The Roosevelts: An Intimate History

Watch The Roosevelts: An Intimate History

  • TV-14
  • 2014
  • 1 Season
  • 8.8  (2,602)

The Roosevelts: An Intimate History is a remarkable documentary series that aired on PBS in 2014. The series is executive produced by Ken Burns and directed by Burns, Paul Barnes, and Pam Tubridy Baucom. The show aims to chronicle the lives of three members of the Roosevelt family: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Theodore Roosevelt.

Narrated by Emmy-winning actor Peter Coyote, the series comprises seven episodes that explore the lives of the Roosevelts from their early years to their deaths. The show features interviews with renowned historians, authors, and family members, who provide insightful commentary on the Roosevelt legacy.

The first episode of the series delves into the early years of Theodore Roosevelt, who was born into a wealthy family in New York City in 1858. The episode explores his childhood, his love of nature, and his military career before he became governor of New York and eventually President of the United States.

Theodore's cousin, Franklin D. Roosevelt, is the subject of the second episode of the series. The episode examines his privileged upbringing, his marriage to Eleanor Roosevelt, and his political rise through the ranks of the Democratic Party. It also delves into the impact of his polio diagnosis and how it shaped his presidency.

The third episode focuses on Eleanor Roosevelt, who was perhaps the most influential member of the Roosevelt family. The episode presents her unconventional upbringing, her activist work as First Lady, and her role as a leader in the civil rights movement. It also covers her troubled marriage to Franklin and her lifelong commitment to public service.

The fourth and fifth episodes explore Franklin Roosevelt's presidency, one of the most transformative in American history. The episodes delve into his New Deal policies that aimed to alleviate the effects of the Great Depression, his leadership during World War II, and his efforts to shape the post-war world.

The sixth episode of the series examines the post-World War II years and the impact that the Roosevelt legacy had on American politics and society in the decades that followed. The episode explores the emergence of the Cold War, the civil rights movement, and the changing role of women in American society.

The final episode of the series offers a poignant coda to the lives of the three Roosevelts. The episode covers their deaths and reflects on the legacies that they left behind.

Throughout the series, the show uses a combination of archival footage, photographs, and letters to bring the Roosevelts to life. The show's use of primary sources is particularly effective, as it enables the audience to hear the voices of the Roosevelts themselves as well as those who knew them.

In addition to Peter Coyote's narration, the series features prominent guest speakers such as Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin and political commentator George F. Will. The show also includes interviews with members of the Roosevelt family, including Franklin's granddaughter, Anna Roosevelt, and Eleanor's grandson, David Roosevelt.

The Roosevelts: An Intimate History is a fascinating and insightful look at one of America's most remarkable families. The show offers a nuanced and in-depth portrait of the personal and political lives of the Roosevelts and their impact on American history.

The Roosevelts: An Intimate History is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (7 episodes). The series first aired on September 14, 2014.

The Roosevelts: An Intimate History
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Seasons
A Strong and Active Faith (1944-1962)
7. A Strong and Active Faith (1944-1962)
September 20, 2014
Eleanor's role in the civil rights movement as well as her participation in the U.N. following FDR's death.
The Common Cause (1939-1944)
6. The Common Cause (1939-1944)
September 19, 2014
Examining FDR's leadership during WWII. Meanwhile, Eleanor takes care of wounded servicemen.
The Rising Road (1933-1939)
5. The Rising Road (1933-1939)
September 18, 2014
Examining FDR's New Deal and Eleanor's increasing political activism.
The Storm (1920-1933)
4. The Storm (1920-1933)
September 17, 2014
Franklin Delano Roosevelt hopes to become vice president in 1920, but is struck by polio. While serving as governor of New York, the Democrats select him as their presidential nominee for 1932.
The Fire of Life (1910-1919)
3. The Fire of Life (1910-1919)
September 16, 2014
Theodore Roosevelt leads the country campaign to enter WWI. Franklin Delano Roosevelt is the Navy Secretary. Franklin gets a large opportunity by Theodore's death.
In the Arena (1901-1910)
2. In the Arena (1901-1910)
September 15, 2014
As one of the most beloved presidents in the US. He preserved America's wilderness and built Panama Delano. Frank Delano Roosevelt married Eleanor, enters a law firm, and wonders about running for senator.
Get Action (1858-1901)
1. Get Action (1858-1901)
September 14, 2014
Theodore Roosevelt and his younger cousin, Franklin's early lives are featured..
Description
Where to Watch The Roosevelts: An Intimate History
The Roosevelts: An Intimate History is available for streaming on the PBS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Roosevelts: An Intimate History on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon, Google Play, Apple TV and PBS.
  • Premiere Date
    September 14, 2014
  • IMDB Rating
    8.8  (2,602)