User Reviews

In the hallowed halls of history, Benjamin Franklin stands as a towering figure, revered for his intellect and ingenuity. Apple TV+'s "Franklin" delves into the lesser-known chapter of Franklin's life, illuminating his pivotal role in securing French support for the American Revolution. Led by the venerable Michael Douglas in the titular role, "Franklin" emerges as a compelling exploration of one man's quest to change the course of history.

From the outset, it's evident that "Franklin" is a labor of love, meticulously crafted to capture the essence of its titular character and the tumultuous era in which he lived. Douglas's portrayal of Franklin is nothing short of masterful, imbuing the Founding Father with a blend of wit, wisdom, and humanity that is as captivating as it is authentic. Whether navigating the treacherous waters of diplomacy or indulging in his more hedonistic pursuits, Douglas's Franklin is a delight to behold, anchoring the series with his undeniable charisma.

Director Tim Van Patten, known for his work on acclaimed series like "Boardwalk Empire" and "The Sopranos," brings his signature style to "Franklin," infusing the series with a sense of grandeur and gravitas befitting its subject matter. From the opulent salons of Paris to the dimly lit corridors of power, Van Patten's keen eye for detail ensures that every frame is a visual feast, transporting viewers to the heart of 18th-century Europe.

But perhaps the true triumph of "Franklin" lies in its ability to humanize its titular character, presenting him not as a mythical figure, but as a flawed and multifaceted individual. Far from being a one-dimensional hero, Franklin is portrayed as a complex and nuanced figure, grappling with doubts, desires, and moral dilemmas as he navigates the murky waters of diplomacy. It's a testament to the writing team's skill and sensitivity that Franklin emerges as a fully realized character, complete with all the contradictions and complexities that define us as human beings.

Of course, Douglas's performance is bolstered by a talented supporting cast, including Noah Jupe as Franklin's grandson Temple and a host of European actors who bring the world of 18th-century France to life. Together, they create a rich tapestry of characters, each with their own motivations and ambitions, adding depth and dimension to Franklin's world.

While "Franklin" may occasionally falter in its pacing and narrative structure, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar series. At its core, "Franklin" is a celebration of one man's indomitable spirit and the power of diplomacy to shape the course of history. It's a timely reminder of the importance of perseverance, ingenuity, and above all, the belief that one person can indeed make a difference.

In conclusion, "Franklin" is a triumph of historical storytelling, offering a nuanced and compelling portrait of one of America's greatest statesmen. With its stellar cast, sumptuous visuals, and engaging narrative, "Franklin" is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in history, politics, or simply good storytelling. So, immerse yourself in the world of 18th-century Europe and prepare to be captivated by the remarkable tale of Benjamin Franklin.

There were so many things which frustrated me about this show as I'm a fan of Franklin, American history, this particular story and time period, and Mr. Douglas - it had the makings of greatness.

Unfortunately, there are just too many things weighing it down. While the subtitles were not an issue (try watching Shogun!), the story and script just dragged and droned along at such a glacial pace that it was painful.

Douglas was not at his finest. I thought the casting might have been great, but it wasn't. Douglas was flat and seemed to be struggling with a bad cold or throughout the series. He was just bland.

The directing was terrible. No pace, no excitement, no fun. It just trodded along, seemingly lost.

Sad. There was potential.

The mini-series has great production values and the story of Franklin's ultimately successful negotiations with the French which saved the American Revolution is gripping.

The switching on and off of subtitles to account for the French-speakers was very distracting, taking one's eyes from the screen. The solution might have been to switch all the dialog to English after a few scenes.

But my biggest problem with the production is Michael Douglas, an actor whose work I greatly admire. That they did next to nothing to alter his appearance to resemble Franklin is distracting. I suppose he refused to have his hairline moved back another six inches and to not to have a nose prosthetic may have been vanity. But all I see is Michael Douglas, not Benjamin Franklin. Contrast this with other bio-based productions and, at least, the main character has been made to look like the subject.

This is not to say that Douglas doesn't deliver an excellent performance, but his appearance as Douglas rather than Franklin is as distracting as the subtitles.

This is well written, features beautiful set design and absolutely stunning costumes. From the details in period hair and makeup to mannerisms and gestures, the show is visually entertaining. There is quite a bit of dialogue and story lines to keep up with, be prepared. I had to pause a few times to let some of the underlying aristocratic humor sink in.

Keep expectations low for the portrayal of Franklin, the man. His character (or is it just Michael Douglas?) lacks the sincere charm and wit that was surely omnipresent of the Franklin who saved America from defeat. I would have liked to have seen either a brief list of accomplishments in the opening or retro reel to give Franklin's celebrity some clout for the viewer.

No, scratch that last part. I am just disappointed with Douglas. Zero charm. Total lost opportunity to portray a truly great American icon. Other than that, a well done show.

