The Reagans: The Complete Miniseries

Watch The Reagans: The Complete Miniseries

  • 2003
  • 1 Season

The Reagans: The Complete Miniseries from Sonar Entertainment is a four-part documentary series about the lives and legacy of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, two of the most influential figures in American politics over the past century. Through interviews with friends, colleagues, and historians, as well as archival footage and photographs, the series explores the complex relationship between the Reagans and the United States during their time in the White House.

Part One, "The Hollywood Myth," focuses on Ronald Reagan's early career in Hollywood and his ascent to national politics as governor of California. The episode tells the story of Reagan's rise to fame as a movie star and his role in shaping the conservative movement in the 1960s and 1970s. The episode also explores the contradictions between Reagan's on-screen persona as a patriotic American hero and his private life, including allegations of infidelity and estrangement from his children.

Part Two, "The Right Turn," covers Reagan's two terms as President of the United States, from 1981 to 1989. The episode traces Reagan's transformation from a popular conservative governor to a national figurehead of the Republican Party, and the ways in which his policies shaped the nation's political landscape for decades to come. The episode also delves into some of the controversies and scandals of Reagan's time in office, including his handling of the Iran-Contra affair.

Part Three, "Let's Make America Great Again," examines the cultural and social impact of Reagan's presidency on American life. The episode explores the rise of the religious right and the emergence of a conservative counter-culture in reaction to the perceived excesses of the 1960s and 1970s. The episode also looks at the ways in which Reagan's policies affected the economy, foreign policy, and the environment, and the long-term effects of those policies on the nation and the world.

Finally, Part Four, "Reckoning with Reagan," takes a critical look at the legacy of the Reagan era and the ways in which his presidency continues to influence American politics today. The episode examines the long-term consequences of Reagan's economic policies, including deregulation and tax cuts, and the social changes that he helped to usher in, including the dismantling of the welfare state and the rise of neoliberalism. The episode also explores the ways in which Reagan's legacy has been appropriated by the current Republican Party and the rise of Donald Trump as a figurehead of that movement.

Overall, The Reagans: The Complete Miniseries is a highly engaging and informative documentary series that offers a comprehensive look at the lives and legacies of two of America's most influential political figures. Through its use of archival footage, interviews, and expert analysis, the series offers a fresh and nuanced perspective on the Reagan era that is both informative and entertaining. Whether you are a political junkie or simply interested in American history, The Reagans is definitely worth a watch.

Filter by Source
No sources available
Seasons
The Reagans: The Complete Miniseries Part 2
2. The Reagans: The Complete Miniseries Part 2
November 30, 2003
As a movie star, Democrat Ronald Reagan (Emmy and Golden Globe winner James Brolin, Traffic)has made a name for himself as President of the Screen Actors Guild-a title that offers him a chance meeting with a calculating B-actress named Nancy Davis (Emmy winner Judy Davis, Life with Judy Garland). The brief encounter turns to romance, and, in an effort to renew his private and public life, Ronald leaves his wife, actress Jane Wyman, marries the cunning Nancy, and embarks on a short-lived career in a promising venue called television. Though successful in the inventive new medium, it¢‚¬„¢s Ronald¢‚¬„¢s political interests, his ability to connect to grassroots America, and Nancy¢‚¬„¢s omnipresent PR savvy that lure him down the unexpected path to Governor of California. But there¢‚¬„¢s one stipulation-he must change his party affiliation to Republican.‚ Ronald fears that such a political move will doom his Hollywood career. It does, but it also paves the way for the performance of a lifetime and the career he was born for-President of the United States, following a 1981 landslide victory. What unfolds from Hollywood to Washington over the years is a tumultuous relationship with his left-wing children; the controversial weapons-defense system that made him one of the world¢‚¬„¢s most ridiculed feared yet popular Presidents; a headline-making association with the Russians; the assassination attempt on his life; Nancy¢‚¬„¢s own reign as one of the one of the most prominent First Ladies in history and her influence over the man she devoted her life to; and the controversial Iran-Contra affair that plunged Ronald Reagan-a man of resilience, contradictions, and strong will-into the darkest chapter of his political career.‚ 
The Reagans: The Complete Miniseries Part 1
1. The Reagans: The Complete Miniseries Part 1
November 30, 2003
As a movie star, Democrat Ronald Reagan (Emmy and Golden Globe winner James Brolin, Traffic)has made a name for himself as President of the Screen Actors Guild-a title that offers him a chance meeting with a calculating B-actress named Nancy Davis (Emmy winner Judy Davis, Life with Judy Garland). The brief encounter turns to romance, and, in an effort to renew his private and public life, Ronald leaves his wife, actress Jane Wyman, marries the cunning Nancy, and embarks on a short-lived career in a promising venue called television. Though successful in the inventive new medium, it¢‚¬„¢s Ronald¢‚¬„¢s political interests, his ability to connect to grassroots America, and Nancy¢‚¬„¢s omnipresent PR savvy that lure him down the unexpected path to Governor of California. But there¢‚¬„¢s one stipulation-he must change his party affiliation to Republican.‚ Ronald fears that such a political move will doom his Hollywood career. It does, but it also paves the way for the performance of a lifetime and the career he was born for-President of the United States, following a 1981 landslide victory. What unfolds from Hollywood to Washington over the years is a tumultuous relationship with his left-wing children; the controversial weapons-defense system that made him one of the world¢‚¬„¢s most ridiculed feared yet popular Presidents; a headline-making association with the Russians; the assassination attempt on his life; Nancy¢‚¬„¢s own reign as one of the one of the most prominent First Ladies in history and her influence over the man she devoted her life to; and the controversial Iran-Contra affair that plunged Ronald Reagan-a man of resilience, contradictions, and strong will-into the darkest chapter of his political career.‚ 
Description
  • Premiere Date
    November 30, 2003