MovieChat Forums > John Adams (2008) Discussion > My THIRD Favorite 'MiniSeries' Of A...

My THIRD Favorite 'MiniSeries' Of All Time.......

posted 16 years ago by msdemos
23 replies | jump to latest

This one's good; really good.........I felt like I received a course in early American history while being entertained at the same time.

If I had to choose, I'd consider these three my top favorite historical "miniseries" of all time:

1. Band Of Brothers - The best, ever. If there is anyone who is "into" World War II history, and has not yet seen this, RUN (do not walk) and pick it up NOW!!! You can always thank me later......

2. From The Earth To The Moon - I'm an Apollo space program "nut", so this was tailor-made for someone like me. Even if it had been only average, I probably would have loved it...........the fact that it is unequivocably great, is just icing on this big, beautiful, delicious piece of "cake"!!

3. John Adams - If you're here, chances are you've probably seen at least some of it, and know what a quality project this is. Now, if someone would just produce a series (this good) on Abraham Lincoln, I could die a happy man!!! (Are you listening HBO ??????)

[–] sarahannsmith 16 years ago

Some good choices....I'd probably have to put John Adams at the top, then 'Earth to the Moon'. I'm into that whole era, too. Have you seen the movie based on the Tom Wolfe novel 'The Right Stuff?' One of my favorites! I'd be happy if they did a miniseries on B. Franklin or Teddy Roosevelt.

[–] lltolby2181 16 years ago

I love those mini-series, too. I've also seen The Right Stuff..great movie! Got it on DVD for 4.99.

[–] bjauck 16 years ago

As far as American historical dramas are concerned I would consider "John Adams" at the top. "Eleanor and Franklin" made a few years ago deserves an honourable mention. There are of course great British series especially from a few years ago. But being British they are probably off many American lists. Probably even further off the list for both Brits and Americans are New Zealand (yes it's an English country too!) dramas. "The Governor" from the 1980's about Sir George Grey was excellent.

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] scarf1 13 years ago

John Adams is excellent. Also - Band of Brothers, Roots, Rich Man Poor Man, Lonesome Dove.

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[–] myglandanders 16 years ago

Good selections. For me though, I would choose The Corner over From The Earth To The Moon. A 7 part(?) mini-series based on David Simon's (the creator of The Wire) excellent book about a year in the life of a real life family, where both the father and mother is drug addicts. It's a heartbreaking family tragedy that's extremely well made. Directed by Charles Dutton I believe, and written by Simon and David Mills.

God, I love HBO :)

[–] b_ryan_81 16 years ago

Yeah....I was wondering who was going to mention 'The Corner.' John Adams was very good, but I would put The Corner and Generation Kill above it. I liked just about everything about John Adams, but I cant believe that during every important conversation he had, that he would be on the verge of tears....that got really annoying after the first episode.
Still, great series

[–] dr_mayus 16 years ago

For me it goes

The Corner
Band of Brothers
then either Angels in America or From the Earth to the Moon

Listen, strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government.

[–] dab6 16 years ago

I have to say that FTETTM and Band of Brothers are much better miniseries than this. I say that as someone who really wanted to love this, and saw it twice hoping to have a better opinion.

[–] JimmyPSX 15 years ago

1. From The Earth To The Moon
2. Band Of Brothers
3. John Adams

although after watching John Adams again this weekend I could consider flipping 2 and 3

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[–] 15 years ago

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[–] soltar76 15 years ago

Cosmos is my favorite series of all time...John Adams is 2nd.

[–] celestialtreat 14 years ago

I agree, Band of Brothers is the best miniseries of all time ever. John Adams is not far behind. (Andrew Scott was in both BoB and JA. Considering that both shows were massive in scope, I am surprised there was not more of a crossover of actors from one series to the other!)

There's a tidal wave coming, so you'd better start learning to swim. - Jukebox the Ghost

[–] rick03 13 years ago

Wow, this must be a pretty young crowd here. Only one reference to Lonesome Dove?? I loved John Adams and Band of Brothers but Lonesome Dove still reigns as the best miniseries ever. As far as popular opinion goes (as much as that means) it isnt even close either.

[–] EyesRed 13 years ago

My favorites are, "Lonesome Dove" and Ken Burn's "The Civil War"

[–] Ricochet84 13 years ago

Lonesome Dove, easily.

Now, if someone would just produce a series (this good) on Abraham Lincoln, I could die a happy man!!! (Are you listening HBO ??????)

Spielberg's Lincoln biopic comes out this Christmas. It won't be as "big", being limited to a theatrical running time, but I don't think Spielberg will cut it too short. (Probably around 3 hours.)

As for quality, everyone who has read the script and talked about it agrees it is fantastic.

---
I know a spell that'll make you show your true form! Cave rat taught it to me.

[–] JackieVega 13 years ago

I suppose it's a reflection of your age.I'm mid 40's and for me Roots followed by rich man poor man.

[–] BertramWilberforceWooster 13 years ago

Not necessarily. It's a matter of taste.

--
Once upon a time, we had a love affair with fire.
http://athinkersblog.com/

[–] skoobaba 13 years ago

Pillars of the earth. Also a good one.

[–] Torian06 13 years ago

Glad to see a post mentioning Pillars of the Earth as a good mini-series because I like it very much, even if the show didn't stay close to the novel and the ending is much different from the book. I think there were lots of fine performances in that mini-series.

I've just finished watching Episode 1 of John Adams and it was quite okay, especially since Giamatti is one of my favorite actors, but I need to see the rest of it, not sure if it'll be one of my fav mini-series.

*** Had to go back here after sending my post just to add I got curious about John Adams when I learned from a friend this show was directed by Tom Hooper, this will be just my third of his work that I will then have seen. I love his The King's Speech and then saw afterwards The Damned United and impressed me too with his directorial skills, and how he was able to elicit excellent portrayals by his actors. ***

Regarding the OP, my top three (at this time, which may change as I get to see others in the future), in no order since I may also change my mind about their positions later on ---

The Crimson Petal and the White - 2011
The Pillars of the Earth - 2010
North and South - 2004 (the British show, with Richard Armitage as the lead male actor)

Truth inexorably,inscrutably seeks and reveals Itself into the Light.

[–] BertramWilberforceWooster 13 years ago

Here's my top five:

1. Winds of War/War and Remembrance
2. Lonesome Dove
3. Band of Brothers
4. John Adams
5. North and South

--
Once upon a time, we had a love affair with fire.
http://athinkersblog.com/

[–] decroissance 12 years ago

I can't think of too many mini-series that I adored and which stood up to this one. My list:

Roots
John Adams
After the Deluge (the series not the movie)
Flambards (really I barely remember it except that I loved it)
Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth.

[–] ericrichar 10 years ago

Roots
Jesus of Nazareth
Lonesome Dove