The Gilded Age
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The Gilded Age
The Gilded Age is an American historical drama television series set in New York City during the 1880s, an era characterized by rapid economic growth and industrialization. The series centers on the stark societal contrasts between the entrenched 'old money' families and the ambitious 'new money' industrialists striving for acceptance. It follows Marian Brook, a young woman navigating this rigid social scene, and the Russell family's relentless efforts to integrate into the upper echelons of society. The narrative intricately explores themes of class, wealth, racial discrimination, and social mobility, presenting a dramatic look into the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations of the period.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The series includes prominent LGBTQ+ representation through the character of Oscar van Rhijn, who is explicitly gay. His storyline involves a secret same-sex relationship and the societal pressure to enter a marriage of convenience with a woman, highlighting the challenges faced by gay individuals in the 1880s. The show depicts intimate moments between same-sex partners.
Oscar van Rhijn is established as a gay character engaged in a secret romantic relationship with John Adams. In the first episode, a same-sex couple is shown falling into bed, kissing, and undressing, implying an ongoing intimate relationship. Later, in Episode 2, the same couple is depicted lying half-naked in bed together, and Episode 9 includes another same-sex kiss. Oscar also plots to marry heiress Gladys Russell for financial and social standing despite his sexual orientation.
Violence
While not a central theme, the series contains significant instances of violence, including a graphic depiction of suicide and other physical confrontations and shootings. The portrayal of violence can be intense and includes some visual detail of injuries.
Romance and Sexual Content
The series features explicit romance and sexual content, including nudity, implied sexual activity, and intimate scenes between both heterosexual and same-sex couples. This content is a notable aspect of the mature themes present in the show.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
The Gilded Age is recommended for mature audiences aged 17 and older due to its TV-MA rating for seasons one and two. This recommendation is based on the presence of mature themes including strong sexual content with nudity, depictions of suicide and other violence, substance use, and instances of strong language. While the first episode of Season 3 received a TV-14 rating, indicating a potential toning down of content, the overall series maintains elements that are unsuitable for younger viewers.
Good to Know
Parents should be aware that while the series is a historical drama, it deals with mature themes in a manner consistent with HBO productions. There is evidence suggesting that later seasons may feature slightly less explicit sexual content, with Season 3's premiere rated TV-14 compared to the TV-MA rating of the first two seasons. However, the foundational mature content remains relevant for parental consideration across the series. Discussions about race, classism, and societal expectations of the era are prevalent and could offer talking points for older children if parents choose to view it with them.
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