The Roosevelts: An Intimate History

Why Watch
"A masterful deep dive into the triumphs and tragedies of America's most influential political dynasty, told with unmatched historical depth."
Tone: Scholarly, Poignant, and Epic
AI Critic Analysis
Series Deep Dive:

Ken Burns delivers a definitive masterwork in The Roosevelts: An Intimate History, a sweeping seven-part chronicle that bridges the lives of Theodore, Franklin, and Eleanor. By treating these three titans as part of a single continuous lineage, the series highlights how their collective influence reshaped the American presidency and the social contract. Through meticulous use of archival footage and private letters, Burns moves beyond standard political biography to explore the psychological resilience required to lead during the Great Depression and World War II. The documentary stands as a landmark in historical broadcasting, illustrating how personal struggle fueled public service. It remains a cornerstone of the PBS library, offering a profound look at leadership, disability, and the enduring power of a family name.

Analysis Refined:August 2026
Scheduled next refinement: 482 days
Season: 1
Watched? # Air Date Episode Name
E1 Sep 14, 2014 Get Action (1858–1901)
E2 Sep 15, 2014 In the Arena (1901–1910)
E3 Sep 16, 2014 The Fire of Life (1910–1919)
E4 Sep 17, 2014 The Storm (1920–1933)
E5 Sep 18, 2014 The Rising Road (1933–1939)
E6 Sep 19, 2014 The Common Cause (1939–1944)
E7 Sep 20, 2014 A Strong and Active Faith (1944–1962)
Mark Season 1:
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Mark Series:
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Production Note - Limited Series

Production Type: Miniseries

The Roosevelts: An Intimate History is a standalone Miniseries designed as a completed, finite historical narrative. This massive documentary undertaking by Ken Burns chronicles the lives of Theodore, Eleanor, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt over the course of more than a century of American history. The production was structured as a comprehensive seven-part event to provide a definitive look at how these three individuals influenced the development of the modern United States through their personal struggles and political triumphs.

Because the series serves as a biographical retrospective of historical figures, it was designed with a specific endpoint coinciding with the conclusion of their lives and political legacies. The narrative scope is exhaustive, covering the family from the mid-nineteenth century through the death of Eleanor Roosevelt in 1962. As a result, the project was always intended to be a singular, closed-ended television event rather than an ongoing program with future seasons.

Production Trivia: Directed by Ken Burns and written by Geoffrey C. Ward, the series was produced by Florentine Films and WETA-TV, utilizing over 25,000 photographs and 800 archival film clips.
Oracle Insights Refined:August 2026
Scheduled next refinement: 360 days

If you liked The Roosevelts: An Intimate History:

Technical Details
Network: PBS
Seasons: 1
Years: 2014 - 2014
Genre: Documentary, History, War
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Frequently Asked Questions

No, there will not be a second season as this is a completed limited documentary series. The production was designed to cover the full chronological history of the family across seven distinct parts.

The series is a non-fiction documentary based on the real lives of Theodore, Eleanor, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It draws heavily from historical records and primary sources, though it was written as an original teleplay by Geoffrey C. Ward.

The complete limited series consists of seven episodes in total. Each episode runs approximately two hours, totaling roughly 14 hours of historical content.

The documentary was primarily filmed at various historical sites associated with the family, including Oyster Bay, Hyde Park, and Washington D.C. It also utilizes extensive archival footage and photographs from national libraries and private collections.

The series was directed and produced by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns. It features his signature style of using archival materials combined with modern interviews and celebrity voice-overs.

The series features a high-profile voice cast including Paul Giamatti as Theodore Roosevelt and Edward Herrmann as Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Meryl Streep provides the voice for Eleanor Roosevelt, adding a dramatic layer to the historical readings.
FAQ Refined:August 2026
Scheduled next refinement: 407 days