“The Gilded Age” is a new HBO drama series from “Downton Abbey” creator Julian Fellowes. In just watching the first episode (which premieres this Mon Jan. 24 at 9pm), you absolutely get those “Downton” vibes: the sets, the food prep workers, the music, the sweeping camera shots and angles.
“Gilded” is set in 1880’s New York. The vibe is as ritzy and opulent as it gets. There’s no doubt in my mind that production and costume work will be Emmy nominated… and may even win. Absolutely stunning.
The cast is pretty good too, led by Louisa Jacobson (Meryl Streep’s daughter) in her TV acting debut. Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon and Carrie Coon also have standout moments, as their characters battle over territory, wealth and love in this heated (yet safe and relatively tame) clash of the social classes.
Last June, HBO came to near where I live (Troy, NY) to film scenes for “The Gilded Age”. I went to visit the set, and it was a lot of fun seeing the area completely transformed. After screening the first five episodes, I can confirm that Troy is featured *a lot*. River Street, Monument Square and Washington Park — interiors and exteriors — grace our screens, especially in Episodes 2, 3 & 4.
The Capital Region always loves when Hollywood comes to town, and HBO quickly returned last summer for another highly-anticipated series, “The White House Plumbers”. I saw Woody Harrelson film a scene in Albany. Looking forward to watching this later this year.
For now — Will “Gilded” capture the same magic and become the same kind of phenomenon as “Downton”? Maybe. The biggest questions will be: Who watches it? (How high is the age of the average viewer?) And When? Mondays at 9, or later in the week on HBO Max?
Also… what percentage of the viewership will come from Upstate NY?