While it may never quite fill the Downton Abbey-sized hole in our hearts, we’ve come to adore The Gilded Age; especially since the lavish period drama comes from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes.
First debuting in 2022, The Gilded Age follows the lives of powerful upper-class families in New York high society — as well as the staff who keep their households running — during the late 19th century. As ambitious “new money” families attempt to force their way into elite circles and the old guard fights to maintain its social dominance, plenty of delicious drama unfolds. And viewers have stars like Audra McDonald, Carrie Coon, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon and more to thank for bringing it all to life.
Yeah, you read that right: it features actors from The White Lotus, Sex and the City, and Mamma Mia, to name a few.
Now, with the show heading into its fourth season — after season three became its most successful yet — here’s everything we know so far about The Gilded Age season 4, including the plot, cast and release date.
What will season 4 be about?
We've got a synopsis for season 4 of The Gilded Age.
“Bertha Russell (Coon) changed Society at a cost. Now, her family must reckon with the consequences as Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) seizes an opportunity to regain her position. Meanwhile, Marian (Louisa Jacobson) forges a new path for herself and Peggy (Denée Benton) works to be accepted by her future in-laws. In this new era, you must be careful what you wish for.”
There’s a lot to unpack there, especially when it comes to the Russells. Despite years of apparent success, the family has been struggling behind the scenes. The relentless pressure to stay on top has taken its toll on both Bertha and George (Spector), something that became clear in the season three finale.
By the end of the season, the couple seemed to be heading straight for divorce court, though there may still be time for things to turn around. Bertha has built what appears to be an untouchable social empire, so perhaps she no longer needs George’s support quite as much as she once did. What she may need more, however, is a society that doesn’t shun divorced women.
Who will be in The Gilded Age season 4?
The Gilded Age continues to expand its season four cast with four new additions and one promotion.
Kelley Curran, who has played Enid “Turner” Winterton on the series since season one, has been upgraded to series regular status for the new season. The move is particularly notable given that last season saw Oscar van Rhijn (Blake Ritson) circling her for a potential marriage.
Meanwhile, Jim Gaffigan (Chappaquiddick) will portray Grover Cleveland, the 22nd President of the United States, who arrives in New York to seek favour with the city’s elite.
Dallas Roberts (Walk the Line) joins as Daniel Manning, a veteran politician and Secretary of the Treasury under President Cleveland.
Elizabeth Marvel (Presumed Innocent) will appear as Nurse Virginia Saville, a compassionate nurse working at the Neighborhood Settlement House in the Lower East Side.
Finally, Andrew Burnap (Snow White) comes on board as Porter, a young Society gentleman with an Ivy League education and capital to invest in promising new ventures.
They join returning stars including Carrie Coon, Harry Richardson, Blake Ritson, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson, Denee Benton, Cynthia Nixon, Audra McDonald, Taissa Farmiga and Christine Baranski.
Could there be a Downtown Abbey crossover in The Gilded Age?
Last year, Fellowes teased the possibility of a crossover between his two period dramas — Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age — particularly after season three saw Bertha and George’s daughter Gladys marry Hector, the Duke of Buckingham.
“Obviously there’s an opportunity [for a crossover], because they are both in England,” he told TVLine.
“Things like the shooting season, for example, would naturally bring many great houses into the story, as the families travel around England.”
“We can bring about a conjunction whenever we wish, really, but we haven’t got one planned yet — so we’ll have to see.”
Honestly, we’re desperately hoping it happens.
What happened in The Gilded Age season 3?
George and Bertha remain at odds throughout season three, largely due to her role in pushing their daughter into a loveless marriage and George’s mistaken belief that she was responsible for Larry’s broken engagement.
The tension peaks when George is shot in the penultimate episode. Although he survives thanks to Dr. Kirkland, the couple avoids discussing their relationship while Bertha stays by his side during his recovery.
At the season’s end, George attends the final ball and tells Bertha that his near-death experience has changed his perspective. However, he then reveals he is leaving Newport for New York and does not intend to return to their home on 61st Street.
Elsewhere, Larry and Marian reconcile and get engaged after briefly splitting, while Dr. Kirkland and Peggy also end the season engaged.
Meanwhile, Gladys initially struggles in her unhappy marriage but with her mum's help, finds the courage to stand up for herself, with surprising support from Hector.
When will season 4 of The Gilded Age be released?
HBO announced the renewal for season four on July 28, before the season three finale had even aired.
There is still no confirmed release date. For context, season one premiered in January 2022, season two in October 2023, and season three arrived in June 2025.
Where can you watch The Gilded Age?
Watch the first three seasons on Sky Atlantic and Now TV as you wait for the newest instalment.
Does The Gilded Age season 4 have a trailer?
Not yet, but we'll keep you posted on our favourite period drama!
