AMERICAN HISTORY IS CHEAPER THAN ROMAN HISTORY: You’ve got to give HBO credit for trying its hand with another historical epic. After all, the network was burned by the intensely expensive and lightly watched series Rome, whose expansive set outside the Eternal City helped drive the cost of the series to a reported $100 million. In creating John Adams, HBO went cheaper — and more authentic. It filmed much of the series on the streets of Colonial Williamsburg.

WHEN TO SEE IT: It begins airing on HBO and the network’s related channels March 16, and it runs through April 27. — John Ross