The Gilded Age's Weird Appeal - How it Made "Boring" Fascinating

HBO’s The Gilded Age initially got off to a pretty rocky start, with its feature length pilot getting panned by critics and audiences alike (and that was after almost a decade of struggle to get the show to the screen in the first place.) But then something weird happened… even with all of its faults, there was just something about the show that kept viewers coming back. Let’s take a quick look at the special magic that’s helped the show to create its own cult following, and the important lesson that studios should learn from its success.
Join our PATREON to unlock our Members-Only Series “Total Take," vote on what we cover next, and earn more exciting perks: / thetake
Bonus Content and Articles: www.the-take.com
Follow our Socials: linktr.ee/thisisthetake
CHAPTERS
00:00:00 - The Troubled Journey to the Screen
00:01:45 - The Divide in the Gilded Age
00:03:28 - The Gilded Age: A Total Snooze
00:05:08 - The Intrigue of the Little Things
00:06:45 - The Importance of Giving Shows Time to Find their Footing
00:08:21 - The Fate of "The Gilded Age" Season 3
CREDITS
Executive Producers: Debra Minoff & Susannah McCullough
Chief Creative Director: Susannah McCullough
Associate Producer: Tyler Allen
Writer: Jessica Babineaux
Narrator: Charly Bivona
Video Editor: Tyler Allen
#thegildedage #gildedage #videoessay #hbomax

[@thetake]

WATCH MORE - In a world where shows are constantly being canceled, how will The Gilded Age ultimately fair? Here's our TAKE on other shows that never got off the ground: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpjElpSYedpse5Y

[@user-rg5en6bq4s]

Not interested in facts like rates government revenue doing periods tax breaks or or general or bottom standards of living when the 1% get richer. Or birth rates doing abortion Bands . Or more extreme heat waves and snow storms when carbon admissions were reduced

[@streampunksheep]

Thank you bringing light to this show. I am surprised its not getting as much attention as it should. I dont even think its boring.

[@pd4887]

Who is saying it’s boring?! It’s currently top rated show: drama, family issues, historical ties, it’s damn good. Who ever says it’s boring should examine themselves.

[@JK-sh8rc]

Totally agree! If Season 1 was so "panned by critics & viewers" then why did HBO announce the series renewal by the 2nd episode? I never read any negative reviews either. And it's anything but boring. Really hope it's renewed for a third season.....

[@nakeshafickle7679]

Um, it definitely was a little boring the 1st season but I continued to watch for the glitz n glamour. I was a bit surprised at the lack of drama cuz Downton Abbey had all the juice! *since the guy who wrote/created Downton Abbey also writes this show*

[@luci_lene]

I think people are comparing it to Downton Abbey too much and it is taking away from their enjoyment

[@JustmeGB]

Not boring at all! Love it!

[@justinelord95]

Totally agree not boring at all. Critics are to be taken with a grain of salt.

[@Tinkerbe11]

I never felt bored by The Gilded Age. I do not need violence and fights to be entertained. And I think, there was enough drama to be interesting.

[@Liam_Mellon]

What are you talking about? The Gilded Age is the best show on tv right now, it's not boring

[@KINGCABA-if4nk]

Ikr- downtown abbey is way more Boring than this historical drama.

[@jane-cn6nd]

​@@KINGCABA-if4nkDownton Abbey was amazing.

[@Mayanime3]

I thought I was the only one...never found the show boring

[@archer1949]

It’s 1870’s New York! Where are the gangs? The Stock Job Scammers? The Tammany Saloon Ward Heelers?

[@angelabby2379]

​@@KINGCABA-if4nkdownton abbey is a masterpiece, this is failed boring knock off or should we say American version eww

[@DigitalMangoShake]

It 's definitely a new experience to have an American show be as chill as a British one. It's not boring. The characters' problems are every first world problems because they are rich. I could only wish that my problems could be solved over luncheon or dinner. lol. The costumes are definitely breathtaking.

[@mariam3514]

Just because is not an action packed series with lots of CGI and shiny special effects does not mean is boring, and I say this as a fan of the superhero genre. This is the show I look forward to the most week to week. I love the characters and history. Crossing my fingers it will be renewed for a season 3

[@russyp]

Agree, but there is plenty of cgi in the series.

