John Adams (Paul Giamatti), a lawyer, at first does not want any part of the American Revolution against England, but soon he is left with no choice but to join it. He ends up becoming a statesman, working with such people as George Washington (David Morse), Thomas Jefferson (Stephen Dillane), Benjamin Franklin (Tom Wilkinson), John Hancock (Justin Theroux), and Alexander Hamilton (Rufus Sewell) to put together the Declaration of Independence. Adams eventually becomes the President. His wife, Abigail (Laura Linney), is his greatest source of support and advice. His frequent and long absences cause some friction between him and his four children.
