The ITV drama programming schedule has been good to us recently. With brand new Stephen Graham drama The Walk-In, female-led detective drama Karen Pirie and The Suspect, it’s safe to say that recent shows have definitely kept us on the edge of our seats.

Joining the mix of hotly anticipated ITV dramas is Riches, written by Abby Ajayi, one of the brilliant writing minds behind How To Get Away With Murder. Riches will focus on “the exploits of the brash, super-successful and wealthy Richards family” and is rumoured to have similar dramatic notes and themes to HBO’s Succession. 

With a new trailer for the anticipated series having just dropped, here’s everything we know about the “glossy, high stakes family drama” so far. 

What is the plot of Riches?

The six-part drama series will follow the aspirational Richards family as their fast-paced and successful lives begin to be put under a lot of pressure.

According to Deadline, the series will span New York and London and the series will kick off as self-made millionaire Stephen Richards (played by Hugh Quarshie) suffers a stroke.

Deadline adds: “His family’s secrets and lies rise to the surface and the future of his multi-million pound cosmetics business is placed in peril as the children from his two marriages’ lives begin to collide.”

Commenting on the series, writer Ajayi says:

“Riches is a love letter to Black London and it has been thrilling to create the Richards’ family and celebrate their opulence, their ambition and their immigrant grit. Our talented ensemble of actors are a joy and I’m excited to be partnering with Amazon and ITV, working alongside the powerhouses of Greenacre Films and Monumental Television to bring this show to the screen.” 

Who will star in Riches?

Hugh Quarshie (Holby City, Stephen) will be taking the lead as charismatic and formidable father, Stephen Richards. Starring alongside him as Nina, his estranged daughter, will be Deborah Ayorinde (Them) while his second wife Claudia will be played by Sarah Niles (Ted Lasso, I May Destroy You).

Brendan Coyle (Downton Abbey, Requiem) is Stephen’s trusted advisor and confidante, Gideon. Hermione Norris (Cold Feet, Luther) will play Stephen’s long-standing and faithful PA, Maureen Dawson.

The cast also includes Adeyinka Akinrinade (Top Boy, Temple), Ola Orebiyi (Cherry, A Brixton Tale), CJ Beckford (Sitting in Limbo, The Trial of Christine Keeler), Nneka Okoye (Grantchester, The A List) and Emmanuel Imani (Cobra, Black Earth Rising). 

Is there a trailer for Riches?

There finally is and it’s packed full of all the family drama – we already love it. We’re introduced to the iconic Flair And Glory cosmetics brand, the very same brand that the Richards family are all vying for control over.

There’s almost enough tension that you could cut it with a knife and there’s no denying that “we are at war”, as one of the family members says. And in a dramatic conclusion to the trailer, Nina Richards (Ayorinde) states: “If they want my company, they’ll have to fight me for it.”

Watch it for yourself here:

As well as the exciting new trailer, we also have a handful of first-look images to get excited over (which are dotted throughout this piece) and in them, we get a glimpse of the Richards family.

What else has been said about Riches?

Polly Hill, head of drama at ITV, who commissioned Riches, said: “Abby’s scripts are brilliant, full of family feuds in a world of privilege and power that surprise and entertain. We are delighted with the brilliant cast we have, and can’t wait to see them bring Abby’s characters to life. It promises to be a real treat for the ITV audience next year.”

Chris Mansolillo, director and head of content licensing in the US for Amazon Prime Video, also said: “Abby Ajayi has a distinct vision and voice, and has created a stylish and aspirational drama about a family at war with itself. We can’t wait to see the talented cast, led by Deborah Ayorinde and Sarah Niles, bring Abby’s fresh perspective to the screen for our Prime Video members.” 

When will Riches be available to watch?

All six episodes of the Amazon Studios and ITV co-production will premiere on Prime Video in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Nordics and Sub-Saharan Africa on 2 December. This will follow its UK premiere on ITVX, which is yet to be announced but we know it’ll be one to add to our autumn watchlist.

Images: Prime Video