The newest historical docudrama from Fox Nation, “The White House,” is bringing the early days of American leadership to life, but with a surprising twist: the series wasn’t filmed on a Hollywood soundstage. Instead, production took place in Romania, utilizing a building that remarkably resembled the original White House structure. The eight-part series, which premiered February 6th, aims to offer a fresh perspective on the formative years of the United States, exploring the power dynamics, scandals, and pivotal moments that unfolded within the walls of the presidential residence.
The decision to film overseas wasn’t born of convenience, but of discovery. Actor Gavin Mitchell, who portrays President John Adams in the series, described the set as “breathtaking,” explaining that the team stumbled upon a property in Romania that possessed “the makings of the original White House.” This unexpected identify allowed for a more authentic visual representation of the building as it existed during the presidencies of Adams, Jefferson, and Madison – the focus of the docudrama. The series, announced by Lauren Petterson, president of Fox Nation, intends to immerse viewers in the lives of those who shaped the nation during its early years.
Mitchell shared his surprise during an appearance on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” noting the unexpected location of such a historically evocative building. He described the project as “the history of the country told through the building,” offering a unique lens through which to view the challenges and triumphs of America’s earliest leaders. The series promises a behind-the-scenes glance at the struggles and conflicts that defined the nation’s nascent years, offering a glimpse into the personal and political lives of those who occupied the White House.
Beyond the striking location, the cast emphasized the importance of historical accuracy in their performances. Kosha Engler, who plays First Lady Abigail Adams, revealed her extensive research process, relying heavily on primary sources – specifically, the letters exchanged between Abigail and John Adams. “There were lots of letters that Abigail and John wrote to each other, so I read those,” Engler said, adding that the period wardrobe as well played a crucial role in embodying the character. She noted that the costumes, including corsets and wigs, helped her fully inhabit the role and understand the constraints and expectations placed upon women of that era.
Engler’s research also revealed a new appreciation for Abigail Adams’s influence. She described the First Lady as her husband’s “right-hand woman” and a “powerful domestic political force,” highlighting her significant contributions despite operating largely behind the scenes. This portrayal aims to shed light on the often-overlooked role of women in shaping early American history.
For Mitchell, the project was a personal learning experience. Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, he admitted to having limited prior knowledge of American politics. “I don’t know a huge amount about American politics, so it was a huge learning curve,” he explained. The opportunity to portray President John Adams, became a deep dive into the complexities of the American founding and the challenges faced by its leaders.
Exploring the Early White House Through Drama
“The White House” isn’t simply a recounting of historical events. it’s an exploration of the human stories behind them. The series delves into the scandals, betrayals, romances, and rivalries that played out within the walls of the newly constructed presidential residence. From the complex relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings to the political maneuvering of Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, the docudrama promises to reveal the often-shocking truths that shaped the nation’s early trajectory. The series aims to re-examine American history through the lens of its most iconic residence, transforming its walls into a stage for ambition and conflict.
New episodes of “The White House” are released every Friday on Fox Nation, with the first four episodes currently available for streaming. The series is produced by Nutopia, with Jim Greayer serving as showrunner and Hereward Pelling directing. The production team’s decision to film in Romania underscores their commitment to creating an immersive and visually authentic experience for viewers.
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, “The White House” offers a timely and compelling look back at its origins. By focusing on the personal lives and political struggles of those who inhabited the early White House, the series provides a unique and intimate perspective on the birth of a nation. The series invites viewers to consider the enduring legacy of America’s founding fathers and the complex forces that shaped the country’s identity.
What will be fascinating to watch is how this series impacts the ongoing conversation about the founding of the United States and the narratives surrounding its early leaders. As new episodes are released, expect further discussion and analysis of the events and personalities depicted in “The White House.”
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