[@marielalara1202]

Everything now a days has cgi

[@katherinealvarez9216]

I need to know that Peggy will be okay. I need to know if Marion will get to live her own life, by her choice and not be paired off to a man with a daughter that's like five years younger than her. Aunt Ada will do well as a clergyman's wife, right? And Gladys? What about Gladys?

[@unicornsprinkles8964]

I feel like mrs Russell is trying to push Gladys and the duke together

[@thunderousapplause]

She will be. They wont put our Peggy in a sad marriage, although she may cone close…again.

[@sadie513]

I think Marian's not interested in her cousin which is a good sign she will decline his proposal.

[@jijgigijiwapo]

Boring?? Boring, you say?! I am aghast at this valuation, The Take. For shame!. A footman almost spilled soup on a Duke, and it was the heights of tension and drama 😂

[@splitfries69]

LMAO

[@Ms_Mimi_]

😂😂😂😂

[@DariaElGrellPozina]

Never gave I clenched my buttcheeks as firm at a soup being carried 🤣

[@piperdochylo8900]

Saying this show is boring is like saying Downton Abbey is boring. People often forget how slow and a bit dull at times Downton could be in its first season, and that had a son of the Turkish embassy dying in one of the daughter’s bed. I have known multiple people who just skipped the first season and only started watching with the second season because “at least it had cool battle scenes”. The gilded age is not gonna be for everyone, but It has real potential and the actors and actresses are amazing (I was not the biggest fan of Marion’s actress in the first session because she just seemed a bit dull in comparison, but she has really grown on me and I just want the best for her and Peggy’s futures) I think if it can get at least three or four seasons in, it has a chance to blow up in popularity like Downton did.

[@angelabby2379]

Downton is European, Gilded age is American enough said....😂

[@welcometoamerica690]

You gotta be kidding me! The Gilded age is one on the best series that I've watched and I'm not exaggerating. The cast, the story lines and the whole production aspect is brilliant. If you did your research you would've seen how excited and eager the fans were to see the second season. Not a single episode could be labeled as boring. I love it and so does every single person that watches the show.

[@luci_lene]

Exactly!

[@brooks7894]

Love the show. And it’s a little boring.

[@missyanndavenport3745]

Excellent analysis @thetake So interesting to hear that people think that this show is boring. It's the ONLY show I'm looking forward to every week at the moment.

[@splitfries69]

i like it but nothing ever happens

[@jane-cn6nd]

​@@splitfries69Watch an action movie instead, if you want instant gratification 😊

[@micca903]

@@splitfries69yeah I agree, the story that it’s based on is so incredibly juicy. I think the problem is that they’re trying to make the characters too likeable. There is no excuse for what Alva Vanderbilt did to her daughter, sometimes people are simply selfish and it’s still fun to watch them being terrible people. They need to speed it up a little and get to the meat already. But it seems they’re about to go that way finally.

[@cadaver6665]

I guess a show that's not filled with violence and sex can feel boring in comparison to many shows that are. It's a pretty lowkey, low stakes drama, but I wouldn't say it's necessarily boring because of that. The world is easy to get immersed in.

[@akilahwashington415]

It’s a beautiful show! It takes place in another era when the pacing was slower, so it makes sense. The attention to detail is outstanding. I think it’s just getting started and I have looked forward to watching it from the first episode. I’ve always like this genre of shows and movies though. Does everything have to be, loud, fast and a banger?!? No! I will get that somewhere else. The attention span of people these days is already in question, we need to calm down sometimes. Shows like this, give us a glimpse of what came before the chaos of our modern industrial tech society that we inhabit now. I hope they carry on 🥂

[@ray101892]

Recent Marvel shows with action scenes were more boring than the gilded age. I'm actually disappointed this second season has only 8 episodes 😢.

