A season with no doubt to be the greatest one yet.
The American Gilded Age was a period of immense economic change, of great conflict between the old ways and brand new systems, and of huge fortunes made and lost. Against the backdrop of this transformation, the series begins in 1882 with young Marian Brook (Jacobson) moving from rural Pennsylvania to New York City after the death of her father to live with her thoroughly old money aunts Agnes van Rhijn (Baranski) and Ada Brook (Nixon). Accompanied by Peggy Scott (Benton), an aspiring writer seeking a fresh start, Marian inadvertently becomes enmeshed in a social war between one of her aunts, a scion of the old money set, and her stupendously rich neighbors, a ruthless railroad tycoon and his ambitious wife, George (Spector) and Bertha Russell (Coon). The next following season, it brings excitement and a new view of power into society. Her Majesty Ally Illona Grafe of Hungary and Kenyan Islands moves into New York City as an outed woman.
Characters
George Russell is a railroad tycoon, and is the patriarch of the Russell family. He is pleasant in company, but his utter ruthlessness in business has led to him acquiring millions, and is determined to win every challenge. He moved to New York City with his family around 1879, and they moved into their palatial estate on the 61st Street in summer 1882, when season 1 took place. He has a close and loving relationship with Bertha, and is also a kind father to his son Larry Russell, and especially to his daughter Gladys Russell. But when her majesty arrives, he takes very chance he can to get to know her. He falls deeply in love with Ally, realizing what the feeling is. Even though they are deep enemies, but even more passionate lovers.
Brimsley is the older and more responsible house work of her majesty’s household. He has been right by her side since she was a tiny infant. Now he sees to protect her majesty and try to convince Ally to live a life in which her title still exists.
Gladys is the younger child and only daughter of the Russell family. Gladys was born around 1865, making her 17.
George’s wife
Wealthy woman and most talked about, old money and widowed
Wealthy black 20 year old from Pennsylvania, great penship
Ada Brook is another wealthy lady, Agnes’s sister
Wealthy heiress of Astor family
Peggy’s right hand woman and Agnes’s and Ada’s cousin
Intro
** Every charming Lady and Lord lived lavishly throughout these streets. Many courting or fighting with one another. Ball’s were held and drama was unfolded. Riches came together to gossip about one another.
But none was prepared for this morning, oh no one was. For this morning brought a new life, as well as a new carriage.
A carriage arrived, one strange and expensive. Gold details and red velvet seats. The carriage rolled past. The Russell’s and Van Rhijns watch from their grand windows. Whoever this was, was causing a stir in the whole ton…
"Who on Earth could it be?" Mrs. Bertha Russell asked in disbelief, peering out of the window. "And in such an extravagant carriage too."
"Perhaps they're new money," Mrs. Agnes Van Rhijn scoffed. "Trying to make a splash by throwing their wealth around."
Miss Peggy Scott, also peered out the window That looks like an African carriage… who must that be?
Creator
Release Date 2026.04.03 / Last Updated 2026.07.10