A new period drama is being hailed as 'even better' than the beloved series Downton Abbey and Bridgerton, captivating audiences with its lavish storytelling and stellar cast. Created by Julian Fellowes, the mastermind behind Downton Abbey, The Gilded Age has quickly become a fan favorite, drawing comparisons to the gold standard of costume dramas.
A New Era of Period Drama
While Downton Abbey focused on the lives of a single English family, The Gilded Age expands its scope to explore the social complexities of multiple families in 1880s New York City. The series, co-created by Julian Fellowes and Sonja Warfield for HBO, first premiered in January 2022 and has since run for three successful seasons. A fourth season was commissioned in 2025 and is expected to air later this year, though no official release date has been announced.
Star-Studded Cast and Critical Acclaim
The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Cynthia Nixon, Christine Baranski, Louisa Jacobson, Taissa Farmiga, Harry Richardson, Blake Ritson, and Jack Gilpin. Critics have repeatedly praised the performances, with Coon and Baranski earning Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress and Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2024. The show itself was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series that same year and won an Emmy in 2022 for Outstanding Production Design.
One critic described the series as 'an excellent mix of soap opera drama and American history, even better than the first season.' Another reviewer noted, 'The Gilded Age Season 2 is an impressive spectacle in storytelling, brimming with distinctive relationships and spectacular performances.' A third added, 'It all looks as magnificent as ever, with lavish locations supplemented by seamless CGI.'
Viewer Reactions
Fans have been equally enthusiastic. One viewer called it 'