7 Must-Watch Series During the Wait for The Gilded Age Season 3

The Gilded Age, an American historical drama created by Julian Fellowes, features a stellar cast including Carrie Coon, Cynthia Nixon, Morgan Spector, and more. The series is set in the 1880s in New York City, a time characterized by substantial social upheaval.

The narrative follows Marian Brook, a young woman who relocates to New York City from rural Pennsylvania following her father’s death. Here, she navigates the strict social hierarchy of New York City, which is fraught with tensions between the affluent Russell family, who represent the new money, and the old money van Rhijn-Brook family.

Set against the backdrop of Fifth Avenue on the Upper East Side, the show delves into themes of class distinction, societal acceptance, and the interaction of the African-American upper class with domestic workers of the period.

The Gilded Age has been praised for its stunning cinematography, intricate costume designs, and poignant exploration of class divides. Fans of period dramas may find the following list of similar shows appealing.

Shows Like The Gilded Age: Downton Abbey, The Buccaneers, and More

1) Downton Abbey (Amazon Prime Video)

Still from Downton Abbey (Image via Amazon Prime Video)

Also created by Julian Fellowes, Downton Abbey is a British historical drama that unfolds in a fictional Yorkshire estate from 1912 to 1926. This acclaimed series chronicles the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic staff through six gripping seasons.

Downton Abbey highlights significant historical events and their effects on the Crawley family. This award-winning series shares thematic and structural similarities with The Gilded Age, notably in its exploration of social class and elite society during a fascinating time in history.

2) Bridgerton (Netflix)

Still from Bridgerton (Image via Netflix)

Adapted from Julia Quinn’s novels and co-produced by Shonda Rhimes, Bridgerton is a highly popular historical romance series set in the early 1800s, in an alternate universe where King George III promotes racial equality.

The series highlights the intense social rivalry of the era, showcasing eligible young nobles making their debut in society. Although its storyline diverges from The Gilded Age, both series share commonalities, including their historical settings, focus on upper-class society, and diverse casts.

3) The Buccaneers (Apple TV+)

Still from The Buccaneers (Image via Apple TV+)

The Buccaneers, inspired by Edith Wharton’s unfinished novel, is a historical drama set in the 1870s that follows five ambitious American sisters from new wealth, aiming to secure marriages within British high society.

However, they encounter cultural challenges, facing rejection due to their outspoken mannerisms in the more reserved British social circles. Like The Gilded Age, this series portrays the emergence of the new money class during a similar historical timeframe.

4) The House of Eliott (Amazon Prime Video)

Still from The House of Eliott (Image via Amazon Prime Video)

The House of Eliott stars Stella Gonet and Louise Lombard as sisters Beatrice and Evangeline Eliott, respectively, and is set in 1920s London, depicting their quest to start a dressmaking business.

This historical series showcases their challenges, including client scarcity and competition, as they aspire to create a haute couture fashion house. Featuring independent female protagonists, it complements the 19th-century aesthetics of The Gilded Age, appealing to fans of period costumes.

5) North and South (Amazon Prime Video)

Still from North and South (Image via Amazon Prime Video)

Based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel, North and South is a British historical drama set in the mid-19th century. It follows Margaret Hale, a woman from Southern England who relocates to the North after her father’s departure from the clergy, struggling to adapt to the industrial town’s ways.

The narrative intertwines with the Thorntons, a cotton mill setting family who maintain a disdainful attitude toward their social inferiors. The story examines class issues and Margaret’s involvement with the mill workers and romantic interest in John Thornton.

6) The Forsyte Saga (Amazon Prime Video)

Still from The Forsyte Saga (Image via Amazon Prime Video)

Adapted from John Galsworthy’s series of novels, The Forsyte Saga is a British period drama spanning from 1870 to the 1920s. Featuring actors like Rupert Graves and Damian Lewis, it narrates the experiences of three generations of an upper-middle-class family from new money.

This series prominently features Soames Forsyte and his rebellious cousin, Julyon, as they navigate the complexities of social climbing akin to The Gilded Age, filled with schemes, gossip, and family drama amidst a transformative era marked by materialism.

7) Lillie (Amazon Prime Video)

Still from Lillie (Image via Amazon Prime Video)

Lillie stars Francesca Annis as Lillie Langtry, a real-life British socialite and actress who defied the restrictions of her unfulfilling marriage to gain prominence in British social circles. Renowned for her beauty and associations with high-profile admirers, including Oscar Wilde, Lillie weathered numerous scandals to become a celebrated figure of her time.

Similar to The Gilded Age, this 19th-century drama presents a fierce female lead who challenges societal norms.

For those who enjoyed The Gilded Age, this curated list offers a variety of period dramas to explore.

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