The Gilded Age (TV Series) Never the New (2022) User Reviews

Gorgeous Decor

[sparklefish · 7/10 · 7 February 2022]

I liked this premier episode. I didn't love it. It left me interested enough to want to watch at least one episode more and see where it goes. At times while watching I was bored and wanted the pacing to pick up.

Carrie Coon has been one of my favorite actresses since The Sinner and I enjoyed her performance in this episode. Christine Baranski has been another one of my favorites for over twenty years and her perfectly snooty delivery had me chuckling.

I liked the gorgeous interiors and colorways. The dog Pumpkin was cute.

A lot of the dialogue seemed too formal and the acting seemed forced and unnatural. I have to agree with the other reviewers about the disappointing lack of a seductive character or anyone sexy.

I don't think this will be as fantastic as Downtown Abbey but I think it will be enjoyable enough to watch.

The Big Split

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 27 January 2022]

Things have been set up for two mega-rich families and their courts in late eighteenth century New York City. This time the Capulets and the Montagues are the old and the new rich and there is the conflict. The Russells build this enormous house with garish furnishings and throw down the gauntlet. Unfortunately, wealth is not the answer to everything for the old families, a who's who of robber barons, hostelers, industrialists, and so on. Names like Astor and Rockefeller are the old families. Things revolve around Mrs. Russell trying to run things and causing sparks to fly, insulting those she desires as "new" friends. This series looks quite promising with the Julian Fellowes touch of excess.

Can Julian Fellowes' New American Downton Hit Top Notes?

[lanimae61 · 8/10 · 25 January 2022]

Just as he did with Downton, Julian Fellowes has carved out a slice of an era long-gone. This time, the Americans are given the Fellowes polish. The Gilded Age refers to a period between the 1870's, and 1900, which many might rightly refer to as the late Victorian Era.

The feature-length pilot picks up the gathering of characters, and the building of a carefully curated portfolio of personalities. Christine Baranski as Mrs Agnes Van Rhijn, is a huge favourite. Cynthia Nixon plays her sister, Ada Brook. They are sisters of means who take in their niece, Marion.

We pick up the story in 1882, as Marion heads to her aunts, and after a mishap at the station, meets Peggy Scott. Marion loses her train tickets and wallet when a brawl breaks on the train platform. Peggy rescues Marion, lending her the fare. Marion returns the kindness when a storm breaks just as they arrive in New York. Aunt Agnes' town house becomes Peggy's port in the storm, with her writing talents landing her a job as Agnes' secretary. This leaves the household of four ladies and several servants as the centre of our tale.

Meanwhile the newly-completed townhouse opposite, is occupied by the social-climbing Bertha Russell and her ruthless business-baron husband, George. Her first party is not the success she hopes for, which then sets the tone for her future dealings with the "old money" set who view her "new money" as utterly crass.

The houses are worthy Downton challengers, albeit on a townhouse scale. The sets and costumes are superb, and give the series a lavish feel, just as they did across the pond.

You might also recognise Blake Ritson and Harry Richardson, Brits of period-acting experience.

Ritson's character is typical of his type, and one we've seen from him before. He is highly aloof and decidedly camp, and at the end, visits his secret lover. This is sure to cause scandal in the Van Rhijn household, as Agnes is bound to be horrified when the affair inevitably comes to light.

The script is rich with period feel, but has very large shoes to fill. Downton is a hard act to follow, and Americans have form when it comes to reimagining British favourites. They usually crash and burn, something I hope does not happen to The Gilded Age.

Slow start

[Rivercelt333 · 25 January 2022]

This series has potential, and I'll wait it out for more episodes. Right now the acting seems a little self conscious, as though the actors aren't quite comfortable with the "gilded age" way of speaking, and some wooden delivery from a few of the players kept me from giving a higher rating for this first episode. I hope the storyline gives more than a "new money/old money" focus. That will get old soon.

Great Start, Reminder of what we were

[geokat-17463 · 10/10 · 2 February 2022]

As with many things, it's jarring to many to think of Americans really having an "Upper Class" that was positively aristocratic... The Gilded Age shows off wonderfully that we were just as snobbish and put on airs and graces almost more so than the British Aristocracy. And to watch them speak of "Old Money" is fabulous, when comparatively, they would be considered "Nouveau Riche" to our favorite Dowager Countess! And on that note, to those who say there is no Hollywood "Royalty" in the show, please note that the actress who plays Marion is the youngest daughter of Meryl Streep, who many would consider the current epitome of Hollywood Royalty... we merely have a crown princess showing her chops rather than the Queen herself...

Let the Old/New Money War Begin!!!

