New Prime Video Series 'The Gray House' Based on Real-Life Civil War Spies

The historical drama follows a group of women who worked as Union spies in Confederate-held Richmond, Virginia.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A new period drama series called "The Gray House" is set to premiere on Prime Video, exploring the true story of a group of women who transformed the Underground Railroad into an underground spy network to gather intelligence for the Union Army during the Civil War. The series focuses on real-life figures like Elizabeth Van Lew, a Richmond socialite who led the spy ring, and Mary Jane Richards, a formerly enslaved woman who worked as a maid for Confederate President Jefferson Davis while secretly collecting documents for the Union.

Why it matters

The Gray House shines a light on the crucial, yet often overlooked, role that women played in the Civil War as spies and intelligence operatives, helping to turn the tide of the conflict in favor of the Union. The series comes at a timely moment, as the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday, and provides a glimpse into a little-known chapter of American history.

The details

The eight-episode first season of The Gray House will drop all at once on Prime Video on February 26, 2026. The series is produced by Hollywood heavyweights Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman, and features a talented cast led by Daisy Head as Elizabeth Van Lew, Amethyst Davis as Mary Jane Richards, and Mary-Louise Parker as Eliza Baker, Van Lew's mother. While the day-to-day plot is fictionalized for dramatic effect, the show stays true to the real-life experiences of these women as they risked their lives to protect American democracy.

  • The Gray House premieres on Prime Video on February 26, 2026.
  • The series is set during the American Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865.

The players

Elizabeth Van Lew

A Richmond socialite who led a spy ring of women working for the Union Army during the Civil War.

Mary Jane Richards

A formerly enslaved woman who worked as a maid for Confederate President Jefferson Davis while secretly collecting documents for the Union.

Eliza Baker

Elizabeth Van Lew's mother, a socialite who also played a key role in the Union spy ring.

Kevin Costner

A Hollywood producer who helped bring The Gray House to life.

Morgan Freeman

A Hollywood producer who collaborated with Kevin Costner on The Gray House.

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What’s next

Viewers can stream the full first season of The Gray House on Prime Video starting on February 26, 2026.

The takeaway

The Gray House provides a timely and important look at a little-known chapter of American history, highlighting the bravery and ingenuity of the women who risked everything to support the Union cause during the Civil War.