Franklin: Limited Series

"Michael Douglas is absolutely compelling... Shame they’ve chosen to base it on such a boring period of the statesman’s life."

"Unlike its subject, (it) never quite catches a spark of lightning."

"Intriguing but overlong... (it is) saved by (Douglas') multi-layered portrayal of the indulgent diplomat."

"Amid all the pomp and polish, Douglas gives a pleasingly unaffected performance as Franklin."

"Douglas' performance anchors the entire viewing experience... even when other aspects... prove less riveting by comparison."

"A mind-numbing and belaboured affair of wig-wearing men shouting at each other in dark rooms."

"Has a bit of fractured fun with its... libertine protagonist."

"A pleasurable but never-compelling-enough study of the events underpinning the birth of a nation."

"An apathetic history lesson."

"An addictive look at one of the most fascinating people in American history, led by a scintillating performance from a first rate actor."

"Padded beyond forgiveness."

"Douglas keeps it all quite watchable."

"When Douglas isn’t on screen, the show becomes a fairly boring period drama."

"This entire milieu is outside Douglas’ wheelhouse and his Franklin has no discernible personality."