The Gilded Age True Story: How Well It Gets The Real History Right
Warning: SPOILERS for The Gilded Age Episode 1 — “Never The New”
Set in the United States during the real historical period by the same name, The Gilded Agehas a lot of material to work with if it plans to stay true to 1880s New York City. Historical dramas have been known to exaggerate certain details for added effect, like in The Crown, season 4 when the portrayalof the royal family’s treatment of Princess Diana came under fire by viewers. But if Downton Abbeyis any indication for Julian Fellowes’ commitment to realistic storytelling, then the events in The Gilded Agewill likely be steeped in as much historical accuracy as possible.
The Gilded Age is set in 1882. In the wider social landscape, railroad tycoons are profiting wildly, robber barons are on the rise, and corruption is running rampant. The term “Gilded Age" itself comes from a phrase coined by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner in their 1873 novel The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today. Some families acquired an impressive amount of wealth during this time, but pierce through that thin gilding and the plethora of social problems the wealthy took full advantage of, are exposed. Originally billed as the next Downton Abbey, The Gilded Ageis another Fellowes period drama, already setting itself apart with a roster of new characters and fresh storyline that’s appropriate for its tumultuous setting.
Related: The Gilded Age Cast & Character Guide
At the center of The Gilded Ageis the conflict between old money and new money. This idea is actually based in reality, with prominent socialites often gate-keeping into high society. While The Gilded Ageis largely made up of fictional characters, the show does include a few real-life individuals as well that have been
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