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      Limited Series – Franklin

      Next Ep Fri May 3 History Drama TRAILER for Franklin: Limited Series Trailer List
      64% 28 Reviews Tomatometer 55% Fewer than 50 Ratings Audience Score In December 1776, Benjamin Franklin is world-famous for his electrical experiments, but his passion and power are put to the test when he embarks on a secret mission to France, with the fate of American independence hanging in the balance. Read More Read Less

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      Franklin — Limited Series

      Apple TV+

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      Franklin — Limited Series

      What to Know

      Critics Consensus

      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.

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      Audience Reviews

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      Jason W Michael Douglas was a poor choice to play Franklin. Something in his performance is missing. I would skip this show and watch something else like Manhunt on Apple TV. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 04/28/24 Full Review Robert A The costumes and cinematography deserve an A+. The story inspires while opening a window into a little-known chapter of the life of someone we know well of. Michael Douglas is amazing. Noah Jupe delights. I don’t understand why there are not more glowing reviews. As a fan of period pieces, that aspect combines with the other elements to make a work of art. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/27/24 Full Review Mark H So much potential. I’m not sure why Michael Douglas is getting all the accolades for playing Ben Franklin. I find his acting very dull and forced. They would’ve been much better to have hired an unknown or unproven actor to play the role. The series gets very dry at times and lost with its simplistic writing. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 04/26/24 Full Review Walter S Solid show. Engaging storytelling and high production value. Great to watch. Learning a lot! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/24/24 Full Review Maria A Franklin's life was quite something so it's hard to make it dull... but this film does just that. Douglas is a normally a wonderful actor, but his Franklin has no spirit. He's world-weary in a very modern way; hard to suspend disbelief. Visually it's interesting, but heaven forbid you're not a speed-reader or fluent in French. When the subtitles come on they disappear in a second. Very frustrating and has turned a lot of my friends off. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 04/24/24 Full Review Jason S Not bad. Michael Douglas shines as Benjamin Franklin, bringing charm and wit to every scene. The series does an excellent job of mixing historical drama with engaging storytelling, making those diplomatic missions come alive. That said, it's still a slow burn. To enjoy this one, you have to be more of a history buff than a movie buff. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 04/24/24 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

      Cast & Crew

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      Episodes

      Episode 1 Aired Apr 12, 2024 Sauce for Prayers As the fight for independence teeters on the brink of defeat, Benjamin Franklin and his grandson plunge into a world of intrigue and deception. Details Episode 2 Aired Apr 12, 2024 Welcome, Mischief An arms operation is threatened by a ruthless opponent; the Paris police watch Franklin's every move; Temple makes a confession. Details Episode 3 Aired Apr 12, 2024 Pride and Gout Bad news arrives from America; Franklin finds himself ensnared in the traps of Versailles; Temple bows down before a star. Details Episode 4 Aired Apr 19, 2024 Small Revenge Franklin pays back an insult and receives the favor of a king; a new lover catches his eye, and an old rival turns up to thwart him. Details Episode 5 Aired Apr 26, 2024 The Natural State of Man Tensions mount between Franklin and Adams; Madame Brillon asserts her power; Temple decides to fight his own war. Details Episode 6 Airs Fri May 3 Beauty and Folly Franklin suspects traitors are everywhere; Vergennes makes a final offer; Jacques introduces Temple to the thrill of the hunt. Details Episode 7 Airs Fri May 10 In December 1776, Benjamin Franklin is world-famous for his electrical experiments, but his passion and power are put to the test when he embarks on a secret mission to France, with the fate of American independence hanging in the balance. Details Episode 8 Airs Fri May 17 In December 1776, Benjamin Franklin is world-famous for his electrical experiments, but his passion and power are put to the test when he embarks on a secret mission to France, with the fate of American independence hanging in the balance. Details

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      Critics Reviews

      View All (28) Critics Reviews
      Nina Metz Chicago Tribune I like that he [Douglas] plays him with an unfussy, modern approach, but this entire milieu is outside Douglas’ wheelhouse and his Franklin has no discernible personality. Rated: 2/4 Apr 17, 2024 Full Review Ben Travers indieWire “Franklin” comes across as an apathetic history lesson, too content in its embodiment of French decorum to be bothered explaining why audiences of any country should care. Rated: C- Apr 15, 2024 Full Review Brian Lowry CNN.com It’s a fairly flat rendition of an American in Paris that, unlike its subject, never quite catches a spark of lightning. Apr 12, 2024 Full Review Bill Brioux Brioux.tv Pay no attention to that portly dude on the Yankee C-note. After watching this series, you will be convinced Benjamin Franklin looks just like Michael Douglas. Apr 18, 2024 Full Review Chris Wasser Irish Independent The problem with Franklin is that it doesn’t really know how to turn a fascinating historical tale into a riveting piece of television. Rated: 3/5 Apr 18, 2024 Full Review Aidan Smith Scotsman Though there’s a good deal of chess in Franklin, both real and metaphorical, Douglas still gets to have some fun. Apr 16, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

      Season Info

      Director
      Timothy Van Patten
      Executive Producer
      Michael Douglas, Kirk Ellis, Howard Korder, Timothy Van Patten, Tony Krantz, Philippe Maigret, Richard Plepler, Mark Mostyn
      Screenwriter
      Kirk Ellis, Howard Korder
      Network
      Apple TV+
      Rating
      TV-MA
      Genre
      History, Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date
      Apr 12, 2024
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