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The Best Episodes of John Adams Season 1

Every episode of John Adams Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of John Adams Season 1!

Binge this in 8h 2m•Peaking at 8.7/10

Adapted from David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, this lavish seven-part miniseries chronicles the life of Founding Father John Adams, starting with the Boston Massacre of 1770 through his years as an ambassador in Europe, then

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  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    John Adams Season 1 Episode 1 - Join or Die
    8.3/10(1331 votes)

    #1 - Join or Die

    S1:E1

    In an emotionally charged trial John Adams defends the British sentries involved in the Boston Massacre who contend they were provoked into firing on the assembled crowd. John's success brings him offers of positions in the Massachusetts government. But after John Hancock rouses a crowd to tar and feather a representative of the British East India Tea Company and the British respond to the growing unrest with oppressive measures, John instead speaks against the British policies and chooses to represent Massachusetts in the Continental Congress.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. John Adams Season 1 Episode 2 - Independence
    8.7/10(1195 votes)

    #2 - Independence

    S1:E2

    After viewing the dead and wounded on the battlefield of Concord, John Adams takes up the cause of Independence. Frustrated by the caution of delegates from colonies that do not share Massachusetts plight, the inexperienced politician is abrasive, obnoxious and even insulting. But with the advice of Abigail and Ben Franklin he soon learns he has allies, to cultivate them, to bide his time and to seize opportunities. Following John's nomination, George Washington takes charge of the army and enjoys successes despite supply shortages. Back at home, Abigail and the children risk supporting the war effort in most tangible ways but find Mother Nature more threatening.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. John Adams Season 1 Episode 3 - Don't Tread on Me
    7.7/10(933 votes)

    #3 - Don't Tread on Me

    S1:E3

    Over the emotional objections of Abigail, John Adam and his son endure turbulent seas and an encounter with the British Navy to join Ben Franklin on a diplomatic mission to Paris. But Ben cannot restrain John's abrasive personality which is even less well suited to Paris than Philadelphia.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. John Adams Season 1 Episode 4 - Reunion
    8.1/10(898 votes)

    #4 - Reunion

    S1:E4

    Following the surrender of the British, John secures a long sought loan from the Dutch and returns to Paris to oversee the peace treaty. John can no longer bear his absence from Abigail and invites her to Paris which immediately overwhelms her with it's opulence. John is appointed ambassador to England but soon longs to return home to participate in the formation of the new government and, like Abigail, to be reunited with the children. They return home to an overwhelming welcome and John reluctantly returns to public service.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Michelle Ashford

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  5. John Adams Season 1 Episode 5 - Unite or Die
    8.0/10(830 votes)

    #5 - Unite or Die

    S1:E5

    John Adams chaffs under the mantle of Vice President for its utter lack of authority and responsibility. Despite his abhorrence of the divisiveness of political parties John is drawn to the Federalist camp favoring a strong executive. Divisions even reach into the President's cabinet, exacerbated by war in Europe.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. John Adams Season 1 Episode 6 - Unnecessary War
    8.0/10(808 votes)

    #6 - Unnecessary War

    S1:E6

    Following the peace treaty with England President Adams struggles to avoid war with France despite pressure from his Federalist cabinet and French provocation. John finds the price of peace to his career and the price of his long career of public service to his family is indeed high.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 BEST Episodes of John Adams

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  7. John Adams Season 1 Episode 7 - Peacefield
    8.5/10(820 votes)

    #7 - Peacefield

    S1:E7

    In retirement John Adams laments the perils of a long life; loss of loved ones and growing irrelevance. But out of tragedy John rekindles his broken friendship with Thomas Jefferson and lives to discuss John Quincy's ambitious presidential agenda with him.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Join or Die" is the best rated episode of "John Adams" season 1. It scored 8.3/10 based on 1331 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 3/16/2008. This episode is rated 0.4 points higher than the second-best, "Independence".