CORTELYOU’S JOURNEY & SERIES STORY ARCS

What does Cortelyou want?

Inside, George B. Cortelyou wants to live a life of purpose. He wants to be excellent at whatever he is given, and to use his skills to make a difference - for himself and the country. He is guided by values like discipline, honesty, and service - but he also has ambition. He wants to be the best, to be trusted, to be indispensable. While he didn’t chase the spotlight, he cared about outcomes - and he cared about winning, as long as it was done the right way and for the reasons.

What are the obstacles he faces?

In Cortelyou, the main character faces a world stacked against quiet, capable people like him. He doesn’t come from money or influence, so every step forward has to be earned through hard work, discipline, and results. His calm, behind-the-scenes style makes him easy to underestimate in a political world dominated by loud voices, inflated egos, and backroom deals.

He must navigate a chaotic, outdated government riddled with cronyism, corruption and selfish political bosses and takes on billionaire business tycoons who put profit over country. Miraculously, his skills are recognized and put to use by - Bissel, Cleveland, McKinley, Roosevelt. By facing and overcoming one crisis, significant event, or moral temptation after another, Cortelyou rises to his full potential. Throughout his journey, Cortelyou must stay true to his values while also winning for himself and for the country.

How does Cortelyou and the County Transform?

Cortelyou started as a behind-the-scenes helper, a capable taskmaster for others, but by the end of the series, becomes a central player himself - trusted by presidents, admired by business leaders, and even backed by J.P. Morgan to run for president. He grew more confident, more willing to speak up, and better at navigating complex personalities while staying true to his values. At the same time, America is changing - growing from a fractured post Civil War nation into a global power.

What is the emotional takeaway?

By the end of the first episode, the audience likes Cortelyou. By the end of the series, the audience feels a deep sense of respect, and perhaps even longing, for a kind of leadership we rarely see today. They're moved by Roosevelt’s aim to serve as a steward of the people and Cortelyou’s quiet strength, integrity, his focus on results versus the spotlight.

Viewers feel inspired by his moral clarity and emotional steadiness, and comforted by the idea that someone like him once held things together when the country was at a crossroads. His story offers hope - that integrity, consistency, and service still matter, and that one person can make a profound impact without shouting, scheming, or selling out. Above all, the audience feels both uplifted and challenged: uplifted by the reminder that public service can be noble, and challenged to ask what kind of people we want in power - and what kind of people we want to be.