The Presidents

The Presidents

The Lives and Legacies of the 43 Leaders of the United States.

Ended First aired 18/Jan/2005 United States English 2 season(s) 13 episode(s)
DocumentaryWar & PoliticsNews
The show documents each of the Presidents in the union, starting with George Washington, following a chronological order up until George W. Bush. Each President's segment begins with the narrator giving a brief dossier about each one, from their political affiliation, family, and notable traits. The show then highlights the history behind each presidency, linking each one to the following.
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TimeScore 33% Skip It
Binge Meter 48% Slow Burn
Episode Pulse Quiet 40% activity score
Drop Rate 0% Very Low

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Seasons & Episodes

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Season 1 · Season 1
9 episode(s) · Air date: 17/Jan/2005
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Season Overview

This series accomplishes something not often done. It gives equal time to the lesser known presidents. So Martin Van Buren gets the same 10 minutes as Abraham Lincoln. This makes you understand how much we just don't know about the most revered political position in these United States.

Season Overview

This series accomplishes something not often done. It gives equal time to the lesser known presidents. So Martin Van Buren gets the same 10 minutes as Abraham Lincoln. This makes you understand how much we just don't know about the most revered political position in these United States.

S1E9
All the President's Wives
Air date: 15/Mar/2005 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

As the saying goes, behind every great man stands a great woman. This special bonus feature sets about both proving and disproving the adage. From the remarkable accomplishments of Eleanor Roosevelt to the quiet strength of Barbara Bush to the future Presidential hopes of Hillary Rodham Clinton, take a fascinating look at the nation's most significant others.

Summary

As the saying goes, behind every great man stands a great woman. This special bonus feature sets about both proving and disproving the adage. From the remarkable accomplishments of Eleanor Roosevelt to the quiet strength of Barbara Bush to the future Presidential hopes of Hillary Rodham Clinton, take a fascinating look at the nation's most significant others.

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S1E8
Carter to George W. Bush (1977-Present)
Air date: 08/Mar/2005 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the inauguration of 2005, Carter suffers through an economic depression and the Iran Hostage Crisis; Reagan survives assassination, Iran-Contra, and the Strategic Defense Initiative; George Bush initiates the Gulf War; Clinton presides over a booming economy, sex scandals, and impeachment; and George W. Bush follows 9/11 with his cowboy Doctrine of Pre-emptive Strikes.

Summary

From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the inauguration of 2005, Carter suffers through an economic depression and the Iran Hostage Crisis; Reagan survives assassination, Iran-Contra, and the Strategic Defense Initiative; George Bush initiates the Gulf War; Clinton presides over a booming economy, sex scandals, and impeachment; and George W. Bush follows 9/11 with his cowboy Doctrine of Pre-emptive Strikes.

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S1E7
Truman to Ford (1945-1977)
Air date: 01/Mar/2005 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

Truman leads the United States into the Atomic Age and the beginning of the Cold War. The most likeable president in U.S. history and hero of D-Day, Eisenhower is followed by the youthful charisma of Kennedy, until his tragic assassination. LBJ finally pulls out of Vietnam, while Nixon resigns and Ford stumbles. Along the way the moon is reached.

Summary

Truman leads the United States into the Atomic Age and the beginning of the Cold War. The most likeable president in U.S. history and hero of D-Day, Eisenhower is followed by the youthful charisma of Kennedy, until his tragic assassination. LBJ finally pulls out of Vietnam, while Nixon resigns and Ford stumbles. Along the way the moon is reached.

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S1E6
Wilson to FDR (1913-1945)
Air date: 22/Feb/2005 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

While America emerges as a super-power, Wilson promises to "make the world safe for democracy," Harding's administration is wracked by scandal, Coolidge ushers the nation to a dangerous economic precipice that leaves Hoover with the Great Depression--which finally ends as FDR leads the nation through WWII.

Summary

While America emerges as a super-power, Wilson promises to "make the world safe for democracy," Harding's administration is wracked by scandal, Coolidge ushers the nation to a dangerous economic precipice that leaves Hoover with the Great Depression--which finally ends as FDR leads the nation through WWII.

