The Gilded Age, HBO’s hit period drama from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, has captured the imagination of fans around the world. Set in 1880s New York during a time of massive social change, the series explores the clash between old money and new, tradition and progress, all wrapped in lavish costumes and ornate mansions.

With three stunning seasons already released and buzz building around a potential Season 4, let’s break down everything that makes The Gilded Age a must-watch, recap where we’ve been, and look ahead at what’s to come.

A Quick Recap of The Gilded Age Seasons 1–3

Season 1: Old Money Meets New

Premiering in January 2022, The Gilded Age introduced audiences to Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson), a young woman who moves in with her aristocratic aunts, Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) and Ada Brook (Cynthia Nixon). Across the street lives the ambitious Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) and her railroad tycoon husband, George Russell (Morgan Spector), who represent the rising power of industrial “new money.”

As Marian navigates society, she finds herself caught between two worlds—rooted in tradition yet drawn to change. Meanwhile, Peggy Scott (Denée Benton), a Black journalist and aspiring writer, works as Agnes’s secretary while pursuing her own path.

Season 1 was praised for its stunning visuals, intricate social dynamics, and rich historical detail. It set the stage for deeper power struggles and personal drama to unfold.

Season 2: The Opera War and Shifting Alliances

Season 2 raised the stakes with Bertha Russell’s campaign to break into elite society by backing the newly formed Metropolitan Opera, challenging the existing Academy of Music. Tensions ran high as social power plays took center stage.

Marian, Peggy, and Oscar (Agnes’s closeted nephew) all faced personal and professional crossroads. Themes of class, race, and gender identity became more pronounced, making the show feel relevant despite its historical setting.

The season was a critical success, with a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and Emmy nominations for its writing, production design, and standout performances from Carrie Coon and Christine Baranski.

Season 3: Marriage, Empire Building, and Higher Stakes

Premiering in June 2025, The Gilded Age Season 3 brought even more drama. Highlights included:

  • Gladys Russell’s marriage to a British duke, orchestrated by Bertha as a strategic alliance
  • George Russell’s expansion into a transcontinental railroad empire
  • Peggy Scott’s activism and work with the Black press
  • Marian’s new independence and romantic interests
  • A growing tension between the van Rhijn sisters’ values and the changing world around them

The season finale, set against the backdrop of a lavish society wedding, drew praise for its emotional depth and visual splendor. Season 3 increased viewership by 27% over Season 2, signaling the show’s growing popularity.

Why Fans Love The Gilded Age

1. Stunning Production Design

Every scene in The Gilded Age is a feast for the eyes—from opulent drawing rooms to historically accurate ballgowns. Fans of period drama adore the attention to detail.

2. Powerful Female Leads

Bertha Russell, Agnes van Rhijn, Marian Brook, and Peggy Scott are all dynamic women fighting for space in a world defined by male wealth and patriarchal norms.

3. Modern Themes in a Historical Setting

Issues like systemic racism, women’s rights, queer identity, and the rise of capitalism are explored in nuanced, layered ways.

4. Top-Tier Ensemble Cast

From Carrie Coon to Christine Baranski and Morgan Spector, the cast brings gravitas and charisma to every scene. Supporting characters—like Oscar van Rhijn, Gladys Russell, and Mrs. Astor—add rich depth to the ensemble.

5. Real Historical Ties

The show blends fictional characters with real-life figures, such as Mrs. Astor, Ward McAllister, and Stanford White, giving viewers a grounded look into New York’s high society of the 1880s.

What’s Next in Season 4?

While HBO has not officially confirmed Season 4 as of July 2025, all signs point to renewal:

  • Viewership numbers are at an all-time high
  • The fanbase continues to grow on social media
  • Cast and crew interviews hint at continuing plotlines

If greenlit, here’s what Season 4 might explore:

✨ Bertha Russell’s Next Power Move

Now that Gladys is married into European nobility, Bertha may set her sights on political influence or even philanthropy as her next conquest.

✨ George’s Railroad Empire

Labor tensions, lawsuits, and technological changes could threaten George’s standing. Expect boardroom battles and moral dilemmas.

✨ Marian’s New Identity

Marian may find herself at a crossroads between independence and love, possibly rekindling her relationship with Tom Raikes—or starting something entirely new.

✨ Peggy’s Rising Voice

Peggy Scott’s role as a journalist and activist will likely grow. Expect civil rights, education reform, and clashes with white society to play a larger role.

✨ More Historical Tie-Ins

The show could introduce figures like Teddy Roosevelt, Andrew Carnegie, or J.P. Morgan, grounding the drama in even more real-world historical tension.

Notable Cast Members and Characters

  • Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell — the ambitious social climber
  • Morgan Spector as George Russell — a powerful industrialist
  • Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook — the bridge between old and new
  • Christine Baranski as Agnes van Rhijn — the protector of tradition
  • Cynthia Nixon as Ada Brook — the heart and soul of the household
  • Denée Benton as Peggy Scott — a trailblazing Black journalist

Season 3 also featured Merritt Wever, Andrea Martin, and Taissa Farmiga in scene-stealing roles, and their continued presence in Season 4 is highly anticipated.

Final Thoughts

The Gilded Age is more than a period drama—it’s a reflection of America’s growing pains during one of its most transformative eras. With themes of ambition, inequality, and social change wrapped in velvet and silk, the show delivers both eye candy and emotional resonance.

Fans of Downton Abbey, Bridgerton, and Victoria will find a new obsession in The Gilded Age. If Season 4 gets the green light, it promises to deepen the stakes, introduce new power players, and continue HBO’s tradition of prestige drama with historical flair.