Watch Reagans, The (Limited Series)

The Reagans is a limited series documentary produced by SHOWTIME, delving into the life, career, and legacy of former President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy. The four-part series provides a comprehensive examination of the two pillars of the Reagan era, exploring both their personal and political lives, the policies that shaped America during their tenure in the White House, and the ongoing controversy surrounding their legacy.

Throughout the four hours of runtime, The Reagans explores the pivotal moments of Ronald Reagan's life in detail. The series starts with his early years as a Hollywood actor and union leader, examining how his political views and ideas evolved over time. It covers his defeat in the 1976 Republican primaries and his eventual victory in 1980, which ultimately defined his eight years as president. The series also uncovers the ways in which Nancy Reagan played a critical role during his presidency, influencing and shaping the policy decisions and public image of the Reagan administration.

One of the fundamental themes of The Reagans is the way in which the couple's conservative values and beliefs shaped American politics in the 1980s. The series is honest about the Reagan presidency's policies, exploring the conflicts and controversies that arose from their conservative approach to governance. It covers topics such as the War on Drugs, which Nancy spearheaded during the Reagan presidency, and the Iran-Contra scandal, which both damaged the reputation of the administration and led to criminal investigation and indictments.

The Reagans also examines the larger implications of the Reagan presidency on American culture and politics. Throughout the series, the filmmakers delve into Reagan's impact on American conservatism, examining how his political philosophy laid the groundwork for the conservative movement that has dominated American politics in the decades since his administration. They also explore Ronald Reagan's significance in shaping the American national identity through his promotion of American exceptionalism and his role in the fall of the Soviet Union.

The documentary series includes archival footage, interviews with Reagan family members and associates, and analysis from historians and political commentators. Many of the interviews show how Reagan's policies, leadership style, and personal life were both admired and scrutinized. The Reagans also includes a look at how the Reagan era has been interpreted and reinterpreted in American culture over the years.

The series pays special attention to Nancy Reagan's legacy, offering new insight into her role as first lady and her impact on American politics. The filmmakers highlight her advocacy for stem-cell research, her efforts to combat the AIDS epidemic, and her work to promote Alzheimer's research after Ronald Reagan's diagnosis. The documentary series also covers the controversy surrounding Nancy Reagan's perceived influence over her husband's presidency, exploring both the positives and negatives of her involvement.

Overall, The Reagans is a gripping and nuanced documentary series that offers a deeper understanding of Ronald and Nancy Reagan's personal lives and political legacies. The filmmakers offer a fair and balanced assessment of Reagan's presidency while exploring the nuances and complexities that defined the era. The series provides a valuable historical perspective on the Reagan presidency for those who lived through it and introduces new generations to one of the most influential political figures in American history.