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S1E5
Cleveland to Taft (1885-1913)
Air date: 15/Feb/2005 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

During an era of unbridled economic growth called the Gilded Age, Cleveland becomes the first president to serve two non-consecutive terms, McKinley is assassinated, Teddy Roosevelt launches an all-out anti-trust assault on Big Money monopolies, and Taft becomes estranged from his mentor and friend, Teddy Roosevelt.

Summary

During an era of unbridled economic growth called the Gilded Age, Cleveland becomes the first president to serve two non-consecutive terms, McKinley is assassinated, Teddy Roosevelt launches an all-out anti-trust assault on Big Money monopolies, and Taft becomes estranged from his mentor and friend, Teddy Roosevelt.

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S1E4
Andrew Johnson to Arthur (1865-1885)
Air date: 08/Feb/2005 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

The Age of Reconstruction follows the Civil War. Three of the five presidents during this period are former generals of this war. Highlights include Johnson's impeachment trial, Grant's triumphs, the back room politics of Hayes, and Arthur's Civil Service reforms.

Summary

The Age of Reconstruction follows the Civil War. Three of the five presidents during this period are former generals of this war. Highlights include Johnson's impeachment trial, Grant's triumphs, the back room politics of Hayes, and Arthur's Civil Service reforms.

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S1E3
Taylor to Lincoln (1849-1865)
Air date: 01/Feb/2005 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

The most volatile period in U.S. history leads to the American Civil War. Follow the Presidency from the rough style of Taylor--the second president to die in office--and relative ineffectiveness of Fillmore and Pierce, to the near treason of Buchanan's administration, to Lincoln's shocking assassination.

Summary

The most volatile period in U.S. history leads to the American Civil War. Follow the Presidency from the rough style of Taylor--the second president to die in office--and relative ineffectiveness of Fillmore and Pierce, to the near treason of Buchanan's administration, to Lincoln's shocking assassination.

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S1E2
John Q. Adams to Polk (1825-1849)
Air date: 25/Jan/2005 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

In a period of rapid growth for the nation and contentious politics in Washington, Jackson heralds in the era of the Common Man and Manifest Destiny. Quincy Adams threatens to undo the virtues of American politics, while the economy tumbles during Van Buren's term. Harrison dies in office and Polk declares war on Mexico.

Summary

In a period of rapid growth for the nation and contentious politics in Washington, Jackson heralds in the era of the Common Man and Manifest Destiny. Quincy Adams threatens to undo the virtues of American politics, while the economy tumbles during Van Buren's term. Harrison dies in office and Polk declares war on Mexico.

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S1E1
Washington to Monroe (1789-1825)
Air date: 18/Jan/2005 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

During the heady days of the Constitutional Era, America's Founding Fathers set the future of a nation on its course. Washington helps define the Presidency that evolves through Monroe's administration, while Adams sees the country through the XYZ Affair and Jefferson signs the Louisiana Purchase.

Summary

During the heady days of the Constitutional Era, America's Founding Fathers set the future of a nation on its course. Washington helps define the Presidency that evolves through Monroe's administration, while Adams sees the country through the XYZ Affair and Jefferson signs the Louisiana Purchase.

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Season 0 · Specials
4 episode(s) · Air date: 18/Jan/2005
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Season Overview

--

S0E4
Presidential Estates
Air date: — · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

From George Washington's Mount Vernon to George Bush's Kennebunkport retreat, the private homes of America's presidents have offered peace, seclusion and privacy for the most public of men. America's Castles offers a remarkable, privileged look at some of the most impressive of these Presidential Palaces. Visit the final resting place of Andrew Jackson on the grounds of his sprawling Hermitage estate. With its dignified facade and stately elegance, Hermitage was built to honor Jackson's wife, who died weeks before his inauguration. Tour the magnificent Hudson Valley home of Martin Van Buren, which features a 40-foot banquet hall, lavish decoration and Moorish details. And marvel at the gorgeous Spiegel Grove, the beloved home of Rutherford Hayes, whose love of nature led him to build "a large verandah with a house attached." The stunning home features Chippendale furniture, a 12,000 volume library and a majestic curving staircase.

