"Michael Douglas Portrays Franklin: A Founding Father's Disappointment in Modern America"

Apple TV+'s "Franklin" attempts to strip away the superficial understanding of Benjamin Franklin to expose his human frailties and genius, but struggles to create a cohesive narrative in its eight-episode run. Michael Douglas plays Franklin as a figure who is simultaneously mythic and easily overlooked, while the series is criticized for its poorly focused storytelling and lack of visual variety. Despite pinpointing compelling historical details, the show fails to engage viewers and falls short of delivering a satisfying portrayal of Franklin's French campaign for American independence.