Best TV Shows About Rich People, Ranked

Television often provides a voyeuristic look into the lives of the ultra wealthy and their unique struggles. From corporate dynasties to historical aristocrats these stories explore how money influences power and family dynamics. Audiences find themselves captivated by the high stakes drama and lavish settings of these elite circles. This list explores the best examples of wealth centric storytelling across various genres.

‘90210’ (2008–2013)

The series follows a family that moves from Kansas to the wealthy neighborhood of Beverly Hills. Students at West Beverly Hills High School deal with various personal and financial dramas. The show explores the lives of privileged teenagers as they navigate romance and social cliques. It serves as a modern update to the classic nineties teen drama series.

‘Empire’ (2015–2020)

This series centers on a powerful hip hop mogul and his competitive family members. Lucious Lyon must decide which of his three sons will inherit his massive music empire. The return of his ex wife Cookie adds significant tension to the internal power struggle. Each family member uses various tactics to secure their position within the company and the social hierarchy.

‘Dynasty’ (1981–1989)

The show focuses on the wealthy Carrington family and their oil business in Denver. Blake Carrington deals with corporate rivals and the dramatic return of his former wife Alexis. The narrative highlights the extreme opulence and excessive lifestyle of the American elite during the eighties. Constant feuds and power plays define the relationships between the main characters.

‘Filthy Rich’ (2020)

A wealthy Southern family faces a crisis after the patriarch of their Christian television network dies in a plane crash. His widow discovers that he fathered three illegitimate children who are all named in his will. The newcomers arrive to claim their share of the family fortune and legacy. This drama examines the intersection of religious influence and extreme financial success.

‘Falcon Crest’ (1981–1990)

The plot centers on the rivalries within the wealthy Channing family in the California wine industry. Angela Channing is the formidable matriarch who will stop at nothing to control the family estate. The show portrays the complex business dealings and personal betrayals associated with the production of luxury wine. It combines soap opera elements with a focus on land ownership and inherited power.

‘Riviera’ (2017–2020)

Georgina is a woman whose life is upended after her billionaire husband is killed in a yacht explosion. She soon discovers that his immense fortune was built on a foundation of crime and deception. The series takes place against the backdrop of the French Riviera and the high end art world. Georgina must learn to navigate this dangerous environment to protect herself and the family legacy.

‘Inventing Anna’ (2022)

A journalist investigates the true story of Anna Delvey who convinced New York elites that she was a wealthy German heiress. The limited series details how she used charisma and perceived wealth to infiltrate exclusive social circles. Her exploits led to significant financial fraud and the eventual collapse of her social standing. It explores the power of status and the desire to belong to the upper class.

‘Palm Royale’ (2024–)

Set in 1969 a woman attempts to break into the most exclusive social club in Palm Beach. Maxine Simmons faces resistance from the established members of high society who value tradition and pedigree. The show highlights the lengths people will go to achieve a sense of belonging among the wealthy. It features colorful costumes and a satirical look at the lifestyle of the Florida elite.

‘Revenge’ (2011–2015)

Emily Thorne moves to the Hamptons and rents a house next to the powerful Grayson family. She is actually Amanda Clarke and she has returned to destroy the people who framed her father for a crime. The series explores the secret lives and moral failings of the wealthiest families in the exclusive coastal community. Each episode features a calculated move in her long term plan for justice.

‘The Royals’ (2015–2018)

This fictional drama follows a modern British royal family living in a world of luxury and public scrutiny. Queen Helena attempts to maintain the family image while her children engage in rebellious behavior. The show depicts the internal politics of the monarchy and the personal costs of maintaining such a high profile status. Betrayal and scandal are common themes as the characters fight for the throne.

‘Dallas’ (1978–1991)

The Ewing family operates a massive oil empire and a cattle ranch in Texas. J.R. Ewing is the eldest son who uses ruthless business tactics to maintain his control over the company. The show became famous for its cliffhangers and the intense rivalries between different branches of the family. It remains a foundational example of the wealthy family drama subgenre.

‘Riches’ (2022)

After the sudden death of a self made billionaire his children from different marriages fight for control of his cosmetics empire. The London based family must deal with corporate takeover attempts and internal secrets. The series examines the dynamics of a successful Black family navigating the highest levels of British business. It highlights the complexities of inheritance and the pressure of maintaining a prestigious brand.

