HBO’s Gilded Age Expands Historical Black Elite Portrayal

HBO's critically acclaimed drama, "The Gilded Age," created by Julian Fellowes, explores the complex social dynamics of late 19th-century New York City during a period of rapid industrialization and economic growth. Emmy-nominated actress Carrie Coon will star in an upcoming sequel series that promises to deepen the exploration of wealth, power, and societal shifts from the original show. The series features characters inspired by real historical figures such as Alva Vanderbilt, whose life echoes that of Coon's character Bertha Russell, and highlights the era's social tensions including the emergence of a Black elite community, which has been notably underrepresented in mainstream media. The show has been praised for its historical accuracy and for depicting themes such as old versus new money, racial dynamics after slavery, and the complex lives of both the wealthy and their servants. Recent seasons have expanded to include more diverse perspectives, such as the portrayal of Black affluent society in Newport, reflecting a broader and more inclusive look at the era. While some characters and events are fictionalized, many are rooted in true stories, such as the arranged marriages resembling those of the Vanderbilts and the depiction of historical figures like T. Thomas Fortune, a Black newspaperman of the time.