DOWNTON ABBEY Creator Julian Fellowes Developing 19th Century New York Drama for NBC

Following the renewal of DOWNTON ABBEY for a fourth season, series creator Julian Fellowes has officially partnered with NBC and Universal Television to create THE GILDED AGE, a 19th century period drama. The Hollywood Reporter announced the news this afternoon.

THE GILDED AGE will follow a group of millionaires in New York City in the 1880s. Fellowes will write and produce.

“We at the network are all so thrilled to be working with the immensely talented Julian Fellowes, who is universally admired for his critically and commercially appealing productions,” NBC Entertainment president Jennifer Salke told The Hollywood Reporter. “Having him on our team represents a major creative coup, and everyone is looking forward to his first NBC project in The Gilded Age.” 

DOWNTON ABBEY, the widely-acclaimed drama was officially renewed for a fourth season last week by ITV. According to the British broadcaster, the fourth season will consist of eight episodes and an extended Christmas special, set to begin airing in the Fall of 2013 in the UK. The third season has just recently wrapped up. "Viewers can look forward to more drama, comedy, love, hatred, jealousy, rivalry, ambition, despair and romance," executive producer Gareth Neame said in a statement.

Should NBC order a full-series of THE GILDED AGE, it will mark Fellowes' first original venture on American television.