Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
Apple TV+ has announced that its new limited series, Franklin, starring and executive produced by Michael Douglas, will premiere globally on Friday, April 12, 2024. The series is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Stacy Schiff, A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America, and explores the remarkable story of Benjamin Franklin’s diplomatic mission to France during the American Revolution.
The Greatest Gamble of Franklin’s Career
In December 1776, Franklin was world-famous for his scientific experiments and inventions, but his passion and power were put to the test when he embarked on a secret mission to France, as the fate of American independence hung in the balance. At age 70, without any diplomatic training, Franklin convinced an absolute monarchy to underwrite America’s experiment in democracy. By virtue of his fame, charisma, and ingenuity, Franklin outmanoeuvred British spies, French informers, and hostile colleagues to engineer the Franco-American alliance of 1778 and the peace treaty with England in 1783. The eight-year French mission stands as Franklin’s most vital service to his country, without which America could not have won the Revolution. Diplomats and historians still regard it as the greatest single tour of duty by an ambassador in our nation’s history.
A Stellar Cast and Crew
The series features a stellar cast and crew, led by Academy, Emmy, and AFI Lifetime Achievement Award winner Michael Douglas as Benjamin Franklin. Douglas is also an executive producer of the series, along with Emmy- and WGA Award-winning writer Kirk Ellis (John Adams), Emmy, WGA, and Pulitzer Prize-nominated writer Howard Korder (Boardwalk Empire), and Emmy and DGA Award-winning director Tim Van Patten (Masters of the Air, The Sopranos). Richard Plepler produces through his EDEN Productions, Tony Krantz through Flame Ventures, Philippe Maigret and Mark Mostyn also executive produce. Stacy Schiff serves as co-executive producer. Franklin is a co-production between ITV Studios America and Apple Studios.
The series also stars Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place) as Temple Franklin, Thibault de Montalembert (Call My Agent!) as Comte de Vergennes, Daniel Mays (Line of Duty) as Edward Bancroft, Ludivine Sagnier (Lupin) as Madame Brillon, Eddie Marsan (Ray Donovan) as John Adams, Assaad Bouab (Call My Agent!) as Beaumarchais, Jeanne Balibar (Irma Vep) as Madame Helvetius, and Theodore Pellerin (There’s Someone Inside Your House) as Marquis de Lafayette.
A Must-Watch for History and Drama Fans
Franklin is a must-watch for history and drama fans, as it brings to life one of the most fascinating and influential figures in American history, and one of the most thrilling and pivotal moments in world history. The series promises to deliver a captivating and compelling portrayal of Franklin’s personality, achievements, and challenges, as well as the political and cultural context of his time. Franklin is a series that celebrates the spirit of innovation, courage, and freedom that defined the founding of America, and that continues to inspire us today.
Franklin will premiere globally on Apple TV+ with the first three episodes of its eight-episode season on Friday, April 12, 2024, followed by one new episode every Friday through May 17, 2024. You can watch the series on Apple TV+ by subscribing for £4.99 per month, or get one year of Apple TV+ for free when you buy an Apple device. You can also watch the series on your smart TV, streaming device, or game console, or on the web at tv.apple.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the extraordinary story of Benjamin Franklin and the birth of America.
