‘Best’ period drama that is ‘almost as good as Downton Abbey’ | Films | Entertainment
Fans of a good old period drama may need to add another series to their lists. The Gilded Age is an American historical drama television series created and written by Julian Fellowes. The three-season period drama was created for HBO and takes place in New York during the Gilded Age, the boom years of the 1880s. The first season premiered in 2022, and fans are eagerly anticipating the fourth season.
Upon its release and throughout its journey, the series has continued to receive positive reviews, with particular praise for the costumes and performances of lead actors Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Cynthia Nixon, and Christine Baranski. It has been nominated for several awards at the Emmys.
The Glossary highlighted The Gilded Age in its listing of “The 21 most captivating period dramas of all time to stream next”. The series placed only one place behind Downton Abbey, meaning it is almost as good as the hit show.
The series’ synopsis reads: “The American Gilded Age was a period of immense economic change, great conflict between the old ways and brand new systems, and huge fortunes were made and lost. In 1882, young Marian Brook moves from rural Pennsylvania to New York City after the death of her father to live with her aunts Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook. Accompanied by Peggy Scott, an aspiring writer seeking a fresh start, Marian inadvertently becomes enmeshed in a social war between one of her aunts, a scion of the old money set, and her stupendously rich neighbours, a ruthless railroad tycoon and his ambitious wife, George and Bertha Russell. Exposed to a world on the brink of the modern age, Marian must choose if she will follow the established rules of society or forge her own path.”
It has amassed an incredible 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critics’ consensus stating: “Providing its gleaming ensemble with some of their juiciest material yet, The Gilded Age‘s tongue is still firmly in cheek but finds itself with plenty new to say.”
One viewer said: “One of the best series on TV. My daughter and I absolutely loved it. All 3 seasons. The nail-biting drama at the end of each episode kept us on the edge of our seats. Nicely done. The acting was superb.
“They made you feel every emotion of the moment…from crying, to anger, to laughter. Oh my, and I can’t say enough awesome and wonderful things about the wardrobes…. the dresses and gowns were absolutely stunning.
“It made me wish that we could purchase and wear these beautiful gowns in today’s society. Simply stunning. The show is a 10 out of 10 for me. Can’t wait for season 4.”
A second said it was “one of the best series on TV”, while another added: “Amazing series! Can’t wait for season 4.”
The Gilded Age is available to stream on NOW TV.