The number of posts on here that complain about the presence of subtitles in this multi-lingual production is maddening. Apparently closed captioning makes things unwatchable. And apparently the only possible way to improve this show is to stick a fake nose and wig on Michael Douglas, judging by other reviews that don't make as much mention of subtitles.

Deal with it. This is a great production. It looks beautiful and the performances are good. The story is relatively timely, too, managing to draw effective parallels between 18th- and 21st-century ways of conducting diplomacy.

Seriously, if you have a problem with subtitles, go away.

Grasping who did what in what war has always been difficult for me. I much prefer Tom Wilkinson's Franklin in HBO's John Adams. Great example of British versus American acting styles. Wife and I are watching as much as I we can, ignoring Douglas, focusing on events. Half of Madame Brilion advice about gout is correct. Avoid alcohol, especially red wine. Avoidance of women is incorrect, Removal of fluid, is good, all bodily fluids contain uric acid, which crystallizes and lodges between joints, usually farthest away fro heart. Great role for Robert Mayes as Dr. Bancroft. When does Slow Horses return?

Based on historical facts, Franklin is an engaging show. The writers clearly used accounts of Benjamin Franklin's personality and writings as well as little historical details that pepper this show with a kind of richness that is delightful. Some writer's license is taken here and there, but I find it's an excellent historical account of an 18th century political sparing complete with espionage, romance, treachery, and heroism. It does not cease to deliver.

This is one of the most captivating shows I've watched in a long time. If you like historical dramas, this is probably for you. It's hard for me to see the show outside the lens of historical drama, as I really like such shows and movies. I find myself constantly thinking "did that really happen" then I look it up and sure enough... it did. Or, "what was that like back in 1777/1778?" and I feel inspired to dig deeper and learn more.

The story is circling Benjamin Franklin around the end of 1770 when aparently he went to France to gather support against the brittish in the American attempt to become a free independent nation. I cant say much of the accuracy of the story but this depiction seems rather vapid to me and more focused on details than the core story. Maybe because the core story itself isnt very exciting but rather booring.

The production is fairly big and thus the scenography, picture, music and sound is generally good and of quality but the story and script is lagging behind and doesnt deliver much excitement. You will see beautiful and well dressed people but less exciting interactions between people. The writers are failing and actors are stiff and lacks spark to create interest. The picture is also a bit dark, filmed in the light of candles and fog mostly, which seems unnecessary and dulling.

Michael Douglas is the acting lead depicting Franklin in this drama and Im not impressed. He has problem standing, walking and talking straight, its like he is drunk. The reason for this is likely old age or some medical issues. In any case this is a crucial problem since the story circles him. Michael Douglas ineptitide to accurately depict Franklin instead of being himself, kills much of the suspence that is built in the story, creating a loss of interest. I hate to say this because Michael Douglas was a good reliable actor that delivered pre covid(-2019).

The "diversity" aspect. Unfortunately they couldnt leave this historical portrait alone and attempts to rewrite history. They include black people both in the background and as main characters when there where no black people in France at the time and especially not at the social status depicted. They also included the depiction of a transexual and pretend Franklin would have treated him with interest, understanding and respect, which is not likely.

If you like historical dramas in the late 1700s France and dont mind watching a seemingly drunk playing Franklin and dont mind other serious inaccuracies of history, then this series is for you.

6/10 for everything but Michael Douglas as Franklin.

This is a reconstitution of the troubled times when America needed help from Europe against England. And more than that: it is an on-spot Apple bet, a great experience, with location "extravaganza", great costume reconstitution, a few good actors, and more. A superficial incursion in manners and languages of those times was tried and so we have an "epoque-drama" that is very interesting and leaves us wanting more. Franklin deals with a task to help his fellow Americans bring money and guns to the American cause. But it is in general a great chance to see America as a character in a different type of geopolitical drama. Also, it is enough to send a mainstream streamer to run away - American streamers will not like having French people speak French. ["Vide" Shogun for a great History reconstitution. But look, Portuguese in Shogun also is not spoken - they opted for English.] {My favorite model is "Pachinko" and the subtitle scheme they have found.} Resuming, it's a detailed flix, that lacks depth and fails to bring the real danger that Americans were confronted with. Is this a french-fries-friendly series? Well, no. But french fries are also not French, right? You'll need to have a cultural background to watch this.

Slow moving. Too much French with subtitles.

I have watch the first two episodes, it seemed to take forever. My eyes are tired from trying to read the subtitles. Good thing it moves slow so I can keep up. I'd say the dialogue is strange but Franklin is talking to the French. I's bound to be strange. I kept expecting them to fade into English. I've seen it in a couple of movies, they start in one language with subtitles then it transforms into English.

Michael Douglas would was not the first actor that came to mind when thinking about Franklin. But he is a great actor and does credit to the part, as usual.

