The new Prime Video series The Gray House brings to screen a true story from the American Civil War that most history books have overlooked. This historical drama focuses on a group of women in Richmond, Virginia, who formed a secret spy ring for the Union, right under the noses of Confederate leaders. With big names like Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman behind the scenes as executive producers, and a talented cast led by Mary-Louise Parker, the show promises to mix exciting spy action with a powerful true story. All eight episodes of the limited series will be available to stream on February 26, 2026, on Prime Video.
The Gray House Cast and Character Guide
The story of The Gray House centers on the risky work of its main characters. These are the actors bringing these historical figures to life.
Mary-Louise Parker plays Eliza Van Lew, a well-respected Virginia socialite. In reality, Van Lew used her high position in Richmond society as a perfect cover for her secret work. She managed a spy network that passed critical information to Union generals.
Daisy Head plays Elizabeth Van Lew, Eliza’s mother. She works alongside her daughter, using their family’s social standing and resources to support the spy operation and help people escape via the Underground Railroad.
Amethyst Davis takes on the role of Mary Jane Richards, a freed slave. Richards worked for the Van Lew family before getting a job inside the Confederate White House. This placed her in a unique position to gather valuable information for the Union.
Ben Vereen portrays Isham Worthy, another key member of the network. The character adds to the show’s exploration of the diverse group of people who came together for this dangerous cause.
Supporting Cast and Historical Figures in The Gray House
The series features a wide ensemble cast portraying other important spies, allies, and major historical figures from the Civil War era.
- Hannah James plays Clara Parish, who is described as Richmond’s most infamous courtesan. Her connections and access to powerful people make her a valuable asset to the spy ring.
- Sam Trammell appears as Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederacy.
- Robert Knepper is cast as Bully Lumpkin.
- Christopher McDonald plays Thomas McNiven, a figure involved in the espionage activities.
- Keith David portrays the abolitionist preacher Henry H. Garnet.
- Colin O’Donoghue stars as Captain William Lounsbury.
- Colin Morgan plays Hamton Arsenault.
- Ian Duff appears as Jericho Bowser.
- Rob Morrow takes on the role of Judah Benjamin, the Confederate Secretary of State.
- Paul Anderson stars as Stokely Reeves.
Other cast members include Ewan Miller as John Van Lew Jr., Catherine Hannay as Laurette Van Lew, Joshua McGuire as Erasmus Ross, Marc Jenner as Ulysses S. Grant, and Charles Craddock as John Wilkes Booth.
The True Story and Creative Team Behind The Gray House
The Gray House is based on the real activities of the Richmond Underground, a spy ring led by Elizabeth Van Lew. The official description for the series states:
“They weren’t generals. They didn’t fight on battlefields. They ran the war from inside the Confederacy.”
The show reveals how these women turned an Underground Railroad operation into a formal intelligence network. Their work is credited with providing crucial information that helped shape Union strategy and ultimately change the course of the war.
The series is directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Roland Joffé, who directed all eight episodes. The story was written by Leslie Greif, Darrell Fetty, and John Sayles. Greif, known for the hit miniseries Hatfields & McCoys, also serves as an executive producer alongside Costner, Freeman, Lori McCreary, Rod Lake, and Howard Kaplan.
The production is a collaboration between Republic Pictures, Costner’s Territory Pictures, Freeman’s Revelations Entertainment, and Greif’s Big Dreams Entertainment. Filming took place in Romania in mid-2023.
The Gray House Release Date and How to Watch
Mark your calendars. All eight episodes of The Gray House will be released at once on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, on Prime Video.
Viewers in the United States can watch the series at no extra cost with an Amazon Prime membership. The series is expected to be available to a global audience on the same date through Prime Video’s international platforms, similar to other Amazon Original series.
Prime Video has become a major home for historical dramas, and The Gray House joins a lineup that includes other Civil War-era titles like Cold Mountain and Glory. The series had a special early screening at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in June 2024, building early buzz for its story.
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Music and Soundtrack for The Gray House
The series will also feature a notable soundtrack with contributions from major music artists. The soundtrack includes an original song performed by Willie Nelson, which is used to close the series. Other artists featured on the soundtrack include Shania Twain, Killer Mike, Yolanda Adams, and Lainey Wilson.
Additionally, a song co-written by Jon Bon Jovi will be performed in the series by actress and singer Adrianne Warren. The score for the series is composed by Bruce Broughton. This focus on music aims to enhance the emotional depth and period atmosphere of the storytelling.
The story of the Richmond spy ring is a powerful chapter in American history that shows courage came in many forms beyond the battlefield. With its strong cast and notable producers, The Gray House is set to shine a light on these hidden heroes.
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