The Gilded Age Meets Bridgerton In New Period Romance From Amazon

Published Nov 11, 2026, 10:30 AM EST Nick Bythrow is a Lead Writer for ScreenRant. He has been writing for the site since September 2022. He graduated from Hampshire College in 2022, where he triple majored in Journalism, Communications, and Media Studies. When he's not writing about TV and movies for ScreenRant and his blog, Frayed Branches, Nick is penning speculative fiction and poetry on Amazon. He lives outside Boston, Massachusetts. Amazon has greenlit a new period romance piece for TV. The Gilded Age meets Bridgerton in a new period romance drama from Amazon, who've revealed new details about the upcoming show. TV period dramas have become popular across various streaming platforms in recent years. From the romantic overtones of Bridgerton to the dramatic tension in The Gilded Age, period dramas have plenty to say across various settings. This includes both in a romantic context, as well as the general tribulations and difficulties of the time for people in different ways. Now, Amazon has confirmed that it will be developing a new period romance drama titled The American Heiress for MGM+. The new series stars Emmy-winning actor Julianna Margulies, pulled from the pages of Daisy Goodwin's bestselling novel of the same name. The eight-episode series sees Magulies take on the role of Isabella Cash. The story focuses on her daughter, Cora Cash, a young princess brought to England against her will despite being in love with American artist Teddy. However, upon visiting the 12th Duke of Wareham's castle, things begin to change. The plot synopsis says that Cora is the main protagonist, focusing on her interactions with her new, English environment as she wrestles with what she truly wants in life. In the meantime, Isabella finds a challenge in the Double Duchess, a woman who has connections to many different dukes. The story will see the pair adjusting to their new life, all while dealing with the expected challenges women in the 1890s faced. See what MGM+ global head Michael Wright had to say about the show, and the praise he afforded all those involved in bringing it to life: The American Heiress is a seductive mix of captivating characters, old world class politics, and romantic ambition. Daisy Goodwin is a master at crafting entertaining and smart stories full of fascinating people and high stakes, and this show is Daisy at her best. Having Julianna Margulies lead this amazing cast with her unique strength, intelligence and charm is ideal. Together with producer Stacey Snider, this team makes The American Heiress a perfect complement to the MGM+ brand of classic Hollywood storytelling for a modern audience. Goodwin serves as showrunner on the series, alongside executive producer status with Stacey Snider, Chief Creative Officer of FilmNation Entertainment. Julianna Margulies, Damian Keogh, and Stella Merz, alongside FilmNation creative director Kirstie Macdonald serve as executive producers as well. The series is co-produced by MGM+ Studios and Fifth Season, the latter of whom will focus on global distribution. Joanna Crow is a producer, and Gemma Wright a co-producer. The show will be directed by Catherine Morshead, Sandra Goldbacher, and Edward Hall. Image via Amazon In addition to Wright, Fifth Season President of Television Peter Traugott also released a statement, talking about the success of other MGM+ productions like American Classic and The Westies. It helped to inform a decision about The American Heiress, and how well it will likely perform once it arrives on the platform: We’re thrilled to work with Daisy, Stacey, and the MGM+ team on this deeply compelling story of love warped by power, which we look forward to bringing to life for audiences around the world. Following the success of projects such as American Classic and The Westies, The American Heiress marks an exciting milestone in the continued growth of our partnership with MGM+. Goodwin herself also spoke about the forthcoming TV series, promising a mother-daughter story that she hopes will captivate a large audience and deliver a historical yet relevant tale to a wider audience: The American Heiress is a story about mothers and daughters, old society obligation and new world entitlement, and the search for meaning in a world distorted by money. I hope it will make viewers laugh, think, and swoon. I am a history nerd, but I am also a fan of the Hollywood golden age—think Consuelo Vanderbilt meets Rebecca! I am beyond excited to be working with Julianna Margulies who embodies the majesty and frustration of Isabella Cash. The American Heiress already has all the makings of another stellar period drama in the age of streaming. Although there's no production start date as of writing, the series' development means it'll fit right in with established series like Bridgerton and The Gilded Age. Since Goodwin herself has proven to be a TV champion, having been showrunner of Victoria, Amazon is hoping to capture that same level of intrigue as the upcoming adaptation gets underway.