The Reagans

"The Reagans" is a thought-provoking and introspective docuseries that premiered in 2020 on Showtime. The four-part series delves deeply into the lives and political careers of Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, and his wife, Nancy Reagan. Crafted with precision by Matt Tyrnauer, the veteran documentarian, and filmmaker, this series provides a comprehensive, yet respectful examination of the Reagans’ climb to power, their time in the White House, and the overall impact of their leadership on the American society and its effects resonating to this day.

The series showcases an extensive review of Reagan's life before politics, his acting career in Hollywood, his tenure as the California governor, and his presidential campaigns and tenure. Through a wealth of archival footage and interviews with numerous historians, political experts, and contemporaries, "The Reagans" paints a well-rounded portrait of this iconic couple, addressing both their accomplishments and the contentious aspects of their legacy. It not only unpacks Reagan's transition from a Hollywood actor to a global political figure but also uncovers the critical and dominant role Nancy Reagan played in her husband's public life as well as behind the scenes.

"The Reagans" extensively contextualizes Ronald Reagan's presidency within the cultural and political landscape of the time. It explores the issues of the Cold War, economic recession, and social unrest. Some significant events of the Reagan era like supply-side economics, the Iran-Contra affair, and the president’s stand on civil rights, among other controversial topics are also documented in the series. While providing a deep, nuanced appraisal of these complex subjects, the series offers a historical perspective on how decisions made during Reagan's presidency have shaped America's political and socio-economic state today.

Beyond politics, the series sheds light on Reagan's personal life, delving into his early days in Hollywood, his relationship with Nancy and their family life. The storytelling significantly revolves around Nancy, emphasizing her unique role in the Reagan presidency. It highlights her influence over her husband’s decisions, their deep bond, and her image-building initiatives for the administration. A considerable focus is placed on the image-centric politics the Reagans were credited with pioneering, laying the groundwork for today's media-intensive campaigns and presidencies. The controversies involving Nancy's consulting of astrologers for planning the president’s schedule are also brought to the fore, providing a rounded perspective on the Reagan phenomenon.

"Tyrnauer’s interpretation of the Reagan legacy is a skillful blend of biography and historical review, underscored by insightful commentary from a varied pool of interviewees. Scholars, authors, journalists, friends, and even family members of the Reagans contribute to this dynamic discourse. This gives viewers a well-rounded and balanced understanding of the positive and negative impacts of the Reagan era.

The aesthetics and cinematography of the series are worth mentioning. Through a rich array of historical footage, images, and personal interviews, the show transports viewers back to the 1980s. The editing of the narrative is also masterfully done, weaving together different timelines, perspectives, and breadth of information into a coherent and captivating whole.

As much as "The Reagans" is a historical exploration, it also makes a commentary on today's American political landscape. The series reflects on the precedents set by the Reagans’ style of campaigning, governance, and their rapport with the media, offering insights into the evolving dynamics and spectacle of U.S. politics.

In conclusion, "The Reagans" is an illuminating and comprehensive viewing experience for scholars of history, political enthusiasts, or anyone interested in understanding the profound implications of the Reagan era. It invites viewers to reassess previously known facts and narratives about one of America’s most influential presidencies, underlining how their policies and image management techniques changed the course of American politics. Much more than a conventional documentary, the series serves as an essential commentary on the intersection of personality, power, and political narrative, making it a benchmark addition to the genre.