Watch The Reagans
- 2020
- 1 Season
The Reagans is a four-part documentary series produced by Showtime that explores the life, legacy, and controversial politics of Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. The series delves into Reagan's rise to power, his impact on American culture, and his role as a conservative icon. The series draws heavily on personal interviews, archived footage, and expert analysis to present a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century. The first episode, "The Hollywood Myth Machine," explores Reagan's early career as an actor and his emergence as a political force in Hollywood. The episode also examines Reagan's first marriage to actress Jane Wyman and his experience serving in World War II. In episode two, "The General Electric Years," the series shifts its focus to Reagan's time as a corporate spokesperson for General Electric in the 1950s. During this time, Reagan became a prominent conservative voice and developed the political vision that would eventually lead him to the White House. The episode also explores Reagan's relationship with his second wife, Nancy Reagan, whom he married in 1952. The third episode, "The Right Turn," examines Reagan's transition from Hollywood conservative to political activist. In this episode, the series explores Reagan's involvement with the John Birch Society and his role as a spokesman for the conservative movement during the 1960s and 1970s. The episode also touches on the conservative movement's backlash against the civil rights movement and other progressive causes of the era. Finally, in the fourth episode, "The End of the Cold War?" the series explores Reagan's foreign policy legacy and his role in ending the Cold War. The episode examines Reagan's controversial policies toward the Soviet Union and his negotiations with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. The episode also explores the consequences of Reagan's policies, including the rise of global terrorism and the continuation of nuclear proliferation. Overall, The Reagans presents a comprehensive and critical look at the life and legacy of one of America's most controversial political figures. The series offers a nuanced and complex portrait of Reagan that challenges both his most ardent supporters and his harshest critics. Through interviews with historians, journalists, and other experts, the series provides a deep understanding of the social, cultural, and political forces that shaped Reagan's worldview and his impact on American politics.
