Downton abbey-like period drama 'worthy of an opera clap' streaming now
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From Julian Fellowes, the mind behind Downton Abbey, emerges The Gilded Age — an American period drama set against the backdrop of New York City's 1880s economic expansion. The
inaugural series of The Gilded Age debuted on HBO in January 2022 and viewers were treated to a second season in October 2023. Fans can now look forward to the third instalment, which is
scheduled for release on June 22. The narrative unfolds in America's Gilded Age and narrates the story of Marian Brook, a young woman venturing into the highly stratified society of New
York City circa 1882. As Marian navigates her way through the societal minefields, the show delves into issues of industrial growth, social class dynamics, clashes between nouveau riche and
established wealth, the African-American elite, and the experiences of domestic staff serving them. In 2022, the unfortunate death of a horse during production was reported, with HBO
responding publicly: "HBO was saddened to learn that on June 28, during filming on the set of The Gilded Age, a horse collapsed and died, likely of natural causes, according to a
veterinarian's preliminary findings." They further said: "The safety and well-being of animals on all our productions is a top priority, and the producers of The Gilded Age
work with American Humane to ensure full compliance with all safety precautions. Following AHA's recommendation, the horse was transported to a facility for a full necropsy. "AHA
has interviewed all involved personnel, and full necropsy results are pending." The Gilded Age boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring the likes of Christine Baranski, Cynthia
Nixon, Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson, Denée Benton, Taissa Farmiga, Harry Richardson, Blake Ritson, and Simon Jones, reports the Mirror US. Despite receiving a mix of
opinions, The Gilded Age has garnered an 86 per cent rating on the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes. A critic shared their thoughts on the series: "The series also still feels
like something of an outlier for HBO, but an enjoyable one. "If that's not enough to elicit thunderous applause, in keeping with the spirit of the season, it's certainly
worthy of an opera clap." Another reviewer praised the show's connection to its British predecessor: "The Gilded Age preserves everything that made Downton Abbey so addictive
in its day, with far more American star power and its own historical quirks to explore." While one review lauded the second season: "The Gilded Age Season 2 is an impressive
spectacle in storytelling, brimming with thoroughly distinctive relationships, low yet impactful stakes, and spectacular performances from the whole cast." Conversely, another critic
expressed disappointment: "History is more interesting than this. "People are more interesting than this." Audience responses to the programme were varied, with one viewer
remarking: "The show is an absolute treat to history-lovers period-piece enjoyers. "It's important to realize this show takes great inspiration from the dynamics and certain
characters of the era, but is by no means a faithful interpretation - which is what makes this show great. It immerses you in the world entirely, which is always better done with more
liberties in writing. "My new favorite show! I'm learning so much about this eclectic period in history." However, another viewer had a less favourable opinion: "I found
it incredibly dull. I tried, I really tried, to give it time for the story to develop into something interesting but I was just as disengaged at the end of the season as I was at the
beginning. "Unfortunate because it's a great cast (which is the only reason I'm giving it 2 stars)." Some viewers were captivated by the show's historical backdrop,
commenting: "The costumes, the sets, the drama...dripping with opulence. "I loved Downton Abbey but I enjoyed the US take on it even more." Yet others were left unimpressed:
"Deadly boring with bad writing, bad acting and it sounded dubbed. "If you need to watch costumes, there are lots of other choices. Even the design elements were ghastly."
However, comparisons to Downton Abbey were unavoidable, with one viewer exclaiming: "Best period drama ever! Outstanding acting, costumes and writing. "Better than JF's
Downton Abbey and has so much potential. Best show HBO has currently." _THE GILDED AGE’S THIRD SEASON WILL HAVE ITS SERIES PREMIERE ON JUNE 22 WITH NEW EPISODES DROPPING EVERY SUNDAY ON
HBO. THE SHOW CAN ALSO BE STREAMED ON MAX OR RENTED ON AMAZON PRIME VIDEO._