Is The Gilded Age Based on a True Story? Plot, Cast, Where to Watch
by Kavitha
Updated Nov 11, 2023
The Gilded Age
"The Gilded Age" is a TV show that tells a story set in the United States during the 1880s, a time known as the Gilded Age. It's a historical drama created and written by Julian Fellowes for HBO. The series was initially supposed to be on NBC in 2018 but later moved to HBO in May 2019. The first season premiered on January 24, 2022, and it became popular, leading to the renewal for a second season, which started on October 29, 2023.
The show focuses on the boom years of the 1880s in New York City, exploring the lives of different characters and families during this exciting but challenging time. It has received mostly positive reviews, with people praising the costumes, cast, and performances, especially those of lead actors Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, and Christine Baranski.
The Gilded Age is not just about rich families; it also looks at the struggles of different social classes, including the upper and upper-middle classes, the Black upper class, and the domestic workers who take care of their needs. Each episode has a running time of 46 to 80 minutes, and the series is produced by Neamo Film and Television, Universal Television, and HBO Entertainment. It is currently ongoing, making it an engaging historical drama for viewers.
Is The Gilded Age Based on a True Story?
"The Gilded Age" TV series is not entirely a true story, but it is strongly inspired by real events and historical figures from the Gilded Age in New York City during the 1880s. While the main plot and characters are fictional, they are rooted in the historical context of the time, depicting the opulence, class divisions, and social dynamics of that era.
In Season 1, some characters, like Bertha Russell, are purely fictional, but others are based on real-life individuals. For example, the Russells, a new-money family in the show, draw inspiration from the Vanderbilt family, who were considered new money in contrast to the older, established New York families. The show captures the essence of the Gilded Age, highlighting the tensions, feuds, and social intricacies that marked this period of American history.
So, while the specific events and characters in "The Gilded Age" are created for entertainment, they are grounded in the reality of the Gilded Age, making the series a blend of fiction and historical inspiration.
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The Gilded Age Plot
The story of "The Gilded Age" is about a young woman who comes to New York City in 1882. She gets involved in the social life of the city, where there are strict rules about how people should behave. The main focus is on two families: the Russells, who have new money, and the van Rhijn-Brooks, who have old money. They live as neighbors near Fifth Avenue on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
The show also looks at the problems and struggles faced by different groups of people. It explores the challenges of the upper and upper-middle classes, the Black upper class, and the domestic workers who take care of all their needs. So, it's not just about the rich families; it also shows what life was like for different people in that time and place. The conflicts and stories revolve around these different groups and how they interact with each other in the bustling setting of 1880s New York City.
The Gilded Age Cast
Here's a tabular column summarizing the main cast and their respective characters in "The Gilded Age":
Carrie Coon
Bertha Russell
Morgan Spector
George Russell
Louisa Jacobson
Marian Brook
Denée Benton
Peggy Scott
Taissa Farmiga
Gladys Russell
Harry Richardson
Larry Russell
Blake Ritson
Oscar van Rhijn
Thomas Cocquerel
Tom Raikes (Season 1)
Simon Jones
Mr. Alfred Bannister
Jack Gilpin
Mr. Church
Cynthia Nixon
Ada Brook
Christine Baranski
Agnes van Rhijn (née Brook)
Kelli O'Hara
Aurora Fane (Season 2)
Donna Murphy
Caroline Schermerhorn Astor (Season 2)
Debra Monk
Mrs. Armstrong (Season 2)
Kristine Nielsen
Mrs. Bauer (Season 2)
Taylor Richardson
Bridget (Season 2)
Ben Ahlers
John "Jack" Trotter (Season 2)
Kelley Curran
Mrs. Winterton (née Turner, Season 2)
Douglas Sills
Monsieur Baudin (Season 2)
Celia Keenan-Bolger
Mrs. Bruce (Season 2)
Michael Cerveris
Mr. Watson (Season 2)
Erin Wilhelmi
Adelheid Weber (Season 2)
Patrick Page
Richard Clay (Season 2)
Sullivan Jones
T. Thomas Fortune (Season 2)
Actor
Character
Where to Watch The Gilded Age?
To watch "The Gilded Age," you can stream it by renting or purchasing on platforms like HBO Max, Vudu, and Amazon. Simply go to these websites, search for the show, and choose to rent or buy it. This allows you to enjoy the historical drama at your convenience.
The series, created by Julian Fellowes, unfolds the stories of characters in 1880s New York City, blending history and drama. It has received positive reviews for its captivating storyline and impressive performances by lead actors Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, and Christine Baranski.
The Gilded Age Trailer
Is The Gilded Age Based on a True Story? - FAQ
"The Gilded Age" is not entirely a true story but is inspired by real events and historical figures from the Gilded Age in 1880s New York City.
You can stream "The Gilded Age" by renting or purchasing it on platforms like HBO Max, Vudu, and Amazon.
The plot revolves around a young woman navigating New York City's social scene in 1882, with a focus on the Russell and van Rhijn-Brook families and the challenges faced by different social classes.
"The Gilded Age" Season 2 premiered on October 29, 2023, according to Vanity Fair.
Real-life figures like Caroline Schermerhorn Astor are depicted in the show, with the feud between her and Bertha Russell based on historical events.