This boring show is made unwatchable by its awful cinematography. For some reason, the director thought it would be artistic to tilt the camera, do a lot of hand held camera work, and show lousy composition. The sound mix is terrible, and there are many passages of dialog that are completely unintelligible. I never knew American History could be so off putting!

Horribly cast, this is a mockery of history. Important points are glazed over or omitted entirely. Did the producers actually read David McCullough's biography?? Paul Giamatti is abominable as John Adams, a sloppy schlumpy mess. An Italian-American guy plays an English-American. Giamatti looks nothing like Adams' portraits. David Morse is also horribly mis-cast. Just all around garbage, except for the sets.… Expand

One of the best historical dramas that I have seen. Paul Giamatti does a wonderful job in this mini-series as does the others. I only wished it were not mini-series. This could be the start of a great run for a program.

Considering the incredible monument of the subject-matter, I am especially impressed with the execution of this TV series so far. It's excellent.

David McCullough: the one true 'genius' behind delivering all this!

I am a huge John Adams person. I love this movie so much that they should make an HBO movie for all the US Presidents. It was a creepy movie, but it was the best!!!!! Everyone should see this movie!

Thank you, thank you HBO. A great portrayal of early America....Linney and Giamatti are great together. The set is amazing and the costumes so authentic.....I'm hooked.

John Adams almost single-handedly started the Revolutionary War after defending the British officers accused of murder in the Boston Massacre. Or so the HBO version of David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning book would have us believe. Only cousin Sam Adams seems more passionately in favor of war with England. Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine are MIA. Still, the acting is stunning, especially in the characters of Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Adams himself. It is a fascinating recreation of the time.… Expand

In an election year it's more important then ever to remember what this nation is about. This miniseries is not only entertaining but thought provoking. It is as educational as it is engaging.

After viewing two episodes, I can say that I am pleasantly surprised. Script and performances are top-notch across the board. Highly recommended.

I am eagerly awaiting ALL 7 episodes, a job WELL Done HBO.

some newspaper reviews say that Paul Gamatti isn't right for the role- but I totally disagree. He is totally compelling and he and Linney have great chemistry together. This is written so well- makes me long for more American History dramas from HBO, please,. We need to be reminded of the power of diverse minds in creating the country we want and need.

Superb description of the very real human needs and fears that serve as the motivations for great as well as failed leadership. Terrific depiction of the emotional intelligence necessary for good diplomacy. Wonderfully directed and acted with great production values.

Absolutely wonderful! This series truly brought the people and events that created our country to life.

Outstanding, but you need to read the book to fill in the gaps because of the time constraints of the series.

I was impressed with the eye for detail in all of the miniseries. But what bothered me through all the series was the impression that Giamatti was over doing his role. I am not sure if history records him to be of a suspicious nature.

Giamonti's best effort to date from my view...and the "real" critics blame Paul for Adam's boring character.

Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney are excellent. I enjoyed the attention to detail in the clothing, set, and script. I thought the soundtrack and audio were sublime.

Learned so much! Learn more watching this Mini series than I did in school or college. I'm buying 3 copies. One for me, father, and father in-law. I'm from ME, and go to Boston All the time, New new how important John Adams was. He deserves to be on something! I'm going on a tour of his life when the weather warms. up! Thank You for teaching me!

I was impressed by how true to the book the mini series stayed. I wish they would do more bio-pics that stay as close to the truth, as John Adams. I would especially love to see one on Benjamin Franklin, arguably and in my opinion, the MOST fascinating American who ever lived. He's the real life Forrest Gump. he was funny, intelligent and he was EVERYWHERE. I think he was present at every famous and significant event in his time.… Expand

I used to believe that HBO and Playtone could do no wrong, and I was really enjoying this at first, but with each successive episode, the dialogue became increasingly unintelligible and I was forced to keep the volume blasting while I went back over scenes three or four times just to get a piece of the dialogue. It is a fascinating peek into our historical roots, but not the most engaging and the soundtrack was infuriating!… Expand

Acting is excellent but what is the purpose of a historical film if there are numerous inaccuracies. Even a low budget film could have easily been historically accurate. I am disappointed in that this could have been a wonderful movie to enjoy as a family but full frontal nudity especially within the first hour of the first episode. Seems there is more than early American history politics being sold in this film.… Expand

This series is incredible accurate, well filmed, greatly acted. It is the best I've seen in my life. It made feel I was there. And OMG how many J Adams have I met in my life. Paul is great, the script is incredible, and Benjamin Franklyn came to life as I always saw him in my imagination. No words can describe this film.

