The Real History of Atlantic Crossing: Episodes Guide

Learn more about the fascinating relationship between President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Norway’s Crown Princess Martha and the World War II era history revealed in the TV series Atlantic Crossing. Their little-known relationship inspired this epic drama with a cast including Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks) and Sophia Helin (The Bridge). Both documented history and dramatic license co-exist in the eight-episode miniseries. Delve into our roundup of each episode’s history to fact check what’s real versus imagined. [Contains spoilers.]

Missed Atlantic Crossing, or want to stream it again in its entirety? Watch the full miniseries when you watch with PBS Passport, an added member benefit.

 

  1. 1.

    Episode 1: The Attack

    Franklin D. Roosevelt entertained Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Martha of Norway
    Roosevelts with Crown Prince Olav of Norway and Crown Princess Martha. Everett Collection Historical / Alamy Stock Photo

    Episode Synopsis: In a visit to the U.S., Norwegian Crown Prince Olav and his wife Martha begin a high-level friendship that proves consequential when Nazis invade their country a year later. Forced to evacuate at the last minute, the royals then make a heartbreaking decision to save their family.

    Related Features:

    Atlantic Crossing: History to Know Before You Watch

    Fact or Fiction: Inside Episode 1

    MASTERPIECE Studio Podcast: Screenwriter Alexander Eik Brings Forgotten WWII History To Life

     

  2. 2.

    Episode 2: The Throne

    Actress Sofia Helin as Crown Princess Martha of Norway in a scene from Atlantic Crossing.

    Episode Synopsis: King Haakon and Prince Olav make a controversial decision as Germany claims Norway. Martha and the children take refuge with royal relatives in Sweden but her Nazi-sympathizing uncle, King Gustav, puts enormous pressure on her. Martha’s ultimate path to safety means the family may never reunite with Olav.

    Related Features:

    Fact or Fiction: Inside Episode 2

    MASTERPIECE Studio Podcast: Sofia Helin Shines As Crown Princess Martha Of Norway

     

  3. 3.

    Episode 3: Crossing the Atlantic

    Actor Kyle MacLaughlin as Franklin Roosevelt and actress Sofia Helin as Norway's Crown Princess Martha in a scene from Atlantic Crossing.

    Episode Synopsis: Martha and the children make a perilous journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arrival in the U.S., her anxieties are especially triggered. President Roosevelt helps the royals feel settled in quite unexpected ways. German bombs fall on London and Martha legitimately fears for Olav’s life.

    Related Feature:

    Fact or Fiction: Inside Episode 3

     

  4. 4.

    Episode 4: Fires Spread

    Event of America First Committee against war 1941
    Scherl/Süddeutsche Zeitung Photo

    Episode Synopsis: FDR weighs retirement as Hitler advances in Europe. Martha is coerced into exploiting her rapport with the president and it takes a toll on their friendship. Roosevelt reveals his plan to circumvent American isolationists and aid endangered Allies. And the royals get a surprise for Christmas.

    Related Features:

    Fact or Fiction: Inside Episode 4

    MASTERPIECE Studio Podcast: Family — And FDR — Drew Kyle MacLachlan To MASTERPIECE

  5. 5.

    Episode 5: Empty Promises

    Actress Sofia Helin as Norway's Crown Princess Martha in a scene from Atlantic Crossing.

    Episode Synopsis: Martha is emboldened to do more to help Norway, getting unexpected family reactions with each of her efforts. Eleanor Roosevelt employs curious methods to help the Crown Princess with her public speaking and Martha finally steps into the public spotlight.  The president crosses a line.

    Related Features:

    Fact or Fiction: Inside Episode 5

    Timeline: The Saga of Crown Princess Martha and President Roosevelt

    Seven Questions: Creator/Writer Alexander Eik

  6. 6.

    Episode 6: The Giant Awakes

    USS West Virginia, USS Tennessee and USS Arizona after Pearl Harbor attack
    USS West Virginia, USS Tennessee and USS Arizona after Pearl Harbor attack. Courtesy of Franklin D. Roosevelt Library archive

    Episode Synopsis: The Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor and a downcast president turns to the princess for comfort. Missy LeHand expresses her feelings to Martha. Olav confronts his wife about rumors of an affair. No sooner does Martha agree to stop seeing FDR, than a Code Red emergency forces her to rely on the protection he provides. A shocking Nazi plot unfolds.

    Related Features:

    Fact or Fiction: Inside Episode 6

    Kyle MacLachlan Interview: Becoming FDR in Atlantic Crossing

  7. 7.

    Episode 7: The Gift

    Actress Sophia Helin in her role as Crown Princess Martha of Norway in a scene from Atlantic Crossing.

    Episode Synopsis: A Nazi sympathizer gets too close to Martha’s children. The Crown Princess makes a surprise trip to England and receives both an ultimatum from Olav and an accolade from King Haakon. FDR presents Martha – and Norway – with a substantial gift. In return, he asks to know her true feelings for him.

    Related Features:

    Fact or Fiction: Inside Episode 7

    Sofia Helin Interview: Playing Atlantic Crossing‘s Princess Martha

     

  8. 8.

    Episode 8: Homeland

    Norway's royal family returns to Oslo on June 7, 1945.
    King Haakon, Crown Princess Martha, Prince Olav, and their children return home to a liberated Norway after WW II.

    Episode Synopsis: Just as the war is concluding, Martha suffers a great loss. Olav is charged with keeping Norway safe from Soviet interests. The royals finally make their return trip home, with Martha uncertain of her husband’s reception.

    Related Features:

    Fact or Fiction: Inside Episode 8

    Atlantic Crossing: What Happened Next

    MASTERPIECE Studio Podcast: A Look Behind The Real Story Of FDR And Martha

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  • mp_sf_list_4_title: Episode 5: Empty Promises
  • mp_sf_list_4_description: <b>Episode Synopsis: </b>Martha is emboldened to do more to help Norway, getting unexpected family reactions with each of her efforts. Eleanor Roosevelt employs curious methods to help the Crown Princess with her public speaking and Martha finally steps into the public spotlight.  The president crosses a line. <strong>Related Features:</strong> <a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/specialfeatures/atlantic-crossing-fact-or-fiction-inside-episode-5/">Fact or Fiction: Inside Episode 5</a> <a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/specialfeatures/timeline-the-saga-of-crown-princess-martha-and-president-roosevelt/">Timeline: The Saga of Crown Princess Martha and President Roosevelt</a> <a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/specialfeatures/atlantic-crossing-seven-questions-creator-writer-alexander-eik/">Seven Questions: Creator/Writer Alexander Eik</a>
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  • mp_sf_list_5_description: <strong>Episode Synopsis:</strong> The Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor and a downcast president turns to the princess for comfort. Missy LeHand expresses her feelings to Martha. Olav confronts his wife about rumors of an affair. No sooner does Martha agree to stop seeing FDR, than a Code Red emergency forces her to rely on the protection he provides. A shocking Nazi plot unfolds. <strong>Related Features:</strong> <a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/specialfeatures/atlantic-crossing-fact-or-fiction-inside-episode-6/">Fact or Fiction: Inside Episode 6</a> <a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/specialfeatures/atlantic-crossing-kyle-maclachlan-interview-becoming-fdr/">Kyle MacLachlan Interview: Becoming FDR in <em>Atlantic Crossing</em></a>
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