[@emericcson123]

The 1880s-1890s are one of my favorite special interest fashion eras so I was HYPED to see it premiere. It has lulls and sometimes lacks a real “moral” of an episode or season but that’s real life lol. The second season has already shown some AMAZING acting from Carrie Coon and Christine Baranski that hit at real emotional needs. And the CLOTHES. Impeccable in a time where it’s hard to find accuracy in any “historical” media. It’s basically like Downton Abbey where it’s fake rich people having fake rich people problems but god it’s pretty to watch. It feels like the one time I can relax my brain and eyes during the busy work week. Some people watch the Kardashians or Real Housewives, I rewatch Call the Midwife and hold onto my weekly Gilded Age episodes.

[@camerachica73]

I'm British and absolutely love The Gilded Age - have done since the very first episode. However, I think it was a mistake to not air on ITV, one of our national channels that doesn't require a subscription. Downton Abbey was aired on Sunday nights at 8pm during the Autumn months and then a 2 hour Christmas special. I think for costume dramas, that format works very well.

[@angelinaveneziano5303]

It's not boring. It's character based and that's the difference between it and "studio fare".

[@angelicagaldos]

The Gilded Age isn't as boring as most shows. It one of the best shows out there.

[@jeremai1769]

I was recommending this show to one of my friends and she was asking me if it was full of drama like The Buccaneers TV series. I had to explain to her that the difference between the Buccaneers and The Gilded Age is that the Buccaneers has more interpersonal drama, whereas the Gilded Age has more socio political drama. For me personally, I much rather The Gilded Age even more than Bridgerton, and that is saying a lot. All the characters are amazing, intricate, well acted and the dialogue is well written, meticulously worded and witty. The show is a masterpiece!!! Very unfairly underrated And under-watched.

[@thunderousapplause]

Same

[@jane-cn6nd]

I agree, this show is a masterpiece and I really hope more seasons will follow.

[@cocoaorange1]

I saw a PBS version of "The Buccaneers" in the 90's. Mira Sorvino was in it. How is the new version? Gilded Age is a good show.

[@jeremai1769]

​@@cocoaorange1 Well, I've never seen the original version, But this is a very good show. I think it's more catered to the younger generation. It moves at a slightly quicker tempo than the Gilded Age. There are very few filler moments. Gossip Girl level drama at times. And none of those are bad things. The writing is very good. It's packed with drama. The characters and the actors are very inspiring with their performances. You should definitely give it a watch.

[@nathy0308]

What?? There is nothing boring about this show. It's a visual delight and it's fascinating to watch the social dynamics as they unfold.

[@lynndeschambault1067]

What people come back for great, nuanced performances by actors par excellence. The amazing details in costumes & sets . Being "transported back in time" is bliss for history buffs. Personally I find it a relief from overly revealing sex scenes, disturbing violence & the never ending f-word.

[@juliawoosterhypnotist6640]

The show has it all - interesting storylines, exquisite sets and costumes and a cast that is out of this world. Please HBO, give us many more seasons

[@paisan8766]

It’s not boring at all. I’m a 36 year old man who loves the history of the time period, and the exquisite filmmaking. I think it’s been really good all the way through. Who are these idiots ???

[@jane-cn6nd]

Some people don't care to learn about the history of New England and how the industrial revolution impacted society. I love historical shows like this.

[@angelabby2379]

you are

[@ashleyandersen2454]

This show got me hooked episode 1. I love it so much!!! I’m hoping for a long run!

[@OceanDream9]

Boring? Boring?! Was this title just written to get people to watch and comment on this video, because if so, mission accomplished! As Agnes says, "Heads have rolled for less!" The Gilded Age has a huge following with fans who love it! Every time I find another person who watches, we gossip about the characters. Is Oscar getting scammed? Will there be a lavender marriage? Is Peggy going to be safe? Will Gladys become a dollar princess? Which dress was your favorite this week? How am I rooting for a robber baron power couple? It's also fun to learn about bits of history and research more about what's mentioned in the show. And seeing a loving marriage on screen is so refreshing. I never go away feeling heavy or sad after watching. It's something to look forward to each week and always was. 10 more seasons please!

