INDIANAPOLIS — Doubt George and Bertha Russell at your own risk.
Morgan Spector ("The Plot Against America," "Homeland") and Carrie Coon ("The Leftovers," "Gone Girl") co-star as the power couple in the HBO historic drama "The Gilded Age."
The series, set in the 1880s, is about "new money" vs. "old money" in New York City's social scene.
"In Season 1, they had a very successful coming-out ball for their daughter (Taissa Farmiga), and now Bertha has set her sights on the Academy of Music, where she'd like to have a box, but there aren't enough to go around, so Bertha and George have decided to get on board with the Academy and build a new opera house and invite all of their friends," Coon said.
Back in the day, history tells us it wasn't uncommon for people to have pre-arranged marriages or marry for money — and regardless of their financial status, the Russells are madly in love, and that's clearly evident through Coon and Spector's portrayal.
"We're theater people. You have to build intimacy really quickly in the theater, and I just like Morgan," Coon said.
"I have tremendous admiration for Carrie as an actor and as a person," Spector said. "I think the dynamic that they have where they really look out for each other and just want the best for each other and continue to always be supportive and work on each other's behalf, I think it comes naturally, and I think it's a reflection on the values we both have in our own relationships."
And speaking of theater, Broadway fans are sure to notice dozens of familiar faces among the supporting cast, including Tony winners Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, Donna Murphy and Nathan Lane.
"I'm starstruck. They really are extraordinary talents," Coon said. "There's just a real spirit of ensemble. No one is trying to stand out. Everyone is working together. Everyone, like all theater people, they're grateful to have a job. You just so enjoy their company."
And truthfully, my "beard envy" has never been stronger, as George arguably has the best facial hair on television.
"I feel like I've never looked better on camera in my life," Spector said. "It's all thanks to Nikki Ledermann. I grow it, but I can't groom it myself the way she can."
"There's a lot of beard-combing," Coon added.
The second season finale of "The Gilded Age" airs Sunday, Dec. 17 at 9 p.m. ET and streams concurrently on Max.