Based on Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff’s book, “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America,” Franklin explores the thrilling story of the greatest gamble of Benjamin Franklin’s career. In December 1776, Franklin was world-famous for his electrical experiments. Still, his passion and power are tested when – as the fate of American independence hangs in the balance – he embarks on a secret mission to France.
At age 70, without any diplomatic training, Franklin convinced an absolute monarchy to underwrite America’s experiment in democracy. Franklin outmaneuvered British spies, French informers, and hostile colleagues to engineer the Franco-American alliance of 1778 and the peace treaty with England in 1783 by his fame, charisma, and ingenuity.
The eight-year French mission is Franklin’s most vital service to his country, without which America could not have won the Revolution. Diplomats and historians still regard it as the most significant tour of duty by an ambassador in our nation’s history.
Franklin will premiere globally on Apple TV+ with the first three episodes of its eight-episode season on Friday, April 12, followed by one new episode every Friday through May 17, 2024.