[@alexchanguito6484]

It’s not boring😡I mean, that priest guy just married aunt Ada

[@splitfries69]

i wonder where they will live

[@Kai555100]

Agnes entrance had me exited like "will she just sit down or will she cause a scene" you know

[@Kai555100]

@@splitfries69 the teaser for the next episode implies it, I do not want to tell unless you wish to be spoilered

[@Anonymouse428]

I so completely agree! I loved the first season, but also thought it was terrible and I was so worried it would be canceled. I’ve been delighted it was brought back, and it’s the only reason I still have an HBO max subscription. I love slow, boring, period pieces with gorgeous sets and costumes and Christine Baranski! Julian Fellows doesn’t do anything with any real drama- we all know that from years of Downton Abbey- and that’s what we love about him!

[@LauryneAmanda]

This show is not boring at ALL

[@Grace26262]

My absolute favorite series to watch!! Love it!

[@Feellikealady99]

Ya'll also shed a tear when Agnes burst through the foor to attend Ada's wedding, stop lying!

[@Highland804]

I was never bored for a second! I love this show. Hoping for season 3!

[@Violet-du9bk]

It’s beautiful and sumptuous! A sprinkle of drama here and there. I love it pure escapism. Downton abbey was the same. It’s nice to have things just be happy and pleasant.

[@Victrola66]

I agree that the show could use more intrigue and scandalous decisions, but the show is not boring. I would also highly recommend the show's official podcast, where episode by episode you can learn how much love and effort is put into making it!

[@missladyanonymity]

The title is everything. 🤣 My family said poldark, sanditon, and downton et al were boring, after I got them to watch these shows with me. Their loss.🤷🏿‍♀️

[@thepseudonymthathidestheor5859]

Sanditon was soooooo good!

[@deedelrio7744]

I am especially interested in Peggy and her story.

[@nm985]

I love this show and watch it faithfully. There have been slow moments but that adds to the storytelling.

[@spencerheywood8480]

I started watching when I was on my first trip to NYC. And I quickly got depressed when the next season took so long.

[@maniakis4500]

I have to agree with the comment section here calling you out… This felt like a breath of fresh air and honestly I have been waiting for the second season forever, such a nice watch. Do we really need to be on the edge of our seats to enjoy a show? It is just such a beautiful show with well-written and acted characters, and it feels so nice that the characters may actually be kind of relatable.

[@frauschnurlein]

I love The Gilded Age. It's probably the coziest show I've ever watched. Everything is absolutely gorgeous, most characters are likeable. The dialogue is great and you cheer for every win the characters have. It's my comfort show right now, and I'm both surprised and happy that it got a third season ❤

[@briarbrathwaite5942]

I’m so confused … who called this show boring. It’s currently my favorite show on tv lol. It’s the only one I go out of my way to watch when it premieres….. not everything is for everyone for anyone who likes period dramas seems to love this one.

[@wwaxwork]

I liked it. It's not in the least bit boring and very much in the style of the time. The drama is there it's just not loud and in your face, it's in a raise eyebrow, a bon mot an invitation not set. It is exactly the drama of the women of that time and place.

[@Luckyelijah]

when aunt agnes found out marion was teaching water colors at a school as a lady of her societal standing 😱

[@TheLisa-Al-Gaib]

“Dreadfully Dull?” What show are*you* watching? The history alone is fascinating and the show has a marvelous vibrant energy. Also, Christine Baranski is a national treasure, lol.

[@VictoriaHatzson]

I looooveee The Gilded Age! Beautifully dressed high class people gathering on upper class events in gorgeous spaces to gossip and dance… it’s AMAZING

[@comfycat9]

My roommate got me into this show, haha. At this point I look forward to it every Sunday. I can see how it is a bit slow in the buildup. The latest episode had me on the edge of my seat, tho.

[@Reylandson]

I personally think it was one of the best pilots I’ve ever watched. I know it might be an unpopular opinion, but I was hooked from the start.

[@Aldernary]

Slow and measured doesn’t mean boring.

[@hollytooker507]

The Gilded Age is anything but boring from the first frame. I love it. So do my friends.

[@Irish.liquorice]

It was never boring for me. I loved it from the beginning.

[@randyeaddy2373]

Outrageous … the show was never boring at all.

