HBO is staying in business with the upper crust of 1880s New York. The network has officially renewed The Gilded Age for a fourth season — and the announcement comes before the Season 3 finale even airs.
With two episodes still left to go this season (episode 7 premieres August 3, followed by the finale on August 10), the period drama continues to deliver high-stakes society wars, family drama, and a cast of Broadway’s best — and audiences are tuning in. According to HBO, premiere-night viewing has grown five weeks in a row, and the show is now up 20% in viewership compared to Season 2. Episode 5 alone hit a new series high, drawing 4 million cross-platform viewers in just three days.
Created by Downton Abbey’s Julian Fellowes, The Gilded Age explores the shifting dynamics of wealth and class in a rapidly changing New York City, with the third season building off the fallout of the Opera War. This season sees Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) chasing even bigger social triumphs, while George Russell (Morgan Spector) takes a financial risk that could alter the future of the railroad industry. Meanwhile, across the street, the Brook household is in disarray over Ada’s (Cynthia Nixon) new marriage — and Agnes (Christine Baranski) is not taking it well. Elsewhere, Peggy Scott (Denée Benton) finds new love and challenges in Newport, as she juggles career, identity, and respect.
The sprawling ensemble also includes Louisa Jacobson, Taissa Farmiga, Blake Ritson, Harry Richardson, Ben Ahlers, Audra McDonald, Nathan Lane, Donna Murphy, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Andrea Martin, Kelli O’Hara, John Douglas Thompson, Merritt Wever, and Phylicia Rashad — to name just a few.
“We couldn’t be prouder of the undeniable viewership heights The Gilded Age has achieved this season,” said Francesca Orsi, EVP of HBO Programming. “Julian Fellowes and the enormously talented cast and crew have created a ‘can’t-miss-it’ entertainment experience from week to week.”
Universal Television president Erin Underhill echoed the sentiment, adding: “Each season delivers stories rich in drama and history, stellar performances, and stunning production value. Every moment spent in this world and with these characters only deepens our love for the show.”
The Gilded Age is a co-production between HBO and Universal Television. Fellowes executive produces alongside Gareth Neame, David Crockett, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Michael Engler, Sonja Warfield, Bob Greenblatt, and co-executive producer Erica Armstrong Dunbar.
The series has earned seven Emmy nominations and a SAG Award nod for Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series. And now, with Season 4 on the way, it looks like the Russells — and the old money elite trying to stop them — aren’t going anywhere.