Period drama 'just like Downton Abbey' now streaming on Amazon Prime

Daily Record

2 days ago

It is set in the boom years of the 1880s in New York City
From the genius behind Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes, comes an American period piece set during the dynamic boom of the 1880s in New York City, The Gilded Age. The series initially aired on HBO in January 2022 and quickly returned for a second season in October 2023.
Fans can now eagerly anticipate the premiere of The Gilded Age's third series on June 22. Based in bustling United States during the Gilded Age, the narrative follows Marian Brook, who navigates the stiff upper circles of New York City's elite in 1882.
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Encountering regular turmoil, the series delves into the era's societal issues - industrialisation, class struggles, confrontation between new wealth and old aristocracy, the African-American elite, and the stories of the domestic staff upon whose shoulders their world rests.
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Last year, tragic news emerged from the set that a horse had passed away while filming. HBO addressed the matter, saying: "HBO was saddened to learn that on June 28, during filming on the set of The Gilded Age, a horse collapsed and died, likely of natural causes, according to a veterinarian's preliminary findings."
They emphasised animal welfare, noting, "The safety and well-being of animals on all our productions is a top priority, and the producers of The Gilded Age work with American Humane to ensure full compliance with all safety precautions. Following AHA's recommendation, the horse was transported to a facility for a full necropsy.
"AHA has interviewed all involved personnel, and full necropsy results are pending." The Gilded Age boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring renowned talents such as Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson, Denée Benton, Taissa Farmiga, Harry Richardson, Blake Ritson, and Simon Jones, reports the Mirror US.
The show has garnered mixed reviews from critics but maintains an impressive 86 per cent rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. One critic praised the show, saying: "The series also still feels like something of an outlier for HBO, but an enjoyable one.
"If that's not enough to elicit thunderous applause, in keeping with the spirit of the season, it's certainly worthy of an opera clap." Another reviewer noted: "The Gilded Age preserves everything that made Downton Abbey so addictive in its day, with far more American star power and its own historical quirks to explore."
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A further review commended the show, stating: "The Gilded Age Season 2 is an impressive spectacle in storytelling, brimming with thoroughly distinctive relationships, low yet impactful stakes, and spectacular performances from the whole cast." However, not all critics were equally impressed, with one stating: "History is more interesting than this.
"People are more interesting than this." Audiences have had a mixed response to the show, with one saying: "The show is an absolute treat to history-lovers period-piece enjoyers.
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"It's important to realise this show takes great inspiration from the dynamics and certain characters of the era, but is by no means a faithful interpretation - which is what makes this show great.
"It immerses you in the world entirely, which is always better done with more liberties in writing. My new favourite show!
"I'm learning so much about this eclectic period in history." Conversely, another viewer's critique was less favourable: "I found it incredibly dull.
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"I tried, I really tried, to give it time for the story to develop into something interesting but I was just as disengaged at the end of the season as I was at the beginning. Unfortunate because it's a great cast (which is the only reason I'm giving it 2 stars)."
Some were enchanted by the show's sumptuous portrayal of the past, mentioning: "The costumes, the sets, the drama...dripping with opulence. I loved Downton Abbey but I enjoyed the US take on it even more."
Yet, other viewers were distinctly underwhelmed, commenting: "Deadly boring with bad writing, bad acting and it sounded dubbed. If you need to watch costumes, there are lots of other choices.
"Even the design elements were ghastly." The parallels drawn with Downton Abbey were unavoidable, with one viewer acclaiming: "Best period drama ever!
"Outstanding acting, costumes and writing. Better than JF's Downton Abbey and has so much potential. Best show HBO has currently."
The Gilded Age's third season will have its series premiere on June 22 with new episodes dropping every Sunday on HBO. The show can also be streamed on Max or rented on Amazon Prime Video.