Julianna Margulies is poised to return to television with a period-piece project that will thrill fans of classic costume dramas. The actress, who rose to worldwide fame thanks to The Good Wife and, previously, ER, will be among the leading stars of The American Heiress, a new MGM+ series that promises to sweep viewers into a world of ambition, marriages of convenience, and aristocratic intrigue. Set against the backdrop of late Victorian England, where wealth and prestige do not always align, the show looks like the perfect pick for fans of The Gilded Age seeking a story with a similar mood.
The American Heiress: What is the series about and when will Julianna Margulies’ new project premiere?
MGM+ has given the green light to eight episodes of the series adapted from the bestselling novel by Daisy Goodwin, who will also handle the television adaptation. The action unfolds in 1893 and centers on Cora Cash, a young and extraordinarily wealthy American heiress who travels to England with her mother Isabella, portrayed by Julianna Margulies. Their aim is to secure for Cora a husband from the British aristocracy and win the one prize that no vast fortune can purchase in the United States: a noble title. Cora, however, already has her heart committed elsewhere. She believes herself to be in love with Teddy, an American artist, but fate has other plans. After a horse riding accident during a hunting outing, she wakes up at Lulworth Castle, the residence of the twelfth Duke of Wareham. From that moment, her certainties begin to wobble, and the world of English aristocracy proves to be far more intricate than she ever imagined.
Between social conventions, matrimonial ambitions, and rivalries, Cora will have to determine where she truly wishes to belong in a society where everyone seems to know the rules of the game—except her. And while the young woman wrestles with her feelings and her family’s expectations, her mother Isabella will also confront a remarkably formidable rival. At the moment, an official release date has not yet been announced. We do know that production will commence in the United Kingdom in November 2026, and the project is also intended for Italian audiences through MGM+.
The showrunner and MGM+: statements
Daisy Goodwin, who wrote the adaptation and will serve as showrunner, describes the story as a mother‑and‑daughter saga, exploring the duties of an old society and the rise of new ambitions in a world where money can distort everything. “The American Heiress is a seductive blend of compelling characters, political intrigue from another era, and romantic aspirations,” stated Michael Wright, MGM+’s global head. “Daisy Goodwin is a master at crafting gripping and intelligent narratives, rich with fascinating characters and high stakes, and this series showcases Daisy at her best. Having Julianna Margulies leading this extraordinary cast, with her unique blend of strength, intelligence, and charm, is ideal,” he added.
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