Historically America already had a secret envoy to France before Franklin arrived. Benjamin Franklin and also Arthur Lee were sent to help him
Benjamin Franklin, FRS, FRSA, FRSE, born on January 17, 1706 (O.S. January 6, 1705) was an American polymath, a leading writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher. Among the most influential intellectuals of his time, Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States; a drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence; and the first postmaster general.
HBO first did screen tests for an unmade series in 2008 in which Eddie Marsan tested for John Adams. As published on his personal X account, Marsan has announced he will play Adams in this series.
Timothy Van Patten, whose father is Dick Van Patten, who played the father in TV series, "Eight Is Enough," is the director of this series.