‘Franklin’ poised to strike Emmy gold
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Apple TV+ is sure to perform well at this year’s Emmys with a number of shows strongly positioned including “Lessons in Chemistry,” “Sugar,” “Manhunt,” “The New Look,” and “Masters of the Air.” Well, add in another limited series to that mix — the historical drama “Franklin,” starring Oscar-winner Michael Douglas as the titular Benjamin Franklin.
The show chronicles Franklin’s eight years in France, wherein he attempted to convince King Louis XVI (Tom Pezier) to support the colonies in the American Revolutionary War. The series, as you’d expect, features fabulous costumes, sets, and hair and makeup. It is anchored by a powerhouse performance from Douglas, whose take on Franklin is a more modern one. The show is all the more entertaining for it, as noted by critics.
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Michael Starr (New York Post) stated: “My advice is to sit back and enjoy Douglas as he admirably chews the scenery and molds a multi-faceted man into a single-minded hero of American history.”
Lucy Mangan (The Guardian) observed: “Douglas is wholly convincing as the experienced but idiosyncratic statesman and 18th-century celebrity. And he has his usual undeniable presence (so compelling but always with a hint of creepiness at the edges).”
Peter Martin (Screen Anarchy) explained: “Nearly the action all comes through words. The performances are very good. The direction is outstanding. I’m not sure how the British or the French would feel about it, but as a non-partisan viewer, I was quite satisfied.”
Terry Terrones (Paste Magazine) noted: “‘Franklin’ is an addictive look at one of the most fascinating people in American history, led by a scintillating performance from a first-rate actor.”
Ben Gibbons (Screen Rant) summarized: “‘Franklin’ navigates the story of America’s journey into independence with a talented cast and a contemporary feel despite the period setting.”
As a result of these rave review, “Franklin” is all but certain to be the latest biographical drama to earn a Best Limited Series nomination at the Emmys. Previous such contenders include “Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” “Pam & Tommy,” “Inventing Anna,” “Fosse/Verdon,” “Genius: Picasso,” “Genius: Einstein,” and “Feud: Bette and Joan.”
The series is also a historical drama, too, which, again, Emmy voters like. “Dahmer,” “The Underground Railroad,” “The Queen’s Gambit,” “Mrs. America,” “Chernobyl,” “Godless,” “Roots,” and “Wolf Hall” are all period pieces that were nominated in this category.
Specifically, however, voters love limited series that depict key figures in American political history, such as “Mrs. America,” “Game Change,” “The Kennedys,” and “John Adams.” “Franklin” fits right in.
Apple TV+ is also a savvy Emmys player. “Ted Lasso” won Best Comedy Series twice, “Severance” was nominated for Best Drama Series and “Shrinking,” “Bad Sisters,” “Black Bird,” and “The Morning Show” all contended in key categories, including acting, directing, and writing. This year, another of its shows, “Lessons in Chemistry,” also looks like a lock to reap a Best Limited Series bid.
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