“What's your family worth?”
It’s 1882 and the Gilded Age is in full swing when Marian Brook moves in with her rigidly conventional aunts in New York City. With the help of Peggy Scott, an African-American woman masquerading as her maid, Marian gets caught up in the dazzling lives of her rich neighbors as she struggles to decide between adhering to the rules or forging her own path.
Where to Watch
Streaming, rent and purchase options
Episodes
1. Never the New
1882. After the death of her father and accompanied by Peggy Scott, Marian Brook travels to New York to live with her aristocratic aunts, Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook. Meanwhile, determined to break into society, ruthless tycoon George Russell and his ambitious wife Bertha move their family into a lavish mansion across the street and prepare to throw their first soirée.
2. Money Isn't Everything
Tom Raikes' visit to New York delights Marian but worries aunt Agnes. An increasingly desperate Peggy seeks legal advice from Mr. Raikes, George takes steps to further his latest business plans, Oscar van Rhijn homes in on young Gladys Russell, and a charity bazaar becomes the source of a dramatic stand after Bertha is slighted.
3. Face the Music
An unfortunate development finds George's new rail station under threat. Despite Agnes' warnings, Marian continues to see Mr. Raikes, who lays his ambitions bare. Peggy learns that a publisher is interested in her stories. At a talk given by Clara Barton, Ada reunites with a childhood friend. Oscar grows attached to his plan, while Jack invites Bridget to a show.
4. A Long Ladder
In the aftermath of a tragedy, George makes a deal to help Bertha. Peggy gets an assignment from publisher T. Thomas Fortune, but a dinner with her parents ends on a sour note. Marian learns more about the mysterious Mrs. Chamberlain. Bannister's visit to the Russell house has a lasting impact on the staff. Bridget shares her dark secret with Mrs. Bauer.
5. Charity Has Two Functions
George and Bertha extend an invite to a young man who's piqued Gladys' interest. After charming Mr. McAllister, Bertha accompanies Marian and Aurora to hear Clara Barton speak in Dansville. There, Peggy works on her article and shares the story of her first love with Marian, whose interest in Mr. Raikes continues to grow. Oscar crosses paths with a vengeful Turner.
6. Heads Have Rolled for Less
Bertha goes all out at a luncheon to impress Mr. McAllister, enlisting the help of Bannister — who rubs Church the wrong way. George fights to protect his public image, while Agnes' status quo is disrupted. As Marian debates her feelings, Mrs. Chamberlain makes her an offer. Gladys bonds with a new friend. Armstrong intensifies her campaign against Peggy.
7. Irresistible Change
As the city buzzes over Edison's electricity demonstration, Bertha plans a picnic that involves Mr. Raikes — but not Marian. Agnes entreats her niece to protect the family's reputation. George prepares for a legal battle as he bristles over Larry's career ambitions. Bannister plots his revenge. Turner gets an unwelcome surprise.
8. Tucked Up in Newport
During her first visit to Newport, Bertha follows Mr. McCallister's lead but is soon reminded of her place. Oscar's pursuit of Gladys is threatened by a familiar presence. George gets his day in court. Worried about Armstrong's interference, Peggy reveals her past. Marian makes a decision about her romantic future. Bridget follows Jack across the city.
9. Let the Tournament Begin
As Marian prepares to embark on a new adventure, Ada and Aurora rush to stop her before it's too late. With Gladys' debut ball fast approaching, the clash between Bertha and Mrs. Astor has consequences for all of New York society. The discovery of a shocking letter changes everything for Peggy. Baudin lays out his double life.
Cast & Crew
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
Simon Jones
Alfred Bannister
Jack Gilpin
Church
Cynthia Nixon
Ada Brook
Christine Baranski
Agnes van Rhijn
Story & Production Details
Reviews & Thoughts
**Aristocratic sobriety** This sensational period drama is set in New York City during the 1880s, an era of profound economic and technological change, as well as massive social conflict. Against this backdrop, we meet Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson), a young woman with aristocratic but impoverished roots who moves in with her old-money New York aunts (the amazing Christine Baranski totally steals the show here). She immediately finds herself caught in a fierce social war between the traditional families (Old Money) and the neighborhood's nouveau riche (New Money), led by an unbeatable Carrie Coon. In a TV drama landscape often dominated by the "Shondaland universe" (Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, Inventing Anna...), where historical accuracy is frequently sacrificed on purpose for fast pacing, melodramatic twists, and highly stylized pop escapism, Julian Fellowes' production comes as a refreshing exercise in narrative rigor and plausibility. Fellowes prefers conflict to flow from the rigid codes of the era, proving that a snub in a tea room or being left off a guest list can pack just as much dramatic punch and tension as the wildest twist in a deliberately modernized script. The Gilded Age doesn't rely on anachronisms or hyperbole to hook you. Its grandeur lies in its respect for the truth of its setting and the subtlety with which it portrays a society on the brink of metamorphosis. Because of this, it cements itself as a must-watch for hardcore period drama fans, and for anyone who wants to understand where Western society's questionable morality, high-society hypocrisy, and the dirt that would eventually corrupt the foundations of our modern culture really come from.
