When people hear the phrase 'period dramas', most immediately conjure up images of Downton Abbey and Bridgerton. These two programmes have been instrumental in establishing lavish, upstairs/downstairs costume dramas as mainstream viewing.
However, another series is now being praised as surpassing both of these shows - and viewers simply cannot get enough of it. The programme has actually been created by the mastermind behind Downton Abbey himself, naturally inviting comparisons to the series often regarded as the benchmark for period dramas.
While Downton Abbey chronicles the lives and scandals of a single English family, this show examines the social complexities of several families - in New York City. The Gilded Age is a period drama developed by Julian Fellowes alongside Sonja Warfield for HBO, and it's set during - as the title suggests - the Gilded Age of the United States. Episodes throughout the show's three seasons have been helmed by Michael Engler, Salli Richardson Whitfield, Deborah Kampmeier, and Crystle Roberson, reports Wales Online.
Set against the prosperous 1880s in New York City, the 'masterpiece' series made its television debut in January 2022. After a triumphant three-season run, the programme was commissioned for a fourth series in 2025. While the newest instalment is anticipated to launch at some point this year, no confirmed release date has been revealed yet.
The Gilded Age boasts an outstanding cast including Carrie Coon alongside Morgan Spector, Cynthia Nixon, Christine Baranski, Louisa Jacobson, Taissa Farmiga, Harry Richardson, Blake Ritson and Jack Gilpin. The entire ensemble has repeatedly received acclaim for their superb performances, with Coon and Baranski earning Outstanding Lead Actress and Outstanding Supporting Actress nominations respectively at the 2024 Emmy Awards.
The series was also nominated for Outstanding Drama Series that same year, and it secured an Emmy in 2022 for Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More). The Gilded Age's official synopsis reads: 'The conflicts surrounding the new money Russell family and their old money neighbors, the van Rhijn family, in 1880s New York City high society.'
Critics have lavished praise on the period drama across its three seasons, with one writing: 'An excellent mix of soap opera drama and American history! Even better than the first season, Julian Fellowes and his creative team have turned up the heat yet still retained the Downton Abbey magic of this American Version. Extremely satisfying television.'
While another reviewer said: 'The Gilded Age Season 2 is an impressive spectacle in storytelling, brimming with thoroughly distinctive relationships, low yet impactful stakes, and spectacular performances from the whole cast.'
A third critic said: 'Yet another compelling spectacle with higher stakes and thoughtful character journeys that provide plenty of entertainment and worthy angst, all while brimming with excellent performances.'
While one reviewer wrote: 'It all looks as magnificent as ever, with lavish locations supplemented by seamless use of CGI. The difference this time around is that the dramatic stakes are raised.'
Audiences have been left equally captivated, with one viewer commenting: 'BRAVO... One of the best series on TV.. I and my daughter absolutely loved it. All 3 seasons. The nail biting drama at the end of each episode kept us on the edge of our seats. Nicely done. The acting was superb.. they made you feel every emotion of the moment.. from crying, to anger, to laughter. Oh my. And I can't say enough awesome and wonderful things about the wardrobes. Simply stunning. The show is a 10 out of 10 for me. Can't wait for season 4.'
An IMDB user review of the series says: 'I have been a long time reader, and fan of Julien Fellows. I always loved Downton, and had my favorites on the show, however, I think The Gilded Age has just stolen the #1 spot for my favorite period series. I hope it continues on for many seasons! Such a phenomenal cast.'
One fan of the show said: 'An exceptionally well done series! It is a WOW in every aspect of the series which is unusual as there is always something that is not that good. But this series lives up to everything you would desire. Sets, direction, costumes and above all a truly fantastic cast. Indeed, this is a must-watch show. Hats off!'
While another audience review described it as an 'absolute masterpiece': 'I absolutely love this series! The majesty and mastery of the intricate goings on at the time are eloquently portrayed.'
One fan said of the show: 'Absolutely thrilling series. Just finished season 3, and we are stunned. The Gilded Age is a tour de force: a superbly made period drama about several New York families and society in the late nineteenth century. The show is masterfully written, cast, acted, costumed, produced, set and scored. We very much look forward to Season 4. Bravo!'
The Gilded Age is available to buy on Amazon Prime Video or stream with a subscription on NOW.
