Since its HBO debut, The Gilded Age has captivated audiences with its opulent visuals, historical intrigue and jaw-dropping drama. It was created by Julian Fellowes, the mastermind behind Downton Abbey. The show explores the societal clashes of 1880s New York, when old money begrudgingly met new ambition in a city booming with change. The series stars Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Christine Baranksi, Cynthia Nixon and Denée Benton.
So far, The Gilded Age has become a lush period piece beloved by history buffs and drama fans alike. With multiple award nominations and a devoted following, the show’s blend of high society scandal and real historical events has many fans wondering, will there be a season 4 of The Gilded Age? Here’s what we know about the increasingly popular series with fans unknowingly brushing up on American history.
Is ‘The Gilded Age’ renewed for season four?
As of July 2025, HBO officially announced a renewal for season four of The Gilded Age, as Forbes reports. Much to the delight of the series’ devoted fanbase, this renewal came a few episodes before the season three finale. But as many viewers know, this renewal is not surprising due to the show’s consistently strong performance on HBO and Max.
Per the outlet, “The renewal comes as HBO reports that total premiere-night viewing for season three has increased for five consecutive weeks, resulting in a 20 percent growth over last season. Fan engagement has also risen, with social chatter jumping nearly 60 percent week over week.” Although details on the premiere date and plot remain under wraps, fans can expect the return of key cast members, People confirms.
The upcoming season, which will continue the stories of some major characters, will amplify its growing cultural impact. For example, Bertha and George’s relationship (Carrie Coon and Morgan Spector, respectively) and the aftermath of John Adams’ (Claybourne Elder) tragic death were major plot points for season three. Also, Marian and Larry’s (Louisa Jacobson and Harry Richardson) reconciled engagement may be elaborated on.
How historically accurate is ‘The Gilded Age’?
Julien Fellowes has grounded The Gilded Age in a real historical context. So many of the events, institutions and figures featured in the show are based on actual people and developments of the time. As reported by Smithsonian Magazine, characters like Peggy Scott (Denée Benton), help to depict diverse Black experiences. Some characters are even inspired by historical figures, like that of pioneering African American journalist T. Thomas Fortune (Sullivan Jones).
In addition, the show’s central themes of social climbing, railroad expansion and the rise of the press are taken from history. These elements reflect real aspects of the Gilded Age, marked by dramatic economic growth and severe inequality. The Gilded Age does not avoid the harder-to-digest parts of the country’s troubled past. However, as with many historical dramas, the show does take some creative liberties. Characters are often more like composites of the real people they may be based on and timelines are occasionally compressed for narrative clarity. Still, this show is a strong introduction to one of America’s most transformative and turbulent eras.
What is the New Gilded Age, and how is it similar and different from the Gilded Age?
If viewers aren’t caught up on their American historical periods, it is essential to know the difference between the Gilded Age and the New Gilded Age. The former traditionally refers to a period in American history that spans from the 1870s to about 1900. This era was marked by rapid industrialization, vast wealth accumulation and stark income inequality. Sound familiar? Well, the title coined by Mark Twain (and Charles Dudley Warner) in the 1873 novel of the same name reflects a superficial surface of gold hiding deeper social problems like poverty, corruption and labor exploitation.
As Politico reports, this era was when “Titans of industry enjoyed enormous control over political institutions, while everyday Americans buckled under the strain of change. As the gap between the haves and the have-nots widened, political culture ultimately grew coarse – and violent.”
In contrast, the New Gilded Age is a modern term that describes current socioeconomic trends that mirror the original era. The rise of billionaires, corporate monopolies and increasing wealth disparities are hallmarks of this era. And as Politico describes, this is becoming a new norm even though, “When they wrote their satirical novel, The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today, in 1873, Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner meant to parody the corruption, greed and social inequality of post-Civil War America. It wasn’t meant as a compliment.”
So, both periods share tension between the luxury of the elite and the squalor of those less fortunate. Yet, America has steadily gravitated to this state of being. This reality may make The Gilded Age a thinly veiled (and intricately timed) social commentary. As a result, shows like this offer not just entertainment but a lens into the cyclical nature of power and privilege.
What to watch if you like ‘The Gilded Age’
If The Gilded Age sounds like something that you’d be interested in, or you’ve finished binging the show, there’s plenty more to keep period drama lovers entertained. Below are five different shows that blend historical detail, social intrigue, and strong character-driven storytelling. These shows can keep your historical cravings satisfied, with their aristocratic estates, royal palaces and gilded drawing rooms.
‘Downtown Abbey’ (2010-2015)
Where to watch: Netflix, ITV, Amazon Prime Video
The first recommendation is The Gilded Age’s predecessor, Downton Abbey, which paved the way for its success. It is nearly impossible to discuss the popularity of The Gilded Age without mentioning Julian Fellowes’ original hit series. Downton Abbey is set in early 20th century England. It follows the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic staff through some seismic societal shifts. It shares the same creator, dramatic flair and class conscious storytelling.
‘Bridgerton’ (2020-present)
Where to watch: Netflix
If you’re drawn to romance, scandal and eye-popping costumes, Bridgerton might just be your next favorite. The show’s musical score is full of classical renditions of modern hits and plenty of heated courtships. In addition to this, there is an exciting central mystery about the anonymous gossip Lady Whistledown. It is set in Regency-era London and reimagines high society through a more modern, inclusive lens. This Netflix original series, which already has a spin-off show, is not completely historically grounded. Still, it excels at similar themes like social status and gender politics.
‘Belgravia’ (2020)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, MGM+
Another Julian Fellowes creation is the Belgravia miniseries, set in 19th-century London. It centers on secrets buried for decades and the clash between social mobility and aristocratic values. And with only six episodes, this show may be the perfect bite-sized treat for people just getting into period pieces (or with short attention spans). It is a quick but satisfying dive into the world of Victorian-era society.
‘The Crown’ (2016-2023)
Where to watch: Netflix
This rec spans the 20th century. But it masterfully portrays the intersection of public duty and private lives within the British royal family. It is an excellent follow-up for fans of historical prestige dramas. This six-season series has impeccable production design and some complex female leads. It rose in popularity due to its intriguing focus but refrains from jumping to the future, instead focusing around a 60-year narrative period.
‘Victoria’ (2016-2019)
Where to watch: PBS, Amazon Prime Video
This show focuses on the early reign of Queen Victoria. The British drama offers a detailed look at politics, royal duty and societal change in the 19th century. Jenna Coleman shines in the leading role. And the series presents a compelling portrait of a young woman navigating power in a male-dominated world. In a relatively short span of time, Victoria does a great job of depicting the transformation of a teenage queen who grows into the demands of her role.