[marnos · 9/10 · 3 February 2022]

Everyone needs to stop with the " unattractive cast" nonsense. This is not Bridgerton or Downtown Abbey. This is old money versus new money in all its snooty, look down your nose glory. Christine Baranski is perfect in the lead role. Her contempt for anyone beneath her borders on hilarious. Enjoy the ride people, I get the feeling it's going to be fabulous 😊

Witty Dialogue, Interesting Characters - A Fun Watch!

[rich-85001 · 9/10 · 26 January 2022]

The pompous old society, the ridiculous 'rules' they lived by, the overdone everything - and yes, this was America. With just one episode in, it looks to be entertaining and fun. Of course, the haters, bigots, and wanna-be's won't like it, but the rest of us will have a blast!

Enjoyable Opener

[Hillius · 9/10 · 10 February 2022]

I put off watching this after seeing a few reviews about how dull this show is or some off handed remark about the cast of characters. Personally I found this season opener to be gorgeously decorated including some very well done period correct scenery.

I was at first daunted by the large cast of characters whom I am largely unfamiliar with, but one catches on rather quickly. As someone who has never seen Downtown Abbey or any other similar show I can say that this was new, exciting and well done for a new period show on the schedule.

The basic plot is that old money sisters. Ada and Agnes have a niece move in with them after her father died and left her with very little. On the way she makes a new friend who comes to her aid and travels with her to end up moving in also and working for one of the aunts. Gilded Age delivers by showing both the privledged world and that of the underclass and house servants.

Meanwhile the new money Russels move in to a breathtakingly huge mansion right across from the old money aunts. The patron Russel is a rail road man with power and money. His wife is an aspiring social climber who desires nothing more than to move ever upward into New York high society and her husband dotes on her dearly. .

It also happens that the children of the affluent families happen to meet at an outdoor party arranged by Mrs. Fish who only briefly appears namely the Russel, Astor and. Agnes son. Later Mrs. Russel wants to throw a lavish party to introduce herself to high society and invites everyone to dismal showing.

The wasted effort throws the entire household into depression and later than evening a crying Mrs. Russel vows to never stop moving up, but that she's going to make everyone pay for snubbing her this way.

All told, very great opener, excellent effort by all cast new and familiar. I look forward to seeing where this goes and the different power moves the families will make before this all pays out. I am glad I took the chance to watch anyway despite a few negative reviews.

The truth is somewhere in the middle.

[JasCol-08124 · 6/10 · 30 January 2022]

The pilot episode was not as bad, nor as good, as previous reviews state. It was fair to middling, but good enough to warrant tuning in for episode two.

The same is true of Louisa Jacobson's performance as Marian Brook; adequate, let's see if she and her character grow on us.

There certainly was more wokeness and political correctness than I was expecting, but not overly so as suggested by some other reviews.

The success of Downton Abbey may have had many of us tuning in with high expectations. A few more episodes should tell us if those expectations will be met or disappointed. I am looking forward to finding out which it will be.

Unoriginal.

[W011y4m5 · 6/10 · 31 January 2022]

There's just something so jarringly absurd, hearing eloquent dialogue that's clearly written by an eccentric, British writer (who crafts jokes with an identifiable British wit / sense of humour) for very American characters who enunciate lines through equally peculiar, English sounding American accents? "The Gilded Age" therefore is adapted to the screen by Americans, filmed in America, featuring Americans who somehow sound like they're not from America... Because of an English showrunner?

It's akin to an SNL sketch, spoofing classical period dramas... Except this one's hilarity is unintentional, taking itself far too seriously, not realising the ridiculousness of its own premise.

Of course, the logic of this creative venture makes perfect sense; following the profitability of ITV's critically acclaimed series "Downton Abbey", HBO & creator Julian Fellowes have brazenly tried to replicate that success here by taking the basic template & applying it to a historical piece set in the US (so blatantly, they may as well have clicked copy & paste)... But considering the fact that Downton Abbey's quintessential Britishness is part of why the franchise thrived, it seems as though nobody considered how things may be lost in translation, when bringing that format stateside?

What worked in one country, may not work in another etc. Hence, this feels like a derivative rehash of something that was previously done before - & although glossy, boasting impressive production values, full of impressive grandeur... None of that compensates for the lack of uniqueness or sincerity.

Moreover, it's also distracting seeing this new age of clinical & sterile looking period dramas where everything's visually pristine, clean & immaculate... At first, I noticed it with "Bridgerton" & now that inauthentic, meticulous aesthetic has spread to yet another, "The Gilded Age". Need I remind people - this is an era where most citizens didn't have access to frequent baths, diseases were rife & yet inexplicably, streets are spotless, outfits are unblemished & they all look hygienic?

