This 12-Episode Period Drama Is The British Version Of The Gilded Age

Published Oct 4, 2026, 11:30 AM EDT

El is a Junior TV Features Editor for ScreenRant, with previous experience as The Mary Sue's UK and Weekend Editor. She holds a Bachelor's in International Media and Entertainment Management, as well as an MA and Ph.D. in Creative Writing. There is little she loves more than discussing her favorite TV shows with fellow fans. One day, she hopes to publish an original fantasy novel.

Before HBO's The Gilded Age returns for its fourth season in November, catch up on the British version. Created by Downton Abbey and period drama mastermind Julian Fellowes, The Gilded Age lavishly explores one of the most transformative periods in American history, as industrialization fundamentally changed the economy and society in the late 19th century. The old-money wealthy elites were suddenly confronted by "new money" powers, clashing with modern ideals, traditions, and social expectations.

Of course, the United States is a young nation compared to other historic countries. Some of Britain's oldest family bloodlines date back to the defeat of the Anglo-Saxons in 1066 and the reign of William the Conqueror, centuries before the Declaration of Independence was signed. Still, even the wealthiest, most ancient land-owning families in Britain weren't immune to a changing society. From the 19th century, more and more dynasties struggled to maintain their fortunes, while working-class and middle-class families found new ways to amass wealth.

This is the foundation of Channel 5 and BritBox's 12-episode Victorian-era period drama, The Hardacres. Inspired by C.L. Skelton's two-book Hardacre Family Saga (published in the 1970s), The Hardacres follows the titular Yorkshire family as they build their own successful business empire from the ground up. With a few clever investments, they evolve from poor dockworkers into owners of a massive country estate, much to the chagrin of their noble neighbors and high society at large. In this reality, the Hardacres are essentially The Gilded Age's Russell family, minus the ruthlessness.

The Hardacres Is The Ultimate "New Money Vs. Old Money" Story

Courtesy of BritBox

The Hardacres is the ultimate "new money" vs. "old money" story, as the Hardacre family clashes with their closest neighbors, the Fitzherberts. Though Lord and Lady Fitzherbert are experiencing issues with money, Lady Fitzherbert (initially The Hardacres' version of Christine Baranski's Agnes van Rhijn in The Gilded Age) still looks down her nose at the Hardacres, determined to ruin their social standing and hell-bent on making a financially advantageous match for her daughter, Adella. This becomes even worse in season 2 when her mother, Lady Imelda Hansen, comes to stay; the old matriarch is obsessed with chasing the Hardacres out of town.

At the beginning of the show, even the Hardacres' inherited housekeeper makes snide remarks about the family's background. She actively undermines Mary Hardacre's attempts to socialize until she finally learns that her new employers are, fundamentally, good people. Still, Mary perseveres, intent on carving out a place in society. Mrs. Hardacre has a lot in common with The Gilded Age's Bertha Russell, actually. Both women are endlessly ambitious and want to prove that they're worth more than where they came from. This is especially true for Mary, who grew up in abject poverty.

Patriarch Sam Hardacre has become a business tycoon, trying to balance his duty to his children and wife with his devotion to his workers. Sam and Mary's three children, Joe, Liza, and Harry, are all trying to find out where they belong. Joe wants to follow in his father's footsteps but worries he isn't smart enough; Liza knows she needs to find a match but worries she won't be deemed appropriate; Harry struggles with his identity and his academic pursuits. (Mary's Ma, meanwhile, is unapologetically herself and all the more joyous to watch because of it).

What makes The Hardacres so compelling, beyond the inevitable social clash, is the dynamic between the Hardacre family. This is a new era for all of them. They're essentially anomalies, no longer part of their old lives yet unable to make it work in their new world. No matter what happens, though, they love and defend each other. High society could learn something from them.

Will The Hardacres Return For Season 3?

Courtesy of BritBox

The Hardacres consists of two six-episode seasons. Both are available to stream in full on BritBox in the US. Season 2 ended in the UK on Channel 5 in June, and there's been no word of a third season so far. That doesn't necessarily mean it won't happen, though. It took over eight months for season 2's renewal to be confirmed after the season 1 finale aired in the UK. Season 2 only finished airing in the US a few weeks ago.

Channel 5 and BritBox might be waiting to see how the new season fares over a longer period before making any final decisions. If the show does get renewed, new episodes will likely be released in late 2027 at the earliest.

There's plenty for a potential third season to deal with, especially now that one of the Hardacre children has left home. Sam has more business matters to attend to as the economy experiences turmoil, Mary might have a new political adventure ahead of her, and Harry and Liza's futures are on the brink of change, with Adella and Callum in tow. What will happen to the Fitzherberts after Lady Hansen's departure? Hopefully, The Hardacres season 3 will reveal everything audiences want to know.

The Hardacres is available to stream on BritBox.

• 

  Julie Graham

  Ma

• Liam McMahon

  Sam Hardacre

• 

  Claire Cooper

  Mary Hardacre

• Adam Little

  Joe Hardacre