The Greatest TV Shows About Rich People
They say money is the root of all evil and that may be why TV shows about rich people are so fascinating to those of us without it. For those who don't have it and for the lucky ones who do, money can create some serious problems. When TV shows feature the rich, one of the clearest aspects of their lives is that they have many of the same problems the rest of the world does. Whether it's their relationships, legal troubles, or simply not being able to afford the 75 foot yacht, rich people have their problems too.
Looking back through the years, there have been plenty of TV shows about rich people with some topping the charts of critical and audience acclaim. Shows like Arrested Development hilariously examine the lives of rich people who are seeming up to no good while other series like Downton Abbey are less about the money and more about the role of money in society. Whatever genre interests you, there's bound to be a recommendation or two on this list that are certain to entertain.
What are television's best rich person shows? Vote up the shows about rich people you think are the best and see where your favorite shows rank.
- 1Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley
- Premiered: September 19, 2007
Welcome to the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite, as chronicled by an anonymous blogger in Gossip Girl. This addictive drama explores the opulent world of privileged high schoolers, with Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) and Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) at its center. A tale of love triangles, betrayals, and fabulous fashion - it's a decadent delight for fans of wealth and excess.
- 2Hiam Abbass, Nicholas Braun, Brian Cox
- Premiered: June 3, 2018
The ruthless Roy family will stop at nothing to maintain their media empire in Succession. As patriarch Logan Roy (Brian Cox) teeters on retirement, his children scramble for power in this darkly comic masterpiece that showcases the twisted dynamics within wealthy families.
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- 3Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern
- Premiered: September 26, 2010
Journey back to early 20th-century England with Downton Abbey, where we follow the lives of both aristocrats and servants alike within a grand estate. The series focuses on the Crawley family as they navigate societal change while maintaining their luxurious lifestyle - all with impeccable manners and stunning costumes.
- 4Imelda Staunton, Jonathan Pryce, Lesley Manville
- Premiered: November 4, 2016
Explore Queen Elizabeth II's reign through decades-long episodes that delve into her personal life amidst political turmoil in The Crown. Claire Foy and Olivia Colman portray the monarch in this lavish period drama, where opulent palaces and captivating storylines take center stage.
- 5Emily VanCamp, Madeleine Stowe, Nick Wechsler
- Premiered: September 21, 2011
Emily Thorne’s quest for vengeance drives her into Hampton’s elite society in Revenge – a twisty soap opera filled with secrets and scandals behind every mansion door. With Emily VanCamp leading an unforgettable cast alongside Madeleine Stowe as Victoria Grayson - expect deliciously devious schemes from these rich folks.
- 6Paul Giamatti, Maggie Siff, Corey Stoll
- Premiered: January 17, 2016
Money talks in Billions – a thrilling battle between billionaire hedge fund manager Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis) and U.S Attorney Chuck Rhoades Jr.(Paul Giamatti). Set against New York City's financial scene, this high-stakes game showcases ambition-driven characters who are unapologetically wealthy.
