The question on all Downton Abbey fans minds: Should I watch the Gilded Age?

Oh man guys. 

I love Downton Abbey, I love the characters, their arch's, the costumes, Highclere Castle, the accents, the Dowager and of course Anna and Bates. So when I learned the creator of Downton Abbey, Julian Fellows, was creating a new show based in New York City in the last 19th century, I was curious and hoped it would live up to Downton, and well... it hasn't...yet...hopefully. 

The show starts off with a young lady, Miss Marian Brooke who is getting on a train to New York City from a small town to live with her aunts who are well to do in society. She comes from nothing but they're kind enough to take her in after her father died. During her time in New York she learns about how snobby the people are, how kind some others are and how deceitful some are. 

The Russell's, who move in across the street from Miss Brook's aunts, build a much larger home than anyone in their upper-class neighborhood, and by doing this are frowned upon. People in the neighborhood (especially Miss Brook's aunts) want them out and by doing so snub them. Mind you the Russell's are savage, they don't take no for an answer, and George Russell (the husband) is ruthless. 

The show only gives you a taste of the people who work downstairs, but we really only get a little insight into their personal lives. Unlike Downton who let us care and feel for team downstairs and their struggles, The Gilded Age has left me feeling for maybe two people who work in the homes. I think we can all admit that most of our favorite characters from Downton Abbey were from the downstairs, ie Anna and Bates, Thomas (eventually), and Ms. Patmore and Daisy. but none of them so far have the charisma of the downstairs staff from Downton. 

That being said, you can get an idea of what The Gilded Age is lacking compared to Downton. Almost all the characters so far are really unkind people, and those who are the good guys don't have a compelling storyline. The only reason I'm looking forward to a season two, is to see where this all goes because I have to believe these people get better! I'm rooting for one cute little footman in the Brook's home, the Russell's son who is a descent person but doesn't have a compelling story going for him, and Peggy Scott who has some mysterious past I need to know more about. But the rest of the characters need to stop being such rude people, and no offense to some of the actors, some need to figure out their characters better because they're very flat. 

That being said, you can watch The Gilded Age on HBO Max and see for yourself as a Downton Abbey fan if you feel The Gilded Age will eventually live up the hype. And if you're wanting to see Gilded Age not as a Downton fan, then let me know what you think.