The Reagans

Watch The Reagans

  • 2020
  • 1 Season

The Reagans is a four-part documentary series produced by Showtime that explores the life, legacy, and controversial politics of Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. The series delves into Reagan's rise to power, his impact on American culture, and his role as a conservative icon.

The series draws heavily on personal interviews, archived footage, and expert analysis to present a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century. The first episode, "The Hollywood Myth Machine," explores Reagan's early career as an actor and his emergence as a political force in Hollywood. The episode also examines Reagan's first marriage to actress Jane Wyman and his experience serving in World War II.

In episode two, "The General Electric Years," the series shifts its focus to Reagan's time as a corporate spokesperson for General Electric in the 1950s. During this time, Reagan became a prominent conservative voice and developed the political vision that would eventually lead him to the White House. The episode also explores Reagan's relationship with his second wife, Nancy Reagan, whom he married in 1952.

The third episode, "The Right Turn," examines Reagan's transition from Hollywood conservative to political activist. In this episode, the series explores Reagan's involvement with the John Birch Society and his role as a spokesman for the conservative movement during the 1960s and 1970s. The episode also touches on the conservative movement's backlash against the civil rights movement and other progressive causes of the era.

Finally, in the fourth episode, "The End of the Cold War?" the series explores Reagan's foreign policy legacy and his role in ending the Cold War. The episode examines Reagan's controversial policies toward the Soviet Union and his negotiations with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. The episode also explores the consequences of Reagan's policies, including the rise of global terrorism and the continuation of nuclear proliferation.

Overall, The Reagans presents a comprehensive and critical look at the life and legacy of one of America's most controversial political figures. The series offers a nuanced and complex portrait of Reagan that challenges both his most ardent supporters and his harshest critics. Through interviews with historians, journalists, and other experts, the series provides a deep understanding of the social, cultural, and political forces that shaped Reagan's worldview and his impact on American politics.

The Reagans is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (4 episodes). The series first aired on November 15, 2020.

The Reagans
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Seasons
Part 4 - In the Stars
4. Part 4 - In the Stars
December 6, 2020
The Reagans' second term - and near-collapse of the administration in light of the Iran-Contra scandal - comes under examination. Nancy's behind-the-scenes machinations reveal her true influence and power: expertly balancing the act of a dutiful wife as Ronald's health declines with her quest to shape the Reagan legacy. The Reagans' tragic inaction in the face of the HIV-AIDS pandemic is assessed with Dr. Anthony Fauci weighing in.
Part 3 - The Great Undoing
3. Part 3 - The Great Undoing
November 29, 2020
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.
Part 2 - The Right Turn
2. Part 2 - The Right Turn
November 22, 2020
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.
Part 1 - The Hollywood Myth Machine
1. Part 1 - The Hollywood Myth Machine
November 15, 2020
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.
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Where to Watch The Reagans
The Reagans is available for streaming on the Showtime website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Reagans on demand at Showtime, Apple TV Channels, Hulu, Apple TV and Showtime Anytime.
  • Premiere Date
    November 15, 2020