When period dramas come to mind, most people instantly think of Downton Abbey and Bridgerton. These two series have significantly popularized lavish, upstairs/downstairs costume dramas for mainstream audiences. However, another series is now being celebrated as 'even better' than both, and viewers cannot seem to get enough of it.
What is more, the show was developed by the very creator of Downton Abbey himself, inevitably inviting comparisons to the series often regarded as the gold standard of period dramas. While Downton Abbey explores the lives and scandals of a single family in England, this series delves deeper into the social complexities of multiple families in New York City.
The Gilded Age: A Masterpiece Period Drama
The Gilded Age is a period drama crafted by Julian Fellowes alongside Sonja Warfield for HBO, set during the Gilded Age of the United States. Episodes throughout the show's three seasons have been directed by Michael Engler, Salli Richardson Whitfield, Deborah Kampmeier, and Crystle Roberson, as reported by Wales Online.
Spanning the prosperous years of the 1880s in New York City, the 'masterpiece' series first aired on television in January 2022. Following a triumphant three-season run, the show was commissioned for a fourth series in 2025. While the latest instalment is anticipated to premiere at some point this year, no official release date has yet been confirmed.
Stellar Cast and Critical Acclaim
The Gilded Age features an outstanding Carrie Coon alongside Morgan Spector, Cynthia Nixon, Christine Baranski, Louisa Jacobson, Taissa Farmiga, Harry Richardson, Blake Ritson, and Jack Gilpin. The entire ensemble has been praised repeatedly for their superb performances, with Coon and Baranski receiving 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).
Plot and Audience Reception
The official synopsis describes The Gilded Age as: '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 praised the period drama across its three seasons, with one describing it as: '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.'
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 added: '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.'
One reviewer noted: '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 equally captivated. One viewer wrote: '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 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 added: '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!'
Another review dubbed it an 'absolute masterpiece': 'I absolutely love this series! The majesty and mastery of the intricate goings on at the time are eloquently portrayed.' While another viewer said: '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!'
You can rent The Gilded Age on Amazon Prime.