[@missladyanonymity]

Around the @06:55 mark, I love how they mention a show needs to find its footing, when most [free-to-air, terrestrial] broadcast networks will cancel a show after 3 episodes, if they feel the ratings aren'tsufficient.

[@missladyanonymity]

@07:42 this!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Lmao I love the title of this video! Also, Julian “I glorify Tory values” Fellowes talking about class hierarchy? Chance’d be a fine thing. It’s very campy and has nice costumes à la Real Housewives.

[@anthonytindle5758]

This programme called the guilded age could be written by those who wrote upstairs downstairs bairly any story to be excited about just a written glimpse of how the welloff lived.

[@007Julie]

I’m glad that I’m not the only one who thinks GA is NOT boring, I’ve absolutely loved this show since episode one. I don’t doubt there’ll be a season 3 because HBO knew what they were signing into when they green lit the show, Julian Fellowes takes several seasons to develop each character and having only two seasons would be a complete disservice to the characters and storyline.

[@DariaElGrellPozina]

I love the show. I'll admit, I haven't watched it before season 2, partially because I'm tired of every second good show being cancelled and partially because I'm not the biggest fan of period dramas set in the US. And while it's definitely fun to look at people whose biggest problem is that the biggest celebrity of the society won't return their call(ing card), I also like that season 2 brought more "gilding" part of the age, with the unions and the South plotlines. And those, in my opinion, are VERY modern storylines. As a non-US citizen I keep seeing Americans ignore their dark past and pretend it doesn't matter now, while still behaving in asinine ways reminiscent of the history of slavery. I haven't finished the 2 season so I hope there won't be anything traumatic, but I even seeing Peggy in that barn was terrifying. Also, idk, I wouldn't call a show that makes soup carrying thrilling "boring" 😂

[@kristinmickey]

This is wild. I’ve never found this series boring. But I do watch my fair share of BBC period dramas.

[@tomwheeler2012]

We are fond of period dramas. We love the slow life without technology and the all too human interactions. However, all it can ever be is a romanticized and sanitized version suitable for today's entertainment with all the darkness of the period alluded to but never detailed. The gritty details were always filtered through a romanticized gauze. People were far more prejudice then and they were prejudice in levels of detail we would consider irrelevant. This was before welfare so everywhere there were humans there were also slums, alcohol, brawls, squalor, tenements, disease was frequent and deadly, death from childbirth was also the norm. You were judged by everything from manners to mannerisms, the ethics/morals and reputation, quality of clothes and grooming, class, social prominence and it was cutthroat. It was hard being poor and it was hard being rich. There were rules and expectations and you couldnt step outside them whether you were rich or poor. In essense, it was real and it was harsh because life was harsh.

[@joelmann6934]

Officially renewed for season 3 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@grapeshot]

Yes it is a period of time that is very romanticized. But of course reality did not match that rosie picture.

[@lauramipe2955]

This is the video the Take didn’t want to make because they disliked like the show but they had to because everyone else loved it.

[@deedelrio7744]

This show is NOT booring.😅

[@0812imterri]

I was hit or miss with season 1 but season 2 drew me in completely. I love this show and it IS a form of escapism. The pleasantness, the manners, the chivalry, the glamour, the excitement of a new era....all of it is like giving my brain a gilded massage.

[@joannehanna2590]

The guilded age is not boring to me!! I love the beautiful costumes and that everyone wears a hat! The ladies have alot to choose from as the men that mostly wear top 🎩 hats and have walking sticks ( or a find other uses!! ) Lol!! I looked into this show right away and yes its based on real people and how each family has something to contribute to history... I hope there's a 3rd season... I'd like to see if Marion finds her partner in life & 💕 love... And I just hope that the man that the ex ladies maid "roped" into a sham marriage Finds out about her before he passes away!! She is an ungly person ( her character)& doesn't deserve to get all his riches!! Ugh!! She's so easy dislike!! Anyway thanks for the video 👍💯❤️✌️ and happy holidays 😊

[@Diego_i]

I once watched a show called The Paradise (if you want to call one show boring, although I enjoyed very much), Gilded Age is itching that void, and I love the “dullness” of it, is so spectacular.

