If you enjoyed The Gilded Age, you’re clearly drawn to stories rich in historical context, opulent settings, and the intricate interplay of social classes. Fortunately, television and film offer a variety of series that cater exactly to this taste, combining sumptuous costumes, grand estates, and layered character dynamics with tense family rivalries and social ambition.

First and foremost, Downton Abbey is a natural choice. Like The Gilded Age, it explores the complexities of aristocratic life during a period of great social change, focusing on the wealthy Crawley family and their servants. This beloved British series captures the tensions between tradition and modernity, class boundaries, and personal secrets-all set against the grandeur of an English country estate. The exquisite costumes and meticulous attention to historical detail provide a vivid sense of time and place.

Another series to consider is Bridgerton. While it leans more toward the romantic and sometimes sensational, it shares The Gilded Age’s fascination with the dynamics of high society, complete with glittering balls, fashion, and the pursuit of advantageous marriages. Though set in Regency-era England rather than late 19th-century America, Bridgerton explores ambition, rivalry, and romance with a fresh, modern sensibility.

For a grittier yet equally engrossing look at wealth and power, Peaky Blinders offers the story of a post-World War I British gangster family. Though far from the polished aristocracy of The Gilded Age, the show dives deep into themes of ambition, loyalty, and the consequences of societal upheaval. Its richly textured characters and morally complex narratives give a compelling counterpoint to aristocratic dramas.

If you’re interested in a series with a similarly critical lens on history, Mad Men-while set in mid-20th century America-delivers captivating explorations of ambition, identity, and social change within the sphere of advertising executives. Though not a period drama in the traditional sense, it masterfully captures the nuances of class, gender roles, and power struggles in a stylish, carefully crafted environment.

Lastly, for pure period spectacle with a touch of political intrigue, Victoria offers a captivating portrayal of Queen Victoria’s reign, highlighting personal drama amid the challenges of monarchy and governance, complemented by lavish settings and costumes.

In summary, whether you seek the genteel grandeur of Downton Abbey, the tantalizing romance of Bridgerton, the dark intensity of Peaky Blinders, or the social critique of Mad Men, there’s a rich world of television waiting for fans of The Gilded Age-each exploring opulence, ambition, and human complexity within their distinctive historical frames.