The original drama series The Gilded Age created by Downton Abbey's Julian Fellowes is making a major move. Originally ordered to series at NBC last summer, the drama is now moving to HBO with a 10-episode series order. The move comes after the scripts were delivered and reflected more of a cable sensibility than a broadcast one.
The American Gilded Age in 1885 was a period of immense economic change, of huge fortunes made and lost, and the rise of disparity between old money and new money, which is being reflected again today. Against this backdrop comes young Marian Brook, the orphaned daughter of a Southern general, who moves into the home of her rigidly conventional aunts in New York City. Accompanied by the mysterious Peggy Scott, an African-American woman masquerading as her maid, Marian gets caught up in the dazzling lives of her stupendously rich neighbors, led by a ruthless railroad tycoon and his ambitious wife struggling for acceptance by the Astor and Vanderbilt set. Will Marian follow the established rules of society, or forge her own path in this exciting new world that is on the brink of transformation into the modern age?
Fellowes will executive produce with Gareth Neame and director Michael Engler. HBO and Universal Television will produce.
"Given the opulent scope and scale of this richly textured character drama, HBO is the perfect home for The Gilded Age," said Casey Bloys, President, HBO Programming. "We're all huge fans of Julian and I know I speak for Bob Greenblatt - who was involved in the development of this series while at Universal Television - when I say we're thrilled to bring his undeniable genius to our viewers."
"I feel very privileged to be making The Gilded Age with HBO and Universal Television," added Fellowes. "It has been a dream of mine for some time, as I am fascinated by this brutal and intensely glamorous period of America's history. It will be about ambition, of course, and envy and hatred and, perhaps most of all, about love. I hope people will enjoy the series. I know I will enjoy making it."
