Prime Video announces new romantic comedy The American Heiress based on Daisy Goodwin novel
MGM+, the premium linear and streaming service, announced today that it has greenlit The American Heiress, an eight-episode romantic comedy of manners starring Julianna Margulies as Isabella Cash, based on best-selling author and showrunner Daisy Goodwin’s novel with executive producer and FilmNation Entertainment’s chief creative officer Stacey Snider.
The series is a co-production by Fifth Season, which will also handle global distribution for the series, and MGM+ Studios. The series will premiere on MGM+ in the U.S., United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, and Latin America.
In 1893, beautiful and vivacious Cora Cash is a “dollar princess” reluctantly brought to England by her mother the formidable Mrs. Cash in search of the “one thing she can’t buy at home, a title.” Cora thinks she is in love with Teddy, an American artist, but when she falls off her horse in a hunting accident and wakes up in Lulworth Castle, the seat of the 12th Duke of Wareham, all her certainties are challenged.
Cora wants above all to do the right thing, but in the morally ambiguous world of the “naughty nineties” England where the first rule is never to comment on a likeness when visiting the nursery, she struggles to know what path to follow. Her mother Isabella meets her match in the Double Duchess, a woman who goes through dukedoms like kid gloves. Will Cora find a place in this world of intrigue where everyone knows the rules except her - will she choose the Old World or the New?
“The American Heiress is a seductive mix of captivating characters, old world class politics, and romantic ambition,” said Michael Wright, global head of MGM+.
“Daisy Goodwin is a master at crafting entertaining and smart stories full of fascinating people and high stakes, and this show is Daisy at her best. Having Julianna Margulies lead this amazing cast with her unique strength, intelligence and charm is ideal. Together with producer Stacey Snider, this team makes The American Heiress a perfect complement to the MGM+ brand of classic Hollywood storytelling for a modern audience.”
“We’re thrilled to work with Daisy, Stacey, and the MGM+ team on this deeply compelling story of love warped by power, which we look forward to bringing to life for audiences around the world,” said FIFTH SEASON President of Television Peter Traugott. “Following the success of projects such as American Classic and The Westies, The American Heiress marks an exciting milestone in the continued growth of our partnership with MGM+.”
“The American Heiress is a story about mothers and daughters, old society obligation and new world entitlement, and the search for meaning in a world distorted by money,” said Goodwin. “I hope it will make viewers laugh, think, and swoon. I am a history nerd, but I am also a fan of the Hollywood golden age—think Consuelo Vanderbilt meets Rebecca! I am beyond excited to be working with Julianna Margulies who embodies the majesty and frustration of Isabella Cash.”
More details will be announced in due course.
