Michael Douglas to Star as Benjamin Franklin in Upcoming Apple TV+ Series

Apple today announced a new Benjamin Franklin show that is set to star award winning actor Michael Douglas as the titular character. The limited drama series is based on the book "A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America" by Stacy Schiff.

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According to Apple's description of the as-of-yet untitled TV series, it will explore the "thrilling story of one of the greatest gambles of Benjamin Franklin's career."

The drama will explore the thrilling story of one of the greatest gambles of Benjamin Franklin's career. At age 70, without any diplomatic training, Franklin convinced France - an absolute monarchy - to underwrite America's experiment in democracy. By virtue of his fame, charisma and ingenuity, Franklin outmaneuvered British spies, French informers and hostile colleagues, all while engineering the Franco-American alliance of 1778 and the final peace treaty with England of l783. The eight-year French mission stands as Franklin's most vital service to his country, without which America would not have won the Revolution.

The show will be written and executive produced by Kirk Ellis, who has also worked on an Anne Frank TV mini series and a mini series about John Adams. It will be directed by Tim Van Patten, who has worked on "Game of Thrones," "The Sopranos," "The Wire," and "Black Mirror."

Apple TV+ is priced at $4.99 per month, but Apple provides three months of free access with the purchase of an Apple device (which is a one-time deal). The service has been available since November 2020, and Apple has now accumulated several hit TV shows and movies including "Ted Lasso," "CODA," "For All Mankind," and more.

Top Rated Comments

DeepIn2U Avatar
17 months ago

Michael Douglas, Benjamin Franklin and Apple TV. That entire headline is stuffed full of yawn inducing boringness.
I beg to differ Michael Douglas is quite an amazing actor it’s a possibility you might see something a little more familiar or maybe even completely new all depends upon the production screen right play as well as direction
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lazyrighteye Avatar
17 months ago

Michael Douglas, Benjamin Franklin and Apple TV. That entire headline is stuffed full of yawn inducing boringness.
While it's certainly no Fast & Furious 11: Look Whose Furiouser, Douglas can act and Franklin was a pretty interesting dude. Has potential. I'll check it out.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CrapShack Avatar
17 months ago
Since I'm obsessed with history, I've always wished we had the same interest in our history as the British do for theirs. Thanks to YouTube and other sites I've discovered fascinating series like "The Devil's Crown," "Shadow of the Tower," "The Six Wives of Henry VIII," "Elizabeth R," "Fall of Eagles," "Edward the Seventh" etc etc. HBO had a great show with "John Adams" a few years ago and I'm very much looking forward to this series about Benjamin Franklin... who certainly had enough of a "truth is stranger than fiction" kind of life to justify it.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Unity451 Avatar
17 months ago
They should've gone with Andy Daly instead. I'd watch that.

Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Corsig Avatar
17 months ago
I’d watch this
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
banfiz Avatar
17 months ago
I am fed with the incorrect use of the word Titular. In what way does Benjamin Franklin hold a purely formal role without any real authority????????

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Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)