‘Dirty Sexy Money’ (2007–2009)

A lawyer reluctantly takes over his father’s job as the legal counsel for the Darling family in New York. The Darlings are one of the wealthiest and most dysfunctional families in the city. Nick George must manage their constant scandals while investigating the mysterious circumstances of his father’s death. The show balances dark humor with the absurd realities of extreme wealth.

‘Elite’ (2018–2024)

Three working class students receive scholarships to an exclusive private school in Spain called Las Encinas. Their arrival leads to a clash between the new students and the wealthy teenagers who already attend the school. This tension eventually results in a murder investigation that exposes the dark secrets of the elite community. The series combines teenage drama with themes of classism and social privilege.

‘Dynasty’ (2017–2022)

This reboot of the classic soap opera follows the lives of the wealthy Carrington family in Atlanta. Fallon Carrington is a cunning businesswoman who seeks to make a name for herself outside of her father’s shadow. The show updates the original themes of corporate espionage and family feuds for a modern audience. It focuses on the competitive nature of the ultra wealthy as they vie for influence and resources.

‘Industry’ (2020–)

A group of young graduates competes for permanent positions at a prestigious investment bank in London. The characters must navigate a high pressure environment where large sums of money are traded daily. The series illustrates the personal sacrifices and ethical compromises required to succeed in global finance. It highlights the hedonistic and competitive culture found within the world of young millionaires.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020–)

The series is set in Regency era London and follows the siblings of the powerful Bridgerton family as they look for love. The show highlights the strict social rules and high stakes of the marriage market among the aristocracy. Lavish balls and expensive fashion serve as the backdrop for various romantic entanglements. It explores how status and reputation dictate the lives of the wealthy elite.

‘Trust’ (2018)

The narrative dramatizes the 1973 kidnapping of John Paul Getty III in Rome. His grandfather is the richest man in the world but he initially refuses to pay the ransom. The show explores the extreme frugality and isolation that can come with immense wealth. It provides a historical look at the Getty family and the internal conflicts caused by their vast fortune.

‘The O.C.’ (2003–2007)

A troubled teenager is taken in by a wealthy lawyer and his family living in Newport Beach. Ryan Atwood must adjust to a world of beach houses and exclusive social events while dealing with his past. The show contrasts his humble beginnings with the polished and often superficial lives of the Orange County elite. It became a cultural phenomenon for its portrayal of wealthy suburban life.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2007–2012)

Privileged teenagers living on the Upper East Side of Manhattan are monitored by an anonymous blogger. The characters navigate a world of private schools and high fashion while their secrets are broadcast to their peers. The show emphasizes the importance of social standing and the power held by established families. It explores the toxic nature of public scrutiny within an elite social circle.

‘The Politician’ (2019–2020)

Payton Hobart is a wealthy student from Santa Barbara who has known since childhood that he will be President of the United States. He must first navigate the treacherous political landscape of his high school to win the student body presidency. The series uses satire to examine the ambition and privilege of the young and wealthy. Each season follows a different political race as Payton pursues his ultimate goal.

‘Desperate Housewives’ (2004–2012)

The lives of four women living in a wealthy suburban neighborhood are followed through the eyes of their deceased friend. Wisteria Lane appears perfect on the surface but holds many dark secrets and scandals. The show combines elements of mystery and comedy while exploring the domestic lives of the upper middle class. It highlights the social pressures and hidden struggles of families living in an affluent community.

‘Scandal’ (2012–2018)

Olivia Pope runs a crisis management firm in Washington D.C. that caters to the political and financial elite. Her clients often include the wealthiest individuals in the country who need their reputations protected. The show explores the intersection of extreme power and the corruption that often accompanies it. It details the lengths that the wealthy will go to keep their secrets out of the public eye.

‘Bloodline’ (2015–2017)

The Rayburn family is a respected pillar of their Florida Keys community where they own a successful beach resort. Their dark past begins to catch up with them when the eldest brother and black sheep of the family returns home. The series illustrates how a wealthy and seemingly perfect family can be destroyed by long buried secrets. It focuses on the lengths family members will go to protect their legacy and financial interests.

‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ (2023)

The story follows a ruthless pharmaceutical CEO and his family as they face a supernatural threat. Members of the Usher dynasty begin to die in mysterious ways as secrets from the past resurface. It examines the consequences of greed and the ethical corruption found in extreme wealth. The narrative uses a horror lens to critique the foundations of a massive business empire.

