MGM+ has greenlit The American Heiress, an eight-episode period romantic comedy starring Julianna Margulies as Isabella Cash, a mother intent on securing an English title for her daughter. The series adapts Daisy Goodwin’s novel, according to Deadline and Variety’s November 11 reports. Source Source
In the official synopsis reproduced by Variety, Isabella takes her reluctant daughter, Cora, to England in 1893. Cora thinks she’s in love with Teddy, an American artist; her mother has rather grander social ambitions. An English title would look so much better on the family stationery. Source
Then Cora falls from her horse during a hunt and wakes up at Lulworth Castle, the seat of the 12th Duke of Wareham, throwing her romantic certainties into question. Isabella has her own challenge in the Double Duchess, described in the synopsis as “a woman who goes through dukedoms like kid gloves.” So much for a straightforward mother-daughter trip. Source
Goodwin’s novel was published in 2011 and is also known as My Last Duchess. The writer behind Victoria will adapt the book and serve as showrunner and an executive producer, Variety reports. “I hope it will make viewers laugh, think, and swoon,” Goodwin said in the announcement quoted by both outlets. Source Source
Margulies will also executive produce. Catherine Morshead, Sandra Goldbacher and Edward Hall are set to direct the series. Source Source
Deadline’s November 11 report says UK production is expected to begin in November 2026; Variety says “in the coming weeks.” Neither report confirms that filming has begun or supplies a premiere date. Deadline reports a planned MGM+ release in the U.S., UK and other markets, with Fifth Season handling global distribution. Source Source
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