The Reagans
An eye-opening four-part series reexamining one of the most powerful and polarizing political couples of our time. Award winning documentarian and journalist Matt Tyrnauer combines archival footage, exhaustive research and first-person accounts from the couple's inner circle to craft a revealing portrait of their unlikely rise from Hollywood to the presidency - and Nancy Reagan's powerful position at the helm of their unprecedented partnership. A story of power, its legacy and a political performance few knew until now.
- Metascore66
- 2020-2020
- 1 season
- Showtime Networks
- Documentary
- TV-PG
An eye-opening four-part series reexamining one of the most powerful and polarizing political couples of our time. Award winning documentarian and journalist Matt Tyrnauer combines archival footage, exhaustive research and first-person accounts from the couple's inner circle to craft a revealing portrait of their unlikely rise from Hollywood to the presidency - and Nancy Reagan's powerful position at the helm of their unprecedented partnership. A story of power, its legacy and a political performance few knew until now.
Season 1 Episode Guide
4 Episodes 2020
Episode 1
Part 1 - The Hollywood Myth Machine
Sun, Nov 15, 2020 55 mins
The rise of Ronald Reagan from liberal movie star to an unlikely conservative politician who shocked the nation by capturing the governorship of the largest state. Closely examining American myths and the myth-making so expertly exploited by the Reagans to seize power, episode one also looks at the ruthless rise of the corporate political right, which led Reagan to become an evangelist for small government. Series premiere.
Episode 2
Part 2 - The Right Turn
Sun, Nov 22, 2020 55 mins
A closer look at Reagan's record on race - and a re-examination of his history as a law-and-order candidate who effectively used racialist codes as a strategy to win elections. The resonances with today's political landscape and the tactics currently deployed by some in the GOP (and the reaction of the left) are categorical. Nancy starts to come into her own as a political force.
Episode 3
Part 3 - The Great Undoing
Sun, Nov 29, 2020 54 mins
The triumph of both Reagans is explored as Ronald sets about undoing the New Deal and Great Society, setting off a political chain reaction that reverberates to this day. Nancy struggles with her image, as does Ronald. As they seem to care more about the rich and the military industrial complex than the poor, the fallacy of trickle-down economics is revealed.
Episode 4
Part 4 - In the Stars
Sun, Dec 6, 2020 57 mins
The Reagans' second term - and near-collapse of the administration in light of the Iran-Contra scandal - comes under examination. Nancy's behind-the-scenes machinations reveal her true influence and power: expertly balancing the act of a dutiful wife as Ronald's health declines with her quest to shape the Reagan legacy. The Reagans' tragic inaction in the face of the HIV-AIDS pandemic is assessed with Dr. Anthony Fauci weighing in. Series finale.
