Forget Bridgerton, Apple TV’s Underrated Period Drama Is So Much Better

It may seem that Netflix has taken over the period dramas’ scene with the glowing success of Bridgerton, the series that got all the possible titles. However, Apple TV is now killing it with their period shows too, as you may have seen such gems, as Lessons in Chemistry ( 2023), Masters of the Air, The New Look, and Manhunt (all 2024).

This year the platform released a must-see miniseries that also takes us back in time, but here we embark on a journey together with one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin. This show can even beat Bridgerton by its quality (and it surely does better when it comes to historical accuracy).

It starts by depicting the events of December 1776 after The Declaration of Independence was adopted. Franklin goes on a mission to France as commissioner for the United States, taking his 16-year-old grandson, William Temple Franklin with him.

There, Franklin must convince King Louis XVI to support the developing United States in the Revolutionary War, and his work will define the fate of American independence.

Based on Stacy Schiff's 2005 book A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America, the series sticks to the real-life events of Franklin’s ambassadorship in France (1776–1785). Nevertheless, it obviously does a far cry from history while speculating on the Founding Father’s inner dramas and on tricky palace intrigue.

It is a must-watch for fans of other historical shows that focus on the events of the American Revolutionary War. These include Paul Giamatti’s John Adams (2008), Ben Barnes’ Sons Of Liberty (2015) and Jamie Bell’s Turn: Washington’s Spies (2014 – 2017).

Here Franklin is portrayed by the accomplished Michael Douglas (Basic Instinct, Wall Street, The Game), and he definitely steals the whole show by his brilliant performance.

Titled simply Franklin, this 8-episode miniseries is certainly one of the best historical shows of the year that contains the best portrayal of such an important figure.

“The costumes, set design, photography are magnificent. Every scene looks like an oil painting. Michael Douglas gave a stellar performance,” admits Redditor @rh60.

You can revise the essentials of American history by watching this incredible series, as Franklin is already available for streaming on Apple TV+.