Plot Synopsis

Based on Doris Kearns Goodwin's book "Leadership: In Turbulent Times," ABRAHAM LINCOLN is a three-night, seven-and-a-half-hour documentary series that chronicles the life of the 16th U.S. president, the man who led the country during its bloodiest war and greatest crisis. From Lincoln's impoverished childhood to his days as a young prairie lawyer and budding politician, through his unlikely election to the presidency and his assassination only five days after the end of the Civil War, this series offers viewers new and surprising insights into the man consistently ranked by historians and the American people as the country's greatest president. Viewers learn of the lesser-known aspects of Lincoln's life and leadership through premium dramatic live-action scenes where his humility, empathy, resilience, ambition, political acumen, and humor are on full display. Combined with expert interviews, archival photos and news accounts, Lincoln's letters, writings and speeches, and remembrances from his contemporaries, this miniseries provides a fresh, contemporary understanding of the complexities of young Abraham Lincoln who grows to become President Lincoln, the man who saved the Union, won the war and secured emancipation. ABRAHAM LINCOLN features interviews with President Barack Obama, Gen. Stan McCrystal, renowned historians Christy Coleman, Dr. Allen Guelzo, Dr. Edna Greene Medford, Harold Holzer, Dr. Caroline Janney, Dr. Catherine Clinton, and others. ABRAHAM LINCOLN premieres over Presidents' Day weekend, airing across three consecutive nights at 8pm ET/PT on Sunday February 20, Monday February 21, and Tuesday February 22, 2022 on History Channel:

"The Railsplitter" (Sunday, February 20, 2022 from 8-10:30pm): Through a poverty-ridden childhood on the American frontier, Abraham Lincoln is determined to leave his mark on the world. He rises to become President of a nation on the verge of tearing itself apart.

"A President at War" (Monday, February 21, 2022 from 8-10:35pm): With the Civil War fully underway, Abraham Lincoln is forced to quickly learn how to manage a military as Commander in Chief. He comes to see only one path through the war: Emancipation.

"Saving the Union" (Tuesday, February 22, 2022 from 8-10:35pm): As casualties mount in the raging Civil War, Abraham Lincoln seeks a general who can end it once and for all. When the end draws near, he begins to think about what comes next for the nation and its former slaves.