" Tim Van Patten Kirk Ellis and Howard Korder April 12, 2024 (2024-04-12)
As the fight for independence teeters on the brink of defeat, Benjamin Franklin and his grandson plunge into a world of intrigue and deception.
2"Welcome, Mischief"Tim Van PattenKirk Ellis and Howard KorderApril 12, 2024 (2024-04-12)
An arms operation is threatened by a ruthless opponent. The Paris police watch Franklin’s every move. Temple makes a confession.
3"Pride and Gout"Tim Van PattenKirk Ellis and Howard KorderApril 12, 2024 (2024-04-12)
Bad news arrives from America. Franklin finds himself ensnared in the traps of Versailles. Temple bows down before a star.
4"Small Revenge"Tim Van PattenKirk Ellis and Howard KorderApril 19, 2024 (2024-04-19)
Franklin pays back an insult and receives the favour of a king; a new lover catches Franklin's eye and an old rival turns up to thwart him.
5"The Natural State of Man"Tim Van PattenKirk Ellis and Howard KorderApril 26, 2024 (2024-04-26)
Tensions mount between Franklin and Adams. Madame Brillon asserts her power. Temple decides to fight his own war.
6"Beauty and Folly"Tim Van PattenKirk Ellis and Howard KorderMay 3, 2024 (2024-05-03)
Franklin suspects traitors are everywhere. Vergennes makes a final offer. Jacques introduces Temple to the thrill of the hunt.
7"Begin by Creeping"Tim Van PattenKirk Ellis and Howard KorderMay 10, 2024 (2024-05-10)
After victory at Yorktown, the Americans and the French plot against each other for the upper hand. Franklin is laid low at a crucial moment.
8"Think of Three Things"Tim Van PattenKirk Ellis and Howard KorderMay 17, 2024 (2024-05-17)
The future of the United States is decided by six men in a room. Franklin and Temple face a changed world.

Production

It was announced in February 2022 that Michael Douglas would star in the series as Benjamin Franklin for Apple TV+, with Kirk Ellis writing the series and Tim Van Patten directing. [4] In June 2022, it was announced that Howard Korder had joined the production as a writer and executive producer. [5]

Filming began in June 2022 in Versailles, with Noah Jupe, Ludivine Sagnier, Daniel Mays, Assaad Bouab and Eddie Marsan amongst additional casting announced. [5]

Reception

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, 71% of 35 critics gave the series a positive review, with an average rating of 6.5/10. The critical consensus reads, "Franklin's unhurried retelling of revolutionary history can be dry as parchment, but Michael Douglas' sly performance as the founding father gives it a compelling jolt." [6] On Metacritic, the series holds a weighted average score of 57 out of 100 based on 22 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". [7]

See also

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References

  1. Schwartz, Ryan (February 5, 2024). "Apple Sets Dates for Jake Gyllenhaal's Presumed Innocent Remake, Michael Douglas' Franklin and 10 Others (Watch)". TVLine. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  2. "Franklin". Writers Guild of America West . Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  3. "Shows A-Z - franklin on apple tv plus". The Futon Critic . Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  4. Petski, Denise (February 28, 2022). "Michael Douglas To Star As Benjamin Franklin in Apple TV+ Limited Series From Kirk Ellis, Tim Van Patten, Tony Krantz & Richard Plepler". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  5. 1 2 Wiseman, Andreas (8 June 2022). "Apple's Benjamin Franklin Series Starring Michael Douglas Adds Noah Jupe, Ludivine Sagnier, Daniel Mays, Assaad Bouab, More; Filming Starts In Paris". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  6. "Franklin: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango Media . Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  7. "Franklin: Season 1". Metacritic . Fandom, Inc. Retrieved April 19, 2024.