TV I watched to “study”

To prepare for my Virtual Presidential Series, I watched a bunch of TV because I am nothing if not exceptional at procrastinating.

I’m open to suggestions as I work my way through Zachary Taylor this year. Feel free to comment below.

Here’s what I watched.
(I’ll continue adding to this list as I go.)

Thomas Jefferson

History Channel documentary mini series. Fascinating and informative. I learned a ton. Look, here’s Jefferson with a little man bun!

Finding Your Roots

Because I accidentally found out that maybe I’m related to John Adams (and John Quincy Adams and Sam Adams and Henry Adams!) and found out about someone else who is, too. Sara Haines is in season 12, episode 6. Watch it here.

Franklin

I watched Franklin to prepare for George Washington. Michael Douglas plays Benjamin Franklin. Eddie Marsan plays John Adams. Guess who played George Washington? Nobody. He wasn’t in it. But I didn’t let that stand in my way of considering this important cramming. Here’s the trailer.

TURN: Washington’s Spies

This came highly recommended and we devoured it. It’s amazing, but I’m glad I know enough to know some of the parts that aren’t true to history. And my constantly-looking-things-up-while-watching husband (a trait I regularly find less than ideal) came in handy. Here’s the trailer.

I also gathered up some related doodles (without spoilers), if you’re so inclined.

The American Revolution

A film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, & David Schmidt

Full disclosure: whenever I read about John or Abigail Adams, there words are spoken by Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney, respectively.* Imagine my delight to discover Giamatti is back as John Adams! Abigail is Clare Danes, but Laura Linney plays Sarah Fisher and Eliza Lucas PInckney. Guess who else is in it? Maya Hawke, from Stranger Things! (Her dad is in it, too, voicing General Anthony Wayne.)

I don’t often watch TV by myself unless I’m sick. And I tend to get a little antsy if I’m not folding laundry or cleaning the kitchen or something while watching. This incredible series was no exception — I found I had to doodle to keep myself from drifting off (Exhibit A). This is a commentary on my being able to sit still, not on the quality or content of the documentary.

Watch the trailer. (Plus, there’s an interactive timeline, map, and all sorts of other cool stuff to explore… including an incredible card game that I failed pitifully almost every time. Eventually I achieved rank of Colonel, with a pitiful 70%.)

Exhibit A: I can’t just watch TV by myself.

On my list

Rewatch John Adams

*This is the reason I hear John and Abigail as Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney.

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Here’s what I was studying for…