Hold on to your (frilly) hats, period drama fans! The Gilded Age is officially returning for series 4 - and we finally have a release date. Sky's New York high society drama is the perfect Downton Abbey replacement (it helps, of course, that Downton creator Julian Fellowes is behind it) - and according to the broadcaster, the thrilling new instalment is coming this November!
If you’re unfamiliar with the show, here’s a quick rundown: the popular series focuses on a group of late 19th century New Yorkers at a time of seismic change in America as the Industrial Revolution created a boom for the middle classes. There’s railroad magnate George Russell (played by Morgan Spector), his wife Bertha (Carrie Coon, who you'll recognise from The White Lotus), and a plethora of other characters including And Just Like That’s Cynthia Nixon.
If you're excited about another instalment as we are, here's everything you need to know about The Gilded Age series 4 ahead of its arrival, including the plot, cast, and how to watch it.
What is The Gilded Age about?
The period drama focuses on the era of the American Gilded Age – the late 1870s to the late 1890s – which was a period of huge social and economic upheaval. In this world, we see a battle between “old money” and “new money”, leading to class distinctions and tensions around social norms. At the heart of the drama is Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson), who moves from rural Pennsylvania to New York City after the death of her father to live with her old money aunts Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) and Ada Brook (Cynthia Nixon).
Marian inadvertently findd herself in a social war between one of her aunts, a scion of the old money set, and her tremendously rich neighbours, a ruthless railroad tycoon and his ambitious wife, George (Morgan Spector) and Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon). Exposed to a world on the brink of the modern age, Marian is faced with a choice: follow society’s "rules" or make up her own.
Over the course of three series, the show has covered topics such class wars, hiding homosexuality in a world that bans it, African-American upper class, domestic workers and womens’ rights. The show first aired in 2022, and has gone on to be a huge hit, earning numerous Emmy wins and nominations.
What will happen in The Gilded Age series 4?
No spoilers here, but let’s just say that series 3 included a big, unexpected tragedy. In fact, the third series involved divorce, violence, and cracks began to show in the Russell household. Series 3 also saw the introduction of the Kirkland family, a prominent Black family from Newport, and old money addition Joan Carlton, played by Victoria Clark.
That means we're in for quite a rollercoaster ride with series 4! The official synopsis reads: “Bertha Russell changed Society at a cost. Now, her family must reckon with the consequences as Agnes van Rhijn seizes an opportunity to regain her position. Meanwhile, Marian forges a new path for herself and Peggy works to be accepted by her future in-laws. In this new era, you must be careful what you wish for."
Who’s in the cast of The Gilded Age series 4?
The cast of The Gilded Age series 4 will include:
- Carrie Coon (The White Lotus, Gone Girl) as Bertha Russell
- Morgan Spector (Homeland) as George Russell
- Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook
- Cynthia Nixon (Sex And The City, Ratched) as Ada Forte (née Brook)
- Jordan Donica (Charmed) as Dr. William Kirkland
- Phylicia Rashad (The Beekeeper) as Mrs. Elizabeth Kirkland
- Taylor Trensch (Bat Boy: The Musical)
- James Scully (You)
- Dennis Haysbert (24)
- Maggie Kuntz (John Proctor is the Villain)
- Neal Huff (Mare of Easttown)
- Bonnie Milligan (Search Party)
- Jim Gaffigan
- Dallas Roberts
- Andrew Burnap
- Elizabeth Marvel
- Adrienne Warren
Is The Gilded Age any good?
Loved Downton Abbey? Then you’ll enjoy The Gilded Age, not least because it’s created and written by Downton’s very own Julian Fellowes – meaning there’s history, drama, and flouncy costumes aplenty. It's something akin to The White Lotus meets Downton Abbey, as it stars Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell, and features similarly impossible-to-predict twists. Aside from its gripping, soap-like plot, the show has been praised for its feast of visuals, from its sprawling marble mansions to the costumes.
How can I watch The Gilded Age?
The Gilded Age series 4 will premiere on Sky and NOW on Monday 2nd November. Until then, you can catch up on the first, second and third series on NOW.
What other period dramas can I watch now?
Luckily, we’re in something of a renaissance for period dramas at the moment. Alongside classics such as The Crown and Bridgerton, Yorkshire rags-to-riches drama The Hardacres is a fantastic watch. You can catch up on series 1 and 2 on 5. Meanwhile, The Forsytes, a lavish drama from the creator of Poldark is well worth a binge. The series revolves around four generations of the upper-class stockbroker family, the Forsytes, who live a somewhat privileged life in 1880s London. You can watch The Forsytes now on Apple TV.
