5.066 minSeason 1 • Episode 8
LatestThe future of the United States is decided by six men in a room. Franklin and Temple face a changed world.
In December 1776, Benjamin Franklin is world-famous for his electrical experiments. But his passion and power are put to the test when he embarks on a secret mission to France—with the fate of American independence hanging in the balance.
Acting
Douglas plays Franklin as charming, cunning, and quietly terrified.
Production
Versailles shot on location—every frame drips authentic 18th-century filth.
Writing
Diplomatic negotiations more tense than most action sequences.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Michael Douglas learned French for the role and insisted on speaking it untranslated in key scenes.
The series deliberately echoes modern lobbying scandals—Franklin's gifts to French nobles were essentially 18th-century super PAC donations.
US
