Netflix gets its Gilded Age on with The Age Of Innocence first look

The "contemporary reimagining" of Edith Wharton's novel arrives next year.

By Drew Gillis  |  November 10, 2026 | 12:01pm
All images courtesy of Netflix
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Netflix gets its Gilded Age on with The Age Of Innocence first look

After a successful jaunt into the American literary canon with East Of Eden, Netflix is venturing even further back in time. The streamer released its first look this morning at The Age Of Innocence, which it describes as a “contemporary reimagining” of Edith Wharton’s classic 1920 novel from Emma Frost. Based on these images, it’s not totally clear what is meant by that—the novel is set in the 1870s, and these sets and costumes look pretty Gilded Age, if you ask us. Perhaps the modernization will be in the language, and Newland will refer to Ellen as his sneaky link. We will have to wait and see. 

A synopsis provided by Netflix’s Tudum reads:

Based on Wharton’s classic story of forbidden love in 19th-century New York City, The Age of Innocence follows a passionate and heartrending will they, won’t they love triangle while exploring themes of freedom, duty, identity, and love in all its forms. The new adaptation promises to be true to Wharton’s novel, but will speak to a new generation as it traverses the ballrooms and bedrooms of its young characters, asking what love is — and what lust is. And, should we ultimately be driven by our heads or by our hearts?

The Age Of Innocence stars Camila Morrone as Ellen Olenska), Kristine Froseth as May Welland, and Ben Radcliffe as Newland Archer, along with a supporting cast that includes Margo Martindale. All eight episodes of the series premiere on Netflix on February 18.

 
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