‘The Borgias’ (2011–2013)

The series follows the rise of the Borgia family as they seek to dominate Renaissance Italy through the papacy. Rodrigo Borgia uses his immense wealth and political influence to become Pope Alexander VI. The family engages in various illegal and immoral activities to consolidate their power and expand their fortune. It portrays the historical intersection of religious authority and dynastic wealth.

‘The Gilded Age’ (2022–)

Set in New York City during the 1880s the show depicts the conflict between old money and new money. Marian Brook moves into the home of her aristocratic aunts who are resistant to the changing social landscape. The series highlights the rigid social hierarchies and the massive fortunes built during the industrial revolution. It showcases the lavish architecture and costumes of the era while exploring social climbing.

‘The White Lotus’ (2021–)

Each season follows a different group of wealthy guests staying at an exclusive tropical resort. The show satirizes the behavior and entitlement of the upper class as they interact with the hotel staff. Various personal tensions and social awkwardness eventually lead to a dark and often violent conclusion. It examines the disconnect between the privileged lives of the guests and the realities of the people who serve them.

‘The Gentlemen’ (2024–)

Eddie Horniman unexpectedly inherits his father’s massive country estate only to discover it is part of a cannabis empire. He must navigate the dangerous world of British crime while maintaining his status as a member of the aristocracy. The series explores the clash between traditional landed gentry and the modern criminal underworld. Eddie discovers that he has a natural talent for managing the family business and its illegal assets.

‘The Righteous Gemstones’ (2019–)

A world famous televangelist family lives a life of extreme luxury funded by their mega church empire. The patriarch Eli Gemstone tries to keep his three adult children in line as they engage in various scandals. The show uses dark comedy to critique the commercialization of religion and the hypocrisy of the wealthy. Each family member struggles with their own greed and desire for power within the organization.

‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000–2007)

Lorelai Gilmore raises her teenage daughter Rory in a small town after leaving her wealthy parents as a teenager. The show features a recurring contrast between Lorelai’s modest life and the opulent world of her parents Richard and Emily. Frequent dinners at the Gilmore mansion highlight the expectations and social rules of the old money elite. Rory eventually finds herself navigating both worlds as she pursues her education and career.

‘The Great’ (2020–2023)

This satirical comedy follows the rise of Catherine the Great in eighteenth century Russia. Catherine arrives in Russia to marry Emperor Peter and finds a court filled with debauchery and lack of intellectualism. She decides to plot against her husband to take the throne and modernize the country. The show highlights the extreme wealth and absurdity of the Russian imperial court.

‘The Morning Show’ (2019–)

The series provides a behind the scenes look at the lives of the people who host a popular morning news program. It explores the high salaries and massive influence of media personalities and corporate executives. The characters deal with power struggles and personal crises in an environment where reputation is everything. It examines the pressure of maintaining a public image while navigating the politics of a major network.

’30 Rock’ (2006–2013)

Liz Lemon manages a sketch comedy show while dealing with her arrogant boss Jack Donaghy. Jack is a high level executive who embodies corporate wealth and conservative values. The show often parodies the lifestyle of the ultra rich through Jack’s various business ventures and social connections. It provides a comedic look at the gap between the working class writers and the wealthy corporate elite.

‘Poldark’ (2015–2019)

Ross Poldark returns to Cornwall after the American Revolutionary War to find his estate in ruins. He attempts to rebuild his fortune by reopening the family copper mines while navigating the local social hierarchy. The series depicts the struggles of the landed gentry and their conflicts with the rising merchant class. It explores themes of inheritance and the social responsibilities of the wealthy.

‘Feud’ (2017–)

The first season focuses on the legendary rivalry between Hollywood stars Joan Crawford and Bette Davis. Subsequent stories explore famous conflicts within the upper echelons of society such as Truman Capote and his wealthy friends. The series details the private lives and public personas of the rich and famous during different historical eras. It highlights the insecurities and power dynamics that fuel long standing personal vendettas.

‘Veep’ (2012–2019)

Selina Meyer is the Vice President of the United States who deals with the daily frustrations of political life. The show highlights the influence of wealthy donors and the high cost of political campaigns. Selina and her staff engage in constant maneuvering to maintain their power and social standing. It uses sharp satire to explore the vanity and ambition of people in the highest levels of government.

