Fans of lavish period dramas have something new to look forward to. If the refined charm of Downton Abbey or the steamy elegance of Bridgerton has ever left you longing for more, a brand-new series in development might just become your next binge-worthy addiction.
Prime Video is bringing to life The Davenports, a sweeping historical romance based on the bestselling novels by Krystal Marquis. Set in early 20th-century America, the story follows the powerful and pioneering Davenport family, one of the few wealthy Black families of the era. At its heart is William Davenport – a man who rose from the shadows of slavery to build a life of influence and prosperity for his family.
Love, ambition, and scandal in high society
The show promises a delicious blend of romance, ambition, and social commentary, set against the backdrop of the American upper class of the 1910s. Much like Bridgerton, it’s filled with grand homes, whispered secrets, and forbidden love stories.
The focus shifts to Olivia and Helen Davenport, two sisters navigating love and expectations in a world still shaped by class and race. Alongside them, their circle of friends face their own tangled affairs of the heart – the kind of layered, character-driven storytelling that fans of The Gilded Age or Pride and Prejudice will instantly fall for.
There’s already buzz around the project, partly thanks to the powerhouse team behind it. Amazon MGM Studios has joined forces with Alloy Entertainment, the production company behind hit shows like Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, and You. It’s a collaboration that promises both visual grandeur and addictive storytelling.
A dream team behind the scenes
The creative team attached to the project gives plenty of reason for excitement. Sonja Warfield, known for her work on The Gilded Age, which earned multiple Emmy nominations, will serve as one of the executive producers and writers. She’s joined by Susan Fales-Hill, who brought her sharp wit and social insight to And Just Like That…, the Sex and the City spin-off.
With these two women at the helm, the adaptation is poised to deliver not only sumptuous costumes and period detail but also nuanced storytelling and modern relevance. As Warfield herself once said about period dramas, ‘We may be looking at the past, but we’re really talking about the present.’ That sentiment seems tailor-made for The Davenports.
From page to screen: a saga just beginning
Interestingly, the literary saga is still in its infancy. Krystal Marquis’s debut novel, The Davenports, was published in early 2023 and quickly gained acclaim for its fresh perspective on a genre often dominated by European narratives. The sequel, More Than This, was released in the US in June 2024 and continues the family’s story, although it has yet to be translated into French.
That means the television adaptation will have plenty of creative freedom to expand on Marquis’s world – something that has fans both curious and excited.
A modern classic in the making
With its combination of historical glamour, romance, and social depth, The Davenports appears poised to join the ranks of prestigious period dramas that both entertain and provoke reflection. It offers what audiences love most about Bridgerton and Downton Abbey: escapism, elegance, and emotion – but with a fresh, much-needed perspective on Black excellence in early 20th-century America.
So, if you’ve been missing those long evenings spent swooning over star-crossed lovers and perfectly set dinner tables, mark your calendar. The Davenports could be the next great saga to sweep you off your feet – and perhaps redefine what a historical romance can be.
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