HBO’s widely loved period drama, The Gilded Age, has returned for a third season after it was saved from getting the axe.
The show, from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, immerses viewers in the upper echelons of New York society at the turn of the 19th century, where wealth, status and scandal ruled supreme.
The Emmy-nominated series has had a rocky time since it was first announced in 2012. Almost eight years later, it had to shut down production just days before filming the first season when the pandemic started.
Then, in 2024, one of the lead stars Carrie Coon (The White Lotus) admitted there was a strong sense that the show may not even return at all – ultimately she credited the fans with saving the show.
Reflecting on the time before season two, the actor told Deadline: ‘We were on the bubble. We really didn’t think we were going to come back. Our options had lapsed. It looked very unlikely, but it was the streaming.
‘It was the number of people watching the show and loving the show.’
Then, in February 2025, she reiterated that the show had been in perilous waters. ‘The gays saved it,’ Coon joked with Entertainment Tonight. ‘Thank you, right now, you saved it. We would not have a season three without you.’
Season three was confirmed in December 2023 and, after a one-and-a-half-year wait, fans can finally sink their teeth into a brand new season.
As usual, we will see tensions boil as old and new money clash with Coon’s character Bertha returning alongside Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson, Denée Benton, Taissa Farmiga.
The synopsis for the third season reads: ‘Bertha sets her sights on a prize that would elevate the family to unimaginable heights while George risks everything on a gambit that could revolutionise the railroad industry — if it doesn’t ruin him first.
‘Across the street, the Brook household is thrown into chaos as Agnes refuses to accept Ada’s new position as lady of the house. As all of New York hastens toward the future, their ambition may come at the cost of what they truly hold dear.’
Aka… salacious drama, what’s not to love?
The new season has already raked in rave reviews ahead of its premiere.
Variety has praised it as the ‘best season yet’.
‘The Gilded Age no longer feels torn between ogling the past and honouring its flaws. Three seasons in, it’s on firmer footing than ever,’ the review continued.
Roger Egbert said the new season ‘dazzles and delights’, and Slate said the ‘new season is peppered with twists and scandal, heartbreak and horror – and, of course, more extravagant hats than Churchill Downs has ever seen.’
For those still needing to catch up, there are plenty of glowing reviews of seasons past from fans as well.
‘Awesome interweaving of real-life events and characters make this show exceptional and the acting is stellar. The most sumptuous costumes and sets I have ever seen top it off; it is a veritable feast for the eyes,’ Google reviews user Fleur Purdeu said.
‘If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, Selfridges, or Poldark then this is absolutely a must-see. One of my favorite things about this show is the world-building and how it offers an intricately detailed glimpse into a period of American history that seems long forgotten, yet was an undeniably defining turning point in society,’ Michael Swenson added.
‘This show has a great build-up and gets so juicy!!’ Angel Russell teased.
Although some have also called it ‘amateurish’ and ‘predicatable’ so be warned that this may not be to everyone’s taste.
The Gilded Age season three episode one is available to watch on Sky. Episodes will release every Monday in the UK. Seasons one and two are available to stream in full.
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