[@SpringSpark]

HBO just wants to have their own Bridgertons.

[@Dark_heart888]

Boring? Ugh.. are you kidding me 🙄🙄 I was hooked since episode 1 😊

[@streampunksheep]

Thank you yes please! I love this show so much

[@CAnnino054]

Bro what me and my girlfriend absolutely love this show, the set design, the acting, the cinematography it’s all phenomenal

[@ATWTMVTVFTVSGAVRALPS]

I'm not really someone that watches a lot series but TGA is far from being boring although it lacks high-octane or "bombastic" fast-paced moments that usually get attention from the masses. The show has a well-written screenplay, great performances by Broadway actors, and visually appealing costume design (which makes us stare at them) attract those who watch it. If you watch it carefully instead of waiting for the climax, you'll notice that the less-significant characters are actually being primed up to have their own arcs and storylines, which goes to show that Julian Fellowes' attention to detail is amazing.

[@Anonymous-bp5vq]

Although not much happens it’s still a very enjoyable show. Also probably the only tv show right now that has a diverse cast of characters and no sex scenes and foul language. You can watch it with your kids, parents and grandparents without feeling awkward.

[@originalcosmicgirl]

I have never thought the show was boring. I've loved it from episode 1. Also, it is almost criminal that they didn't mention the absolute treasure that is Nathan Lane. Even though i know the story behind some of the real families, I'm still looking forward to where they take the story. I think that's a big reason why people don't like shows like this.

[@treki999]

The show was a hit from the start for me. ❤

[@giuliettamassina7787]

Every time they say boring, they flash to Marian. She seems like a sweet girl, but not very pretty or dynamic. Sad that Americans need carnage to be engaged.

[@pdruiz2005]

If you're into history, "The Gilded Age" is not dreadfully dull. It's the OG "Real Housewives," but way classier, with more decorum, manners and real wealth. As opposed to overly-dramatic, screeching harridans with fake boobs, fake hair, fake faces and fake fortunes. But the women are just as competitive and just as deliciously catty, with the men looking on as bemused supporting characters (except for the gay ones, who join in with relish to add to the cattiness).

[@ScribeGirl10]

What's so funny is although I did not make it all the way through the first episode, something kept calling me back. I started watching it just for the length of a lunch or dinner as the characters were pleasant. And now I'm totally hooked and binging season 2 like crazy!

[@aderita209]

The Gilded Age is not boring, the marketing for the show was really bad. That's why I just recently discovered it

[@Arsp846]

Pulling away from Louisa Jacobson's character in the second season was a very good choice. I'm not usually one to knock an actor's performance; the buck stops at the director usually, if they didn't like the performance, they could have done another take but putting Louisa up against Carrie and Christine doesn't do her any favors. Christine and Carrie are so obviously having a good time and really chew on their lines, while Louisa is just sort of flat. She does seem much better this season, but I'm not sure if that's because she is actually improving or we just aren't seeing as much of her :S Also, we finally get more of Peggy's story, which has been the best part of season two by far!

[@Jani.16]

I love the show and I’m a big fan now, but I have to admit that it took me almost a year to finish season one. From the first episode I thought that Marian was suppose to be the main character, however her storyline was slow and nothing interesting happened, however I kept watching it because of the Russell Family. They had more stuff going on. I’m glad I did, because I loved season two and now I cannot wait for season three. 😍

[@hobimania6151]

It’s definitely not super fast paced but it’s still so exciting and thrilling. When Mrs. Winterton was revealed???? Gasp

[@javieraponte4308]

it is NOT boring! what the hell are u talking about?

[@raegangarlitz5313]

This is hilarious, my best friend and I watched this. We called it the boring age, yet we watched the entire season

[@marymiller6188]

This show is NOT boring. This video missed the mark

[@nestordiaz2930]

This show is fantastic I seen many people praise it. I think you guys missed the ball on this one. The cast is very talented and the show truly brings a lot of escapism compared to modern relatable shows. Just like pbs/bbc shows hbo max did a great job creating historical high quality show in there hands. These kind of shows always start of slow but with time end up creating a dedicated loyal fanbase just like dowton abbey.

