HBO Drama: The Gilded Age Returns

HBO subscribers will gain access to the fourth season of The Gilded Age at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on November 1. The eight-episode run also becomes available on HBO Max at that time. The series is rated TV-MA.

Julian Fellowes created the period drama, which serves as an American follow-up to his work on Downton Abbey. The narrative is set in 1880s New York and centers on three distinct social circles. Two of these groups reside on opposite sides of Manhattan’s East 61st Street.

The old money world is represented by Agnes van Rhijn, played by Christine Baranski. Her household includes her sister Ada Forte, played by Cynthia Nixon, her son Oscar, and their niece Marian. Across the street, the new money Russell family occupies a grander estate. Morgan Spector portrays George Russell, and Carrie Coon plays his wife Bertha. Their children include Larry and Gladys.

The third social sphere focuses on Peggy Scott, played by Denée Benton. She works as Agnes’ secretary and is a young Black writer. This storyline provides insight into the well-off Black community of the era. Peggy’s parents, Arthur and Dorothy, are played by John Douglas Thompson and Audra McDonald, respectively. She has a romantic relationship with William Kirkland, a doctor played by Jordan Donica. William’s parents are Frederick and Elizabeth, portrayed by Brian Stokes Mitchell and Phylicia Rashad.

The series premiered in 2022. The Seattle Times noted that the show had a slow start in its first season but improved in subsequent years. Critics observed that the drama of social seating and etiquette became compelling as the cast grew more comfortable with the formal dialogue. The current season continues this trajectory with lavish production values.

Season 4 includes various plot elements such as weddings, lavish salons, and an addiction to laudanum. The season features a dinner menu standoff and a scene described as a Gilbert and Sullivan reference. The costumes include elaborate hats with floral and feather designs that female characters wear when leaving their homes. The narrative maintains a focus on social maneuvering and family dynamics.

The cast includes numerous Broadway veterans. Audra McDonald and Phylicia Rashad appear in scenes where their characters interact with sharp dialogue. The review notes that the acting quality has risen, with Baranski’s performance described as imperious and Benton’s performance balancing intelligence with kindness. The season concludes with a volume-based announcement by Agnes regarding her social standing.