‘Entourage’ (2004–2011)

A young actor from Queens moves to Hollywood after becoming a major star. Vincent Chase is accompanied by his close friends as they navigate the world of mansions and private jets. The series provides an inside look at the lavish lifestyle and financial excesses of the movie industry. It emphasizes the importance of loyalty and the perks that come with being a member of the elite.

‘Big Little Lies’ (2017–2019)

The lives of several wealthy mothers in Monterey are disrupted by a mysterious murder in their community. The show explores the polished surfaces of their affluent lives and the secrets they hide from each other. Themes of domestic abuse and social competition are examined against the backdrop of expensive homes and charity galas. It illustrates that financial security does not protect individuals from personal tragedy.

‘Billions’ (2016–2023)

A ruthless hedge fund kingpin faces off against a savvy U.S. Attorney in a high stakes game of cat and mouse. Bobby Axelrod uses his immense wealth and intelligence to outmaneuver the legal system and expand his empire. The series provides a detailed look at the world of high finance and the egos of the billionaire class. It examines the moral compromises and power plays that define the pursuit of extreme wealth.

‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)

A wealthy family loses their entire fortune after being defrauded by their business manager. They are forced to move to a small town they once bought as a joke and live in a modest motel. The show follows their journey as they adapt to a life without luxury and build meaningful connections with the locals. It provides a heartwarming and humorous look at the transition from extreme wealth to middle class reality.

‘Yellowstone’ (2018–)

The Dutton family owns the largest contiguous ranch in the United States and must constantly defend it from developers and rivals. John Dutton is the patriarch who uses his political and financial influence to protect the family legacy. The series explores the power dynamics of land ownership and the violent conflicts that arise in the modern West. It portrays the Duttons as a modern day dynasty with a deep connection to their land.

‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)

This historical drama depicts the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and the personal lives of the British royal family. The show highlights the immense wealth and rigid traditions that define the monarchy throughout the twentieth century. It explores the political and social changes in Britain through the lens of the most famous wealthy family in the world. Lavish production design and historical accuracy emphasize the isolation and privilege of the royals.

‘House of Cards’ (2013–2018)

Frank Underwood is a ruthless politician who uses manipulation and betrayal to climb the ranks of the American government. The series highlights the role of wealthy lobbyists and corporate interests in shaping political outcomes. Frank and his wife Claire seek power at any cost as they move from the halls of Congress to the White House. It provides a cynical look at the intersection of political ambition and financial influence.

‘Mad Men’ (2007–2015)

Set in the 1960s the show follows the professional and personal lives of advertising executives in New York City. Don Draper and his colleagues navigate a world of high salaries and social prestige during a time of great cultural change. The series illustrates the desire for the American dream and the emptiness that can accompany financial success. It showcases the fashion and lifestyle of the burgeoning wealthy professional class.

‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ (2017–2023)

Miriam Maisel is a wealthy housewife living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in the late fifties. After her husband leaves her she discovers a talent for stand up comedy and begins to pursue a career in the industry. The show contrasts her privileged upbringing with the gritty reality of the comedy club circuit. It highlights the expectations placed on women within the wealthy Jewish community of the era.

‘Downton Abbey’ (2010–2015)

The series follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic servants in early twentieth century England. It explores the social changes that threaten the traditional lifestyle of the landed gentry. The narrative balances the grand concerns of the wealthy family with the daily lives of the staff who serve them. It portrays the end of an era for the British aristocracy and the challenges of maintaining a massive estate.

‘Arrested Development’ (2003–2019)

The wealthy Bluth family loses everything when the patriarch is arrested for corporate fraud. Michael Bluth is the only level headed member of the family who tries to keep them together and save the business. The show uses a mockumentary style to satirize the narcissism and incompetence of the ultra wealthy. It remains a critically acclaimed comedy for its complex writing and portrayal of a dysfunctional rich family.

‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (2000–2024)

Larry David plays a fictionalized version of himself as a wealthy television writer living in Los Angeles. The show follows his daily life as he gets into various arguments and awkward situations with friends and strangers. Larry’s status as a wealthy man allows him to obsess over minor social grievances without financial worry. It provides a unique and hilarious look at the frustrations of a person who has everything.

‘Succession’ (2018–2023)

The drama focuses on the Roy family as they fight for control of a global media conglomerate. Logan Roy is the formidable patriarch who pitilessly tests his children to see who is worthy of taking over. The siblings engage in constant betrayal and corporate maneuvering to gain their father’s favor. It explores the toxic intersection of extreme wealth and family dysfunction within a high stakes business environment.

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