Fans left bereft by the conclusion of Downton Abbey's illustrious 15-year run now have a lavish new historical saga to captivate them. The torch has been passed to creator Julian Fellowes' latest project, The Gilded Age, which is winning over critics and audiences alike with its transatlantic tale of wealth and society.
A New World of Old Money and New
Launching viewers back to 1882, the series follows the formidable Russell family as they arrive in New York City's opulent Upper East Side. Patriarch George Russell, a ruthless railroad magnate, represents the 'new money' industrialists of the era. His wife Bertha's relentless campaign to secure their place in the established social hierarchy forms a central pillar of the drama, directly opposing their old-money neighbours, the van Rhijns.
The show's title is borrowed from a pivotal period in American history, spanning the late 1870s to the 1890s, defined by rapid industrialisation and vast economic expansion. Beyond the core families, the narrative ambitiously expands to include stories from the African American upper class and the domestic staff who work within these grand households.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Adoration
The critical reception for The Gilded Age has grown increasingly glowing. On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, its score has climbed from a respectable 79% for its debut season to 94% and 95% for its second and third series respectively. Reviewers have been quick to draw favourable comparisons to Fellowes' most famous work.
One critic praised the series as Fellowes' "best show since Downton", applauding his skill in weaving multiple plots into a satisfying whole. Another declared it "must-see TV" and a "feast for the eyes and ears", acknowledging that while it may be "more playful than profound", the result is "perfectly irresistible". The most recent third series has been singled out for particular praise, with one review noting it as a "rare series that improves with each season".
Viewers Crown It a Worthy Successor
The endorsement from the dedicated Downton Abbey fanbase has been equally enthusiastic. On forums like Reddit, viewers have shared their fervent approval. One fan proclaimed it "one of the best series on TV", highlighting the nail-biting drama that concluded each episode. Others acknowledged that while the first season took time to find its footing, the payoff was immense, with the second series being "really great".
Fans have also celebrated the strong female characters portrayed by acclaimed actors like Christine Baranski, Carrie Coon, and Cynthia Nixon, alongside the compelling tension between old and new wealth. The consensus is clear: for those missing the upstairs-downstairs dynamics of Downton, this American counterpart offers a richly detailed and utterly binge-worthy alternative.
All three series of The Gilded Age are available to stream in full on Sky Atlantic and the NOW platform in the UK.
