The Roosevelts: An Intimate History

I'm an Australian and always wondered what the relationship was between Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt. Wasn't aware that Eleanor was a Roosevelt in her own right. I was in for a big surprise. So very impressed by these three large characters and imagine, or hope, that Americans are very proud of what each Roosevelt achieved. Especially surprised at what Theodore, a Republican, did for the 'little people'. I urge anyone with an interest in history to watch this magnificent show. (In 2019, the Presidency of the USA has nothing at all in common with the Roosevelts. How they must be all turning in their respective graves.)

While The Civil War will probably always be my favorite documentary from Ken Burns and company this is really great storytelling.

The documentary focus is on both Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt two of the most highly ranked President(s) of the United States of America and also Eleanor the wife of Franklin and niece of Theodore (she was a fifth cousin of Franklin).

While Theodore and Franklin represented different parties they were both progressive in their own way. Both men also had various human character flaws.

The arc of Eleanor's life is also fascinating and she played an important role as an advisor to her husband and campaigned for many social causes she believed in.

The narration by Peter Coyote is compelling and there is a cast of great actors who read the various writings of these historical figures.

I will say, this mini-series did seem biased at times, but honestly, all political documentaries are at times. Ken Burns made the Roosevelts seem empathetic, making them more human than we realized. Franklin, with his diseases that most people knew nothing about at the time to his philandering. Mind blowing to say the least.

The presidency has sure changed a lot since the end of FDR's tenure in 1945, especially with the health concerns of the leader. The pictures of Franklin's declining health shown in the series were eerie, and surreal, most unseen before. A great leader, he was, but under it all, that's what ultimately ended his presidency and his life.

After his death, it explores the fight for progress that Eleanor was a part of, until her death in 1962. A renowned woman for her time, she was "First Lady of the World," a phrase coined by President Harry Truman. Very historical documentary.

However, I do wish they had gone into more detail about the Japanese internment camps and the failures of FDR's presidency.

Only watched first 5 episodes before it was removed from Netflix but I was thoroughly enjoying it!

This is the best way to get history. So engaging. Understanding who these massive figures are that have shaped our american history, and the world's, was just a history test in high school for most of us. To understand the New Deal for example is fascinating. This series is so well done. The only wrinkle is I have no idea who's voice Meryl Streep is doing, but it's no one who ever lived. Very distracting from hearing Eleanor's incredible words. But everything and everyone else is A+