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Season 1 – The Roosevelts: An Intimate History

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – The Roosevelts: An Intimate History 2014 Documentary History Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 16 Reviews 94% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
This new documentary series from director Ken Burns explores the lives of Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, three members of the most prominent and influential family in American politics. The 14-hour series follows the trio for more than a century, from Theodore's birth in 1858 to Eleanor's death in 1962. During those years, the Roosevelts helped shaped history, notably the creation of National Parks, digging of the Panama Canal, passage of New Deal programs, and improving civil rights.
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The Roosevelts: An Intimate History — Season 1

The Roosevelts: An Intimate History — Season 1

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Clearly a labor of love for Ken Burns, The Roosevelts makes for compelling viewing -- and admires its subjects without stooping to hagiography.

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Critics Reviews

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David Wiegand San Francisco Chronicle In all matters relating to the three Roosevelts, Burns allows us to be the judge. Rated: 4/4 Sep 17, 2014 Full Review Matt Zoller Seitz New York Magazine/Vulture The accounts of the origins, complications, and endings of the two World Wars are reasonably engrossing. Sep 15, 2014 Full Review Brian Lowry Variety The documentary miniseries is a meticulously crafted and wonderfully executed effort that represents a very good new deal for PBS and its viewers. Sep 12, 2014 Full Review Brian Orndorf Blu-ray.com In typical Burns fashion, historical fixation results in television gold, devoting 14 hours to the understanding of motivation, hubris, and compassion. Rated: A Sep 27, 2014 Full Review Kam Williams Baret News Covering over a century, from Theodore's birth in 1858 to Eleanor's death in 1962, this revealing biopic paints a fascinating portrait, not to be missed, of perhaps America's most influential political dynasty. Rated: 4/4 Sep 25, 2014 Full Review Tom Conroy Media Life [It's] sense of intimacy may be the documentary's greatest achievement. Sep 18, 2014 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member I can revisit this series over and over and still discover new things about one of America's most influential families. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/09/23 Full Review Audience Member It took me a few months watching it-I don't like binging on these things as there is so much to absorbe from such a rich production .... I am officially declaring it the most beautiful and engaging documentary I have ever seen...Its 14 hours are choke full of facts and anecdotes and nostalgia for the early 20th century ...Every time I finished watching an episode it felt like when you are done reading a great book from which you learned lots and lots.... I am not from the US so I was not too familiar with the Roosevelts very much..now I could actually have conversations about these larger-than-life figures...Very inspiring stories ...EXTREMELY RECOMMENDED this series!! :) Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/09/23 Full Review Audience Member http://filmreviewsnsuch.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-roosevelts-intimate-history.html Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/09/23 Full Review Audience Member truly stunning, emotional and inspirational. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/09/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Roosevelts: An Intimate History — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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Peter Coyote

Narrator

Keith Carradine

Voice

Adam Arkin

Voice

Kevin Conway

Voice

Patricia Clarkson

Voice

Paul Giamatti

Voice

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Sep 14, 2014 Get Action (1858-1901) The early lives of Theodore Roosevelt and his younger cousin, Franklin. Details Episode 2 Aired Sep 15, 2014 In the Arena (1901-1910) Theodore Roosevelt becomes one of the most beloved presidents of the United States, building the Panama Canal and preserving American wilderness; Franklin Delano Roosevelt weds Eleanor, enters a law firm, and considers running for senator. Details Episode 3 Aired Sep 16, 2014 The Fire of Life (1910-1919) Theodore Roosevelt campaigns for America to enter World War I; Franklin Delano Roosevelt serves as Secretary of the Navy; Theodore's death at age 60 provides Franklin with a major opportunity. Details Episode 4 Aired Sep 17, 2014 The Storm (1920-1933) Franklin Delano Roosevelt runs for vice president in 1920, but he contracts polio; while serving as governor of New York, Democrats turn to him as their presidential nominee for 1932. Details Episode 5 Aired Sep 18, 2014 The Rising Road (1933-1939) President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal restores people's self-confidence; as the 1930s come to a close, FDR faces two issues -- whether to run for a third term and how to deal with Adolf Hitler. Details Episode 6 Aired Sep 19, 2014 The Common Cause (1939-1944) President Roosevelt prepares the U.S. for its entry into World War II; Eleanor pushes to keep the New Deal reforms alive in wartime; FDR learns that he has congestive heart failure in 1943 but decides to run for a fourth term. Details Episode 7 Aired Sep 20, 2014 A Strong and Active Faith (1944-1962) President Roosevelt wins re-election but succumbs to a cerebral hemorrhage at age 63; after Franklin's death, Eleanor crusades for civil liberties and the United Nations. Details

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The Roosevelts: An Intimate History — Season 1

The Roosevelts: An Intimate History The Roosevelts: An Intimate History The Roosevelts: An Intimate History The Roosevelts: An Intimate History View more photos

Season Info

Director
Ken Burns
Screenwriter
Geoffrey C. Ward
Network
PBS
Rating
TV-PG
Genre
Documentary, History
Original Language
English
Release Date
Sep 14, 2014