Series synopsis
The Reagans is an American documentary television series that premiered on Showtime on November 15, 2020. It ended on December 6, 2020. It was created by Matt Tyrnauer. It stars Ronald Reagan, Nancy Reagan and Ron Reagan.
A four-part documentary series that explores the many surprisingly unexamined aspects of the Reagan White House, and how Nancy Reagan's paper-doll image was at odds with the power she ultimately wielded throughout her husband's presidency.
Premise
A four-part documentary series that explores the many surprisingly unexamined aspects of the Reagan White House, and how Nancy Reagan's paper-doll image was at odds with the power she ultimately wielded throughout her husband's presidency.
Premise: Control the myth and you control the masses.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Ronald Reagan as Self (archive footage)
- Nancy Reagan as Self (archive footage)
- Ron Reagan as Self - Interviewee
Guest cast
- Anthony Fauci as Self
- Donald Regan as Self (archive footage)
- Trent Lott as Self (archive footage)
- Jerry Brown as Self (archive footage)
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 4 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 4 | November 15, 2020 | December 6, 2020 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Part 1 - The Hollywood Myth Machine The rise of Ronald Reagan from liberal movie star to an unlikely conservative politician who shocked the nation by capturing the governorship of the largest state. Closely examining American myths and the myth-making so expertly exploited by the Reagans to seize power, episode one also looks at the ruthless rise of the corporate political right, which led Reagan to become an evangelist for small government. |
November 15, 2020 |
| 2 |
Part 2 - The Right Turn A closer look at Reagan’s record on race — and a re-examination of his history as a law-and-order candidate who effectively used racialist codes as a strategy to win elections. The resonances with today’s political landscape and the tactics currently deployed by some in the GOP (and the reaction of the left) are categorical. Nancy starts to come into her own as a political force. |
November 22, 2020 |
| 3 |
Part 3 - The Great Undoing The triumph of both Reagans is explored as Ronald sets about undoing the New Deal and Great Society, setting off a political chain reaction that reverberates to this day. Nancy struggles with her image, as does Ronald. As they seem to care more about the rich and the military industrial complex than the poor, the fallacy of trickle-down economics is revealed. |
November 29, 2020 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Showtime |
|---|---|
| First aired | November 15, 2020 |
| Last aired | December 6, 2020 |
| Runtime | 54 minutes |
| Status | ended |
| Schedule | Sunday at 20:00:00 |