John Adams

Series 1 | Episode 1 | Join or Die

Cast and Crew Information

Cast

Sam Adams
played by Danny Huston
George Washington
played by David Morse
Abigail Adams
played by Laura Linney
John Adams
played by Paul Giamatti
Alexander Hamilton
played by Rufus Sewell
Nabby Adams
played by Sarah Polley
Thomas Jefferson
played by Stephen Dillane
Benjamin Franklin
played by Tom Wilkinson
Abigail Adams

In the aftermath of the Boston Massacre - a deadly street confrontation between American colonists and an occupying British brigade - John Adams, a lawyer who moved his family to Boston to establish his legal career, takes an unpopular stand by agreeing to serve as defence attorney for the accused British soildiers.

Counselled in his advocacy by his wife Abigail, he wins the case, but surprises his friend, the attorney general, by turning down a lucrative position with the Crown. As pro-independence sentiment boils over in Massachusetts, Adams is invited to join the newly created Continental Congress.

After a rousing speech to his constituents, he says an emotional goodbye to his family before heading to Philadelphia, and an uncertain future.

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On TV

First Shown

Date Time Channel
Saturday 27 December 2008 5PM Channel 4

Last Shown

Date Time Channel
Saturday 27 December 2008 5PM Channel 4
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