WHY THIS PROJECT?

The Right Man. The Right Moment. The Right Story.

1. A True Untold Story (Untapped IP)
George B. Cortelyou was real. Audiences crave untold stories of real people who made a positive difference. In a world hungry for competence and integrity, this is the story we need now.

2. The Rise of Two Heroes
Cortelyou’s ascent - from stenographer to Presidential contender - offers the emotional arc of a classic underdog story. His quiet strength combined with the brash and bold Theodore Roosevelt provide a compelling narrative.

3. An Era That’s Been Overlooked
The turn of the 20th century, 1895 to 1908, was one of the most dynamic and dramatic periods in American history, yet it’s been almost entirely untouched by modern prestige television, with the notable exception of HBO’s The Gilded Age, which was just renewed for a fourth season - demonstrating continued appeal.

4. Highlight Overlooked Voices of 1900

While white men dominated politics in this era, the struggles and contributions of women and Black Americans often went untold. The series offers a nuanced glimpse into their lives and roles, revealing the perspectives of those working in the shadows of power.

5. History Repeats: The Same Struggles, New Faces
Political polarization, billionaire industrialist, presidential assassination attempts, new inventions, the environment, trade tariffs, racial tension - the themes are strikingly current.

6. Electric Surroundings
White House. Wall Street. Supreme Court. Pan-American Exposition of 1901. San Francisco Earthquake. Pennsylvania coal mines. The building of the Panama Canal. Yosemite National Park. This is a visual feast of epic moments and iconic settings.

7. A Cast of Living Legends
The supporting characters are icons: Theodore Roosevelt, Booker T. Washington, Emma Goldman, John D. Rockefeller, Thomas Edison, the Wright Brothers. The series reintroduces them as full-blooded human beings - not caricatures from textbooks.

8. Innovation in the Air
Electricity, telephones, motion pictures, automobiles, the x-ray machine, the safety razor - this was the dawn of the modern world. The show captures the excitement of progress.