Old and new families collide

[jpismyname · 7/10 · 10 October 2023]

The old and new money families of New York face off in the new series The Gilded Age. The Gilded Age, I believe, is also set in the same universe as Downton Abbey.

Set in 1882, the pilot episode introduces us to the Russells, a nouveau riche family in NYC which consists of railroad tycoon George, his strong-willed wife Bertha, their college-aged son Harry, and their naive daughter Gladys. Meanwhile, penniless young woman Marian Brook move into her wealthy aunts' home without a choice. Affluent families like the Astors and Roosevelts also appear.

The production design is good, but I'm more in awe with the elaborate costumes. The storylines are entertaining and is also upstairs-downstairs like Downton Abbey, but this new series focus more on these prominent families. The actors are great, particularly Carrie Coon, Christine Baranski, and Morgan Spector. A few of the others seem wooden, I dunno. Louisa Jacobson seems to struggle a little bit here.

But still, I'm excited to watch the next episodes.

Off to a very slow start

[backofthevan · 4/10 · 25 January 2022]

One of the main problems for me is that none of the characters is appealing in any way. Bland, physically unattractive and devoid of anything to draw me in and make me curious about their story. I've never been a fan of Baranski or Nixon, who I suppose are meant to be the "stars" of this effort, but they both leave me cold.

Carrie Coon and Morgan Spector are woefully miscast. She is just too bland and seems wildly out of her depth in this major role. It wants someone with fire and flair, neither of which she has (or displays).

I've just watched the first episode and can barely recall anyone. It's all too much of nothing. The exterior Fifth Avenue and 61st is clearly a set and everything looks unreal and contrived. The interiors are very grand, possibly the only "attractive" aspect of the whole thing.

Oh! The dialogue! Riddled with cliches - "can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs" - are you kidding? Plus predictable and corny, leading me to believe that Mr. Fellowes is a one-hit wonder. And that one-hit was Downton Abbey.

Familiar story

[RandomFan2022 · 6/10 · 12 March 2022]

This was better than I expected, but it seemed so familiar. Then the Russell's had their party and it dawned on me. "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" had this exact scenario. The big party, the snobbish invitees that don't show, the heartbroken hostess, the husband who couldn't care less. Mrs Russell hires a Lady's Maid who knows the ropes, the Browns hired the neighbor's butler.

I watched it because I got free HBO and I liked Downton, but is it worth subscribing? No.

An American Downtown Abbey Without The Star Power

[douglasmcbroom · 5/10 · 25 January 2022]

I should have thought that when Julian Fellowes announced he was making an American Downton Abbey all of Hollywood would have been clamoring to be in it. Alas, that is not the case, as we have nobodies and B rate actors.

A very mediocre beginning that's worth at least a few more viewings, but I'm very dubious. Of course, we've already gotten a heavy dose of woke.

UPDATE: Beware, the influencers and paid reviewers are rallying to the cause. You always know these people because they review the negative reviews, not the show, and they sprinkle 10's like Unicorn dust.

Sumptuously dull and badly written

[rssutor · 4/10 · 5 February 2022]

I first thought that the acting was poor but, in fact, the writing is dull and clichéd. White privilege on display. I don't care what happens to the characters and, anyway, it's easy to guess the plot. This is no Downton Abbey.

Terrible acting makes it unwatchable

[petiteporcine · 5/10 · 11 December 2023]

Would be a great series if the acting weren't so awful. The actors playing the main characters deliver their lines like robots. Christine Baranski is the only good actor. The rest of the cast deliver lines so stilted it's *cringe* I could barely get through the first handful of episodes. It's like watching a really bad soap opera.

Decided my time was better spent watching something else.

The set is gorgeous though. Character development is interesting, just wish the acting were better.

If you need some ambient TV (aka something on in the background while you're doing something else) then it's not a bad choice. If you actually want to pay attention then watch something else.

Encyclopedia of How New Yorkers Became "New Yorkers!

[YabbaDabbaDabba · 3/10 · 7 November 2023]

As a true Southerner, this New York, NY crude and obnoxious behavior for "The Guilded Age" was no surprise. It really lays bare the phony, do anything approach rooted in the wannabes, the have nots, the phonies, the idle rich wives, the obnoxious attitudes and behavior rooted in New York City behavior for generations.

It's really too bad these "people" didn't stay in New York, instead of infecting the rest of the country with their amoral, do anything attitudes. It is easy to recognize this type in the South, where we continue to snub rudeness and obnoxious behavior by their descendants who inherited their crude behavior, dare I say honestly from their dirt scratching ancestors.

My recommendation is give 'The Guilded Age' a hard pass. It is a major disappointment from Downton Abby's Fellows. Sad, really, really sad.