[@missfireandice1]

I don't understand, am I living in a different universe? I thought season one was amazing, but I will concede that season 2 is even better.

[@jenniferpajor5365]

I’m not sure who is saying it’s boring. I certainly don’t think it’s boring.

[@FindYourKind]

I have to agree with some of the comments, I don’t think the show is boring. I will say if you’re not a huge fan of Downton Abbey, the story lines in The Gilded Age might not catch your fancy either. Because I’m a pretty big Downton and Julian Fellows fan this was more of what I love. Season 1 hooked me for sure and I never looked back. I think the Gilded Age series has all those charms mentioned in this video, absolutely. My only criticism of the show is that the “downstairs” storylines seem a bit redundant and I’ve noticed that a lot of the scenes carry less weight. Season 1 seemed like it could go somewhere, with some romances and some competitiveness among the different staff from the old and new money houses but instead I noticed not much happening by the beginning of Season 2 and I wonder if they could be developed a lot more in season 3 in ways in which Downton was successful.

[@housevinyl4640]

This show isn’t boring. It’s brilliant and the pacing is just right.

[@froze525]

I hate-watch this show in the "wow the Downton Abbey guy really caked on the ideology huh" kind of way. Its the GILDED AGE, ie. pretty on the outside, rotten on the inside but instead we get impossibly racially progressive bourgeois and an unseen working class that doesn't revolve entirely around the "upstairs". The one non-servant worker character we get is the union leader and its 1 scene every 2 episodes this season. The lynch mob scene in the last episode gave me some hope the show is finally willing to show and not just tell us about how horrifying the Gilded Age was for the working class and minorities. However, i feel like the upcoming strike is going to pull its punches with some bullshit last second "can't we all get along and compromise on your brutal oppression" stuff that Downton Abbey was infamous for. That's not what the historical record tell us that happened with strikes in the gilded age.

[@marielalara1202]

It seems like nobody in the comments thinks this show is boring. I usually never go for shows like this (never cared for Downtown) but i was hooked on the first episode.

[@angelabby2379]

it's boring.. the simpleton people who comment are loser who can't deal their show are boring and might be cancelled

[@DAVEJJR]

I’m hooked on this series since season 1. FYI, I’m a major history buff, but I must admit season 2’s storyline is really so disappointing and all over the place….

[@KINGCABA-if4nk]

This isn’t boring unlike downtown abbey, perhaps don’t see American as having history or impatience of the weekly show release. It’s was great,if ur interest in history, upper class culture and American perspective of American culture. This show is for you, plus is way more juicy drama like the 400, old vs new money and black elite diversity.

[@kcbradygirl]

This show is Dames of Thrones and it's glorious!

[@charmainen8475]

Its been so long since ive had a favourite tv show to sink my teeth into. Its the perfect excapist fantasy with the most brilliant costume and set design and lovable characters. And it is absolutely not boring!!!

[@CiciF]

They better not cancel this show !!! I hate when that happens out of nowhere smh

[@tfh5575]

it’s literally so boring but i’m watching every episode. also pretty clothes

[@CanuckleheadHistory]

“Anyways?” All you had to do to be grammatical was write, “anyway.”

[@russyp]

Boring?? I’m on the edge of my seat most of the time.

[@julieb750]

You have to understand the society in which it is set. It was a time when things were slow and social mores were quite restrictive for the upper class. You could literally ruin your reputation by going outside alone if you were a woman of that class. Get into that mindset and it won’t seem boring or slow. In fact, the massive gulf of difference between 19th Century super wealthy culture and today’s world is what makes it so fascinating.

[@shawnnbits]

Gorgeous show. The boyfriend and i put it on and just look at it. Alot of period pieces during this time ignore the old money New money rivalry and how colorful clothes were!

[@thunderousapplause]

Ive loved it since ep 1. it’s a little too soap opera sometimes. Some actor choices are over the top a little bit too often. Like Agnes. Lord. But most actors do a great job, and costumes and locations are so amazing, I can ignore the trite parts.