'' John Adams '' is a 2008 American television miniseries chronicling most of U.S. President John Adams 's political life and his role in the founding of the United States . Paul Giamatti portrays John Adams . The miniseries was directed by Tom Hooper . Kirk Ellis wrote the screenplay based on the book '' John Adams '' by David McCullough . The biopic of John Adams and the story of the first 50 years of the United States was broadcast in seven parts by HBO between March 16 and April 20 , 2008 . '' John Adams '' received widespread critical acclaim and many prestigious awards . The show won four Golden Globe awards and 13 Emmy awards , more than any other miniseries in history
Golden Globe awards
66th Golden Globe Awards
John Adams (miniseries)