Emory professor shapes HBO series set in 1880s

Emory University professor Erica Dunbar is helping guide the narrative of HBO’s The Gilded Age as the show prepares to return for its fourth season. The series depicts life in New York City during the 1880s, and Dunbar has been involved in its production since the beginning.

Dunbar, who chairs the African American Studies Department at Emory, initially joined the project as a historical consultant. In that role, she reviewed storylines for historical accuracy and worked to expand the representation of African American characters. By the time the first season aired, the production company had promoted her to co-executive producer. She was one of the first Black creatives to hold a producer title on the show.

The work requires balancing historical fact with the demands of television entertainment. Dunbar stated that the show is designed to entertain rather than teach, but she hopes viewers feel "maybe a bit smarter" after finishing an episode. She noted that the series offers a large audience for stories grounded in history.

Dunbar is now bringing her television experience back to her classroom at Emory. She said she wants her students to benefit from her work in capturing audience attention through writing and production. This spring semester, she will lead a course called "Lights, Camera, Action: Black Life and Culture in HBO’s The Gilded Age." The class will examine the intersection of the show’s production and Black cultural history.