The Gray House: The true story behind the chilling new thriller

The Gray House tells the inspiring true story of three women who risked their lives to operate a secret spy network during the American Civil War. The limited series, which premiered on Prime Video on February 26, is executive produced by Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman and stars Daisy Head, Mary-Louise Parker, and Amethyst Davis.

The series follows a Virginia socialite, her mother, and their formerly enslaved maid as they establish the Underground Spy Network to assist the Union cause.

Named after Elizabeth Van Lew’s home, nicknamed the Gray House for its color and secrecy, the series highlights how these women used their positions within Confederate society to gather intelligence and help turn the tide of the war.

The drama blends historical events with some fictionalized elements, depicting the women questioning their moral responsibility amid the conflict. At one moment in the series, a character asks, “If we leave evil alone, are we responsible for it growing?” This moment encapsulates the show’s focus on courage and moral choice.

The cast also includes Ben Vereen, Paul Anderson, Robert Knepper, Keith David, and Colin Morgan, among others, bringing depth to the story of espionage, bravery, and resistance behind the lines.

Executive producer and writer Leslie Greif said the series aims to tell “stories where people know about something, but they don’t know anything about it,” shedding light on overlooked historical heroes.

The Gray House highlights the vital contributions of women in wartime espionage, offering both an educational and gripping historical narrative for modern audiences.