The Gilded Age: A Guide for Xennial Women with a Passion for Theater

The HBO/Max show, The Gilded Age, may seem like it has mass appeal, but it was actually created with a very specific audience in mind: quirky early millennial women who studied theater in college. These women, who briefly dabbled in acting before becoming writers, were the target demographic for the show.

Setting the show in 1882 was a smart move by HBO/Max, as quirky Xennial women can’t resist a lush period drama. Many of these women own corsets and are drawn to the historical references in the show. From famous artists like John Singer Sargent to thinly veiled characters like the Vanderbilts, these women appreciate the attention to detail.

The Gilded Age also features venerable theater actors from the early aughts, knowing that all quirky early millennial women are also theater nerds. The show’s plot and pacing cater to the tired, multitasking Xennial woman, offering a mindless escape at the end of a long day.

Creator Julian Fellowes chose not to delve into the societal critiques of the time period, opting instead for a more light-hearted approach. Despite this, The Gilded Age has been a hit, drawing in over 2.5 million viewers for its season 3 premiere. While the show was made for quirky Xennial women, it seems to have found a broader audience as well.

So, if you find yourself watching The Gilded Age and wondering why you like it, remember that this perfectly awful show was actually made for quirky Xennial women like me. And if you’re looking for someone to watch it with, just know that not everyone will understand your obsession.