Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Honest docu reveals Founding Father's triumphs and flaws.
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Why Age 10+?
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Benjamin Franklin
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Narrated by Peter Coyote, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN is a Ken Burns documentary that explores the life of one of America's most foremost Founding Fathers. From his early life in Boston, to his role in creating what is now the United States of America, the four-hour production combines artwork, archival footage, and interviews with experts to explore the many facets of his complicated life. Readings from Ben Franklin and other historical figures' writings -- voiced by folks like Mandy Patinkin, Paul Giamatti, and Carolyn McCormick -- also round out the experience. It highlights the great contributions Franklin made to the United States and to the world, while demonstrating that he was a man filled with many contradictions.
Is It Any Good?
The thoughtful four-hour docuseries offers an in-depth examination of Benjamin Franklin's complex life, revealing the imperfect man behind his larger-than-life legacy. It discusses how he distinguished himself as a printer, writer, scientist, inventor, publisher, philosopher, diplomat, and statesman throughout his life. The show sheds more light on some of Franklin's better-known work, including the publishing of Poor Richard's Almanack, his experiments with electricity, and of course, his work on the Declaration of Independence. It also details how Franklin was able to create a public persona that has been both popularized and romanticized over centuries. But Benjamin Franklin does not shy away from revealing the polymath's many flaws, like being a slave owner despite his belief in natural human rights, and being a less-than-ideal husband and father. These conversations are not intended to villainize him, nor do they minimize Franklin's many outstanding accomplishments. Instead, they offer an honest portrayal of who he was, separating the real man from an idealized national legacy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how TV shows and movies often present romanticized versions of what happened during the American Revolution. Why do some of these depictions remove darker facts about the founding of the United States from the story? What are the consequences of doing so?
How does Benjamin Franklin challenge some of the prevailing myths about who Franklin was? Are there details about his life that surprised you? Does the fact that Franklin made mistakes throughout his life make him, or his contributions, any less significant?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 4, 2022
- Cast : Peter Coyote , Mandy Patinkin , Paul Giamatti
- Network : PBS
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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