Summary

From George Washington's Mount Vernon to George Bush's Kennebunkport retreat, the private homes of America's presidents have offered peace, seclusion and privacy for the most public of men. America's Castles offers a remarkable, privileged look at some of the most impressive of these Presidential Palaces. Visit the final resting place of Andrew Jackson on the grounds of his sprawling Hermitage estate. With its dignified facade and stately elegance, Hermitage was built to honor Jackson's wife, who died weeks before his inauguration. Tour the magnificent Hudson Valley home of Martin Van Buren, which features a 40-foot banquet hall, lavish decoration and Moorish details. And marvel at the gorgeous Spiegel Grove, the beloved home of Rutherford Hayes, whose love of nature led him to build "a large verandah with a house attached." The stunning home features Chippendale furniture, a 12,000 volume library and a majestic curving staircase.

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S0E3
Mount Rushmore
Air date: — · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

Included in the 2010 "The Presidents" DVD Box Set, this bonus episode describes the history of Mount Rushmore and its presidents. Here is the controversial history of this unorthodox masterpiece, including the remarkable design specifications, the tragedies and setbacks that marred its construction, and the awe it inspires to this day.

Summary

Included in the 2010 "The Presidents" DVD Box Set, this bonus episode describes the history of Mount Rushmore and its presidents. Here is the controversial history of this unorthodox masterpiece, including the remarkable design specifications, the tragedies and setbacks that marred its construction, and the awe it inspires to this day.

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S0E1
All the President's Wives
Air date: 18/Jan/2005 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

As the saying goes, behind every great man stands a great woman. This special bonus feature sets about both proving and disproving the adage. From the remarkable accomplishments of Eleanor Roosevelt to the quiet strength of Barbara Bush to the future Presidential hopes of Hillary Rodham Clinton, take a fascinating look at the nation's most significant others.

Summary

As the saying goes, behind every great man stands a great woman. This special bonus feature sets about both proving and disproving the adage. From the remarkable accomplishments of Eleanor Roosevelt to the quiet strength of Barbara Bush to the future Presidential hopes of Hillary Rodham Clinton, take a fascinating look at the nation's most significant others.

✎ Edit
Contribute
Edit Episode Details Add Guest Cast Add Episode Crew

Cast

Main cast members.

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Edward Herrmann
Edward Herrmann
Narrator
Annette Gordon-Reed
Annette Gordon-Reed
Annette Gordon-Reed
No Photo
Carol Berkin
Carol Berkin
No Photo
James Rees
James Rees
No Photo
Marvin Kitman
Marvin Kitman
No Photo
William M. Fowler Jr.
William M. Fowler Jr.
Daniel Walker Howe
Daniel Walker Howe
Daniel Walker Howe
Harry Watson
Harry Watson
Harry Watson
No Photo
Thomas Y. Cartwright
Thomas Y. Cartwright
John Seigenthaler
John Seigenthaler
John Seigenthaler
Sam W. Haynes
Sam W. Haynes
Sam W. Haynes
Michael Nelson
Michael Nelson
Michael Nelson
No Photo
Catherine Clinton
Catherine Clinton
No Photo
Jean H. Baker
Jean H. Baker
No Photo
Peter A. Wallner
Peter A. Wallner
No Photo
Samuel C. Slaymaker
Samuel C. Slaymaker
Harold Holzer
Harold Holzer
Harold Holzer
Thomas J. Dilorenzo
Thomas J. Dilorenzo
Thomas J. Dilorenzo

Crew

Creators, directors, writers, and production crew.

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Rhys Thomas
Rhys Thomas
Director, Producer, Writer
No Photo
Kevin Browne
Editor
No Photo
Carolina Pacheco
Associate Producer
No Photo
Kendall LaMontagne
Associate Producer
No Photo
sara hutchison
Coordinating Producer
No Photo
Craig Haffner
Executive Producer
No Photo
Donna E. Lusitana
Executive Producer
No Photo
Rhys Thomas
Producer, Writer
Earl Rose
Earl Rose
Music

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