The Blue and the Gray poster

TV series

The Blue and the Gray

19821 season6.7 / 10

The Blue and the Gray is a television miniseries that first aired on CBS in three installments on November 14, November 16, and November 17, 1982. Set during the American Civil War, the series starred John Hammond, Stacy Keach, Lloyd Bridges, and Gregory Peck as President Abraham Lincoln. It was executive produced by Larry White and Lou Reda, in association with Columbia Pictures Television, then owned by The Coca-Cola Company.

Availability

Not streaming in United States

Checked Jul 22, 2026

The Blue and the Gray premiered November 14, 1982. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.

Synopsis

The Blue and the Gray is a television miniseries that first aired on CBS in three installments on November 14, November 16, and November 17, 1982. Set during the American Civil War, the series starred John Hammond, Stacy Keach, Lloyd Bridges, and Gregory Peck as President Abraham Lincoln. It was executive produced by Larry White and Lou Reda, in association with Columbia Pictures Television, then owned by The Coca-Cola Company.

Season 1 episodes

Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.

Episode 1

Part One

2h 22m7.5 / 10

A young John Geyser sets off from the family farm to work for his uncle at a local newspaper in Gettysburg as an artist correspondent shortly before the start of the American Civil War. John’s artistic skill lands him working as an impartial observer were he covers the battle at Bull Run – the first major conflict of the war. During his travel, John meets and befriends Jonas Steele, a Union Officer who works for President Abraham Lincoln.

Episode credits

Guest stars Warren Oates

Where to watch The Blue and the Gray

Episode 2

Part Two

1h 35m5.0 / 10

The war continues with both sides suffering severe causalities. Lincoln issues his Emancipation Proclamation abolishing slavery although the north still has to win the war to enforce it. John Geyser grows closer to Kathy Reynolds against her father’s wishes while Jonas Steele marries John’s cousin. Later, John informs a band of hiding slaves of Lincoln’s mandate.

Episode credits

Guest stars Warren Oates

Where to watch The Blue and the Gray

Episode 3

Part Three

2h 20m5.0 / 10finale

John meets with his Confederate brother during the siege of Vicksburg, then sneaks into town to supply food to his starving sister and son. Jonas Steele senses bad news and later discovers his misgivings. John returns home to ill feeling and his impartiality is tested. Jonas is wounded. The years of the war finally see an end. Lee surrenders and Lincoln is assassinated.

Episode credits

Guest stars Warren Oates

Where to watch The Blue and the Gray

Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026

More about The Blue and the Gray

Cast

Gregory PeckAbraham Lincoln
Rip TornUlysses S. Grant
Lloyd BridgesBen Geyser
Robert VaughnSenator Reynolds
Stacy KeachJonas Steele
Kathleen BellerKathy Reynolds
Penny PeyserEmma Gayser
Julia DuffyMary Hale

Credits

Created by
John Leekley

Production details

Status
Ended
Series type
Scripted
Episodes
3
Original language
English

Networks & production

  • CBSUnited States
  • Larry White/Lou Reda Productions
  • Columbia Pictures TelevisionUnited States
  • Columbia PicturesUnited States

Themes

19th centuryamerican civil warminiseriesslavery