Awful. Just awful. I couldn't watch more than 15 minutes. I suppose there comes a time in every big name actor's career where they just can't act anymore and basically just play themselves. I think Tom Hanks might be at that stage. But I'm okay with that because I love Tom Hanks. That being said, I've always enjoyed Michael Douglas in roles, most recently The Kominsky Method. He was really very good in that. I did not get the "I'm just me playing me" vibe even though he was playing an actor. THIS however, was just painful to watch. His voice, his delivery, all of it, was just off. I learned the little I know about Franklin's stay in France from HBO's John Adam's so I was looking forward to learning more! Not from this show.

I'm enjoying it immensely so far through five episodes. Benjamin Franklin spoke multiple languages, but French was definitely not one his strongest. The show depicts his imprecision with the language which I appreciate from a historical accuracy standpoint.

I'm thrilled the Marquis de Lafayette is a central figure in the story. The guy was a rockstar and deserves his modern day due. I am intrigued by the French side of the story regarding America's War for Independence. You can see the seeds being sown placing France's civilization on the brink of collapse.

For those who are not history buffs, there will be moments of "is that true?!" You'll think it's just modernizing history. But you'll find the more things change, the more they stay the same.

The story is captivating, and the production is meticulous. Michael Douglas is excellent and offers the additional ingredient that keeps you glued to the screen. By the way he looks like the Franklin we all picture. Awsome figurines and make up. Outstanding french actors in this production brings a sense of realism, but unfortunately, the constant subtitles are so distracting. There's so much content surrounding Benjamin Franklin that the series could have more seasons covering other phases of this character's life. It IS worth watching despite the constant switching between English and French, which can be a bit tiresome.

I love Michael Douglas as an actor. He has had some great roles and really lights up the screen. But I can't buy him as Benjamin Franklin. His distinct voice in particular just made me think "oh that's Michael Douglas in a period piece". I was waiting for him to bust out with some slick monologue about Wall Street. As such, I couldn't get involved with the story about Franklin.

The costumes and set designs are fantastic and Franklin the man had an epic life, so if and when I get past the casting I hope to make it through the entire series. Apple TV has released some really high quality programming.

I couldn't get past Michael Douglas's portrayal of Benjamin Franklin, it's like finger nails on a chalkboard. I don't know what the director was thinking or how he thought Mr. Douglas was a good choic for the role. I wish the role would have have been recast once they saw how wrong he was for the role. He is a talented man in the right role, he was great in The Kominsky Method, Falling Down, The war of the Roses, Fatal Attraction, Wall Street and many other movies and t.v. Shows. All the other actors are doing a great job, It's such an interesting time in our nation's history and the life on Ben Franklin.

When will the people who make movies learn that we know the difference between day and night? Why do they have to make movies so bloody dark that we can't see everything going on? We can understand with a little bit of tinting that it's night time which is sufficient so we can see everything else that's going on. Plus, we know they're speaking French in Paris France, so why do we have to read subtitles in English to know what they're saying? Just stipulate that it's in French and let us hear in English so we can understand what they are saying. I suppose they are trying to go for realism, but what's the point if they are not going to depict it in a manner in which we can see everything and understand what they're saying. I am sure the costune and set designers went to great detail on the costumes and the sets, so why not let us see them? I am out.

It's a struggle to make it through episode 1. They speak mostly French and switch back and forth English and French and sometimes you cannot understand even with subtitles. They feel the need to bore you with seemingly every conversation Franklin ever had. To make it worse, when Franklin gives a speech in English, we then have to hear it again in French. Must we be this historically accurate? Were the writers so out of content that they effectively have to show each seen twice in both French and English? I tried 3 times to watch because I'm genuinely interested in the history of our country. A big Meh and I give up.

I love history. Loved HBO's John Adams. I hate Franklin. Miscast with Michael Douglas. I so preferred Tom Wilkinson as Franklin-what a tour de force! What Apple TV has done with Benjamin Franklin and John Adams really is a travesty. Hard pass. Just can't get over Fatal Attraction meets 1776. Too much French subtitles, very slow, and the audience just doesn't care whether the characters succeed or fail. I have so enjoyed much of the AppleTV content-especially Manhunt. Edwin Stanton was amazing!! Good writing, good portrayal of history. But Franklin just falls flat against a myriad of powdered French faces on the screen.

Can't get past the trailer. I know a little about Benjamin Franklin. Read about him. Seen several PBS documentaries where they go in depth on him. Saw the late great Tom Wilkinson portray him in John Adams, and it felt right. But I was extraordinarily cringed out just by seeing Michael Douglas in quite possibly the worst casted role in the history of television or film. When he looks into the French diplomats eye with a Michael Douglas twinkle and states he loves a dangerous game, I could not allow myself to get any further exposure of such lunacy without getting a stroke out of frustration. I only rated it 4 because I did not see it and felt other aspects may be respectable, but it is Michael Douglas in costume, not an actor playing Franklin.