The Reagans Episode Rating Graph

The rise of Ronald Reagan from liberal movie star to an unlikely conservative politician who shocked the nation by capturing the governorship of the largest state. Closely examining American myths and the myth-making so expertly exploited by the Reagans to seize power, episode one also looks at the ruthless rise of the corporate political right, which led Reagan to become an evangelist for small government.

A closer look at Reagan’s record on race — and a re-examination of his history as a law-and-order candidate who effectively used racialist codes as a strategy to win elections. The resonances with today’s political landscape and the tactics currently deployed by some in the GOP (and the reaction of the left) are categorical. Nancy starts to come into her own as a political force.

The triumph of both Reagans is explored as Ronald sets about undoing the New Deal and Great Society, setting off a political chain reaction that reverberates to this day. Nancy struggles with her image, as does Ronald. As they seem to care more about the rich and the military industrial complex than the poor, the fallacy of trickle-down economics is revealed.