Are you kidding.. is this a comedy? What a mess. The casting seems to be a fatal mistake.

Outstanding - typical HBO quality, by which I mean excellent.

Hard to watch.

Outstanding in all ways...acting, scenery, etc.

I've only seen the first two parts, but I am hooked. This mini-series vividly brings to life McCollough's biography. Paul Giamatti is brilliant. Laura Linney is perfect as Abagail. Stephen Dillane, as the phlegmatic Thomas Jefferson, had a wonderful scene off-handedly explaining his condemnation of slavery while Franklin and Adams edited it out of the Declaration of Independence.

This is a powerful, moving drama. The production values are top-notch, You get the sense this is an accurate portrayal of what actually happened. It's a fantastic account one of the greatest events to happen in human history, the birth of the American nation. Do not miss this series!

I loved the book, love the show, so far. I have been to the re-enactment at lexington/concord and to williamsburg. this is almost as good. I hope the time in europe is not stretched out, get john home already. It's a 10, so far.

Obviously I'm in the minority here, but I think this is, so far, an unmitigated disaster. Ordinary, expositional, non-dramatic, poorly cast and like a much less interesting Biography Channel profile. I suppose many people like this kind of stately poop that lacks any real spark of imagination, but I'm not one them. It gets "1" for Laura Linney, though she is not cast well here.

I hate to be cliche but, this series really makes history come alive. The personal drama between john and abigail, however, falls a bit flat for me. It is welldone and acted, but, I find myself wanting to know more about the politics and history.

Rarely do I rate any TV program or movie to be a '10', but this would receive from me a rating of '20' if it were available. Although there are some missing characters the story stays true to history, and the acting is superb! Giamatti is amazing. It seems as though this role was made for him, and could well be his life's greatest. I was unfairly biased against Linney from her performance in 'The Truman Show' as the selfish wretch of a wife, but here she is magnificent as Adam's wife. The boy who plays Johnny is also quite well portrayed. He seems young, wise, confused, and awestruck all at the same time. Bravo HBO for a magnificent program. Bring us more American History!… Expand

Giametti is so bad that he takes down a great actor like Laura Linney.

Best television experience since... I'm not quite sure.

I look forward toward Sunday evenings at 9:00 now that John Adams is here. I have emailed HBO thanking them for such an historic masterpiece as John Adams. Paul Giamatti is superb, a great force. I believe that he actually has an emotional attachment to his character he's so good. I did not know until now how instrumental John Adams was in making our country (after a further concurring investigation thanks to Wikepedia). This mini series makes me feel; well; patriotic to say the least, and appreciative of all the hardships our forefathers had to endure. Luckily I do have an HDTV and this series is extremely well done. The cinematography is beautiful. Long live these American States!… Expand

This is a very good show. Giammatti is good and so is Linney. This is history as drama, and pretty accurate at that.

Fascinating drama! We lived in Boston for 30 years and found the miniseries very interesting, with touching performances by Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, David Morse (surprise as Washington) and others. See it on demand at HBO at your earliest convenience. A BIG WINNER... although if you want to quibble, Sybil, see the IMDB trivia and goofs selections. Radio Lady Ellen in Oregon.

I enjoy history. This is the first portrayal of the birth of our country that I feel is believable. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next big moment of how our government was created. It seems not much has changed, politicians jockeying for power. Everything seems so authentic right down to teeth rotting the older each character gets. Great job HBO!

Sloppy hand held camera ruins Paul Giamatti's incredible performance.

The first four episodes were solid, but the fifth was average and the six outright boring. I don’t think Paul Giamatti/John Adams has the skills to hold his senate or my attention. It will take alcohol to see this one home.

Paul Giamatti is astounding - surely one of the finest performances ever seen in a television drama.

Great acting but this HBO series depressingly focuses on all the negative aspects of Adams life and character. It's sad.

This is by far the best film I have ever seen in all my 65 years. I am astounded at how real every expression, scene, costume, makeup and setting was. It was like you were right there witnessing their lives. I marvel at the script, sounds, music, lighting and action. I was so moved by these actors who faithfully characterized their subjects to the last nuance with language and customs of the 18th century. God Bless the director and producers and all the makers of this movie including those in Hungary!… Expand

Really enjoyed the series. Read the McCullough book several years ago, and screenplay stayed very close to the history as recorded in letters and the book. The 3 main characters were phenomenally acted by Giamatti, Linney and Dillane. Excellent all around - would love to see the same type of series about Jefferson. Now there's a challenge.

Despite the fact that didn't get to see any other side of JA than his angry side, this shows that if movie makers just "tell the story" it makes for great entertainment. After all, history is one great story after another. And who doesn't like a great a story?

If this was a movie, It would sweep the oscars. Giamatti in his best performance of his career. The crew did a perfect job of portraying John Adams and the first 50 years of the USA.

Excellent and well scripted tv show. I feel i have learned more of the nature revolving the creation of our country than any other public-school textbook or teacher could have provided. And, one must admit, with profound eloquence and thoughtful narrative. A Must See.

Great series and historical representation of when America was born. A must see for those who love early American history.

I seem to be alone in feeling hugely disappointed in Paul Giamatti's performance which spoils this series. For those who saw Sideways, you get Miles in a 3 cornered hat. Very grumpy and scolding, little charm or humor and he rarely makes EYE contact with the other actors-- which is strange and distancing. I read McCullough's book too and didn't get the impression Adams was such a dour, unlikeable man. Other actors are excellent, especially David Morse as Washington (not easy to play such an icon!).… Expand

Bravo HBO!

I don't know how any one could say anything bad abou this series. It should be required viewing for every student in America. One of the finest mini series on any subject i have ever seen, and most certainly THE definitive modern day story telling of early America.

Excellent quality! Thank you HBO!

HBO may be struggling with finding its next big show but it still puts out the gret mini-series. This series will be remembered as much as Band of Brothers. Tom Hanks has proven himself to be a great producer with Playtone. I am already looking forward to the "The Pacific" in 2009.

absolutely fantastic

I'm not qualified to rate it in terms of authenticity as a history but is well done as a visual period piece. The cast, writing, direction, costume design and art direction are excellent. The cinematography is at times very good at at times awful and distracting in the use of shaky hand-held technique and tilted horizons.

Historically accurate and well acted with great set design.

Giamatti and Linney are brilliant! Can't even imagine the courage it took to live at that time. What amazing decisions! What terrors to confront! This series is bringing history to life! I cannot get enough of it!

Typically well-crafted HBO production. Rousing and informing at once.

Excellent. Beautifully shot, well acted, and informative. The dialogue is the focus, not over-extended bloody battle scenes. I only wish there were more productions of this quality and depth on TV. Giamatti and Linney have chemistry together, though it is more endearing than romantic.

It took me several episodes to realize that in the interest of condensing decades of history into a mini-series, and creating an exciting product, the producers have completely rewritten much of American history (Adams' time in Europe, his vote on the Jay Treaty, and so on). I'm fully committed to watching through to the end, but I'm becoming increasingly disappointed at the obvious lack of attention to detail.… Expand

Excellent portrayal of the time in history, consistent with McCullough's narrations and the historical facts with few although little artistic license.

it is dead on history and inflammable acting to how john and the rest went about pulling Americas government to its feet.

This beautifully crafted drama captures the passions of the men and women who brought our country from a mere colony to a great nation. Paul Giamatti does a masterful job in his portrayal of John Adams, his faults and strengths. Laura Linney and the rest of the cast, are excellent. This should be seen by all people interested in the birth of our nation.

I find no fault at all in this excellent series. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for thoughtful entertainment.

Step aside BBC, HBO has equaled if not bested the best of Masterpiece Theater with "John Adams." The only other time I've been able to say that is with "Lonesome Dove." It is the authenticity, the gritty essence of the American experience in these two films that sets them apart and evokes our deepest sense of truth. I am inspired by this moving production, and, at the same time offended by effete critics whose response to art is too often artifice and barely disguised conceit. Give me Tom Shales, Maureen Ryan and Jill LePore to help me not to have to suffer long Allessandra Stanley, Mary McNamara and Tim Goodman. Viva HBO and commendations for Paul Giamatti's subtle portrayal of John and Laura Linney's deeply personal rendering of Abigail. I am a retired professor of American History. Would I could have been on the job when "John Adams" debuted. I would at long last have been able to move my students in the way the launching of this remarkable experiment in democracy has always moved me.… Expand

Excellent! I couldn't put it down. If only there were more minisiries like this that document the American Revolution.

The historical inaccuracies are somewhat inexplicable at times but the major issues and relationships are explored interestingly and faithfully. Overall, it is a wonderfully written, acted and directed examination of one of the most sidelined figures of the American revolution. The performance of a lifetime from Paul Giamatti as well as wonderful supporting roles from Laura Linney and Stephen Dillane. It's not quite the masterpiece that it perhaps could have been but it's still a stellar production which is deserving of acknowledgement.… Expand