Series synopsis
The Presidents is an American documentary war & politics news television series that premiered on History on January 18, 2005. It ended on March 15, 2005. It was created by Craig Haffner. It stars Edward Herrmann.
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.
Premise
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.
Premise: The Lives and Legacies of the 43 Leaders of the United States.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Edward Herrmann as Narrator
Guest cast
- Annette Gordon-Reed as Annette Gordon-Reed
- Carol Berkin as Carol Berkin
- James Rees as James Rees
- Marvin Kitman as Marvin Kitman
- William M. Fowler Jr. as William M. Fowler Jr.
- Daniel Walker Howe as Daniel Walker Howe
- Harry Watson as Harry Watson
- Thomas Y. Cartwright as Thomas Y. Cartwright
- John Seigenthaler as John Seigenthaler
- Sam W. Haynes as Sam W. Haynes
- Michael Nelson as Michael Nelson
- Catherine Clinton as Catherine Clinton
Episodes
This series spans 2 seasons with 13 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 0 | 4 | January 18, 2005 | January 18, 2005 |
| Season 1 | 9 | January 17, 2005 | March 15, 2005 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
All the President's Wives 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. |
January 18, 2005 |
| 2 |
Barack Obama Following the historic 2008 election, incumbent President Barack Obama is profiled. |
|
| 3 |
Mount Rushmore 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. |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Washington to Monroe (1789-1825) 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. |
January 18, 2005 |
| 2 |
John Q. Adams to Polk (1825-1849) 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. |
January 25, 2005 |
| 3 |
Taylor to Lincoln (1849-1865) 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. |
February 1, 2005 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | History |
|---|---|
| First aired | January 18, 2005 |
| Last aired | March 15, 2005 |
| Runtime | 45 minutes |
| Status | Ended |