MGM+ orders period romcom The American Heiress from Fifth Season

Julianna Margulies

Yu Tsai

Amazon-owned MGM+ has greenlit The American Heiress, an eight-part period romcom starring Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife, The Morning Show).

Produced by Fifth Season and MGM Studios, the project is based on the novel by British screenwriter, producer and author Daisy Goodwin, whose other TV credits include the ITV/PBS historical drama Victoria.

Set in 1893, the show follows a wealthy American heiress whose mother (played by Margulies) takes her to England in search of an aristocratic title. But after a hunting accident, she finds herself navigating the complexities of British high society, with her romantic and social ambitions challenged along the way. Production begins this month in the UK.

The series is written and executive produced by Goodwin, with Stacey Snider, chief creative officer of FilmNation Entertainment and former chair of 20th Century Fox and Universal Pictures, also serving as an exec producer.

The American Heiress will premiere on MGM+ in the US, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands and Latin America. Fifth Season is handling global distribution.

The project marks the latest collaboration between Fifth Season and MGM+, following American Classic and The Westies.

“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,” said Michael Wright, global head of MGM+.

“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.”