The Gilded Age is a lavish period drama set in 1880s New York City, a time when American society was rapidly transforming—driven by industrial expansion, immense wealth, and deepening social divides. Created by Julian Fellowes, best known for Downton Abbey, the series explores the clashing worlds of “old money” and “new money” through the eyes of both the elite and the working class.
The story begins with young Marian Brook, a penniless daughter of a once-prominent family, who moves from rural Pennsylvania to New York to live with her wealthy aunts—Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook. Agnes represents the old guard: rigid, conservative, and suspicious of the nouveau riche. Across the street, the ambitious and flamboyant Bertha Russell, wife of a powerful railroad tycoon, seeks to infiltrate the exclusive social circles that Agnes fiercely protects.
What follows is a high-stakes social chess match. Bertha is determined to prove that new money is just as respectable—and deserving—as inherited wealth. Meanwhile, Marian finds herself torn between loyalty to her traditional relatives and her sympathy for the Russells’ bold, modern ideals.
The Gilded Age excels in costume design, set detail, and historical accuracy. The mansions, opera houses, and drawing rooms shimmer with opulence, transporting viewers to an era of extravagance and elegance. Yet beneath the sparkle, the series smartly explores themes of power, class, race, and gender. Subplots follow African-American journalist Peggy Scott, whose story sheds light on Black intellectual and professional life during Reconstruction—an often overlooked narrative in period dramas.
The series thrives on tension—not from battles or overt violence, but from whispered insults, exclusive invitations, and the silent war for social dominance. Every gesture, glance, and seating chart becomes a strategic move in the game of status and legacy.
Some critics argue that the series can feel slow or overly polite compared to its British cousin Downton Abbey, but fans of historical drama will appreciate its layered characters and authentic setting. It’s less about action and more about the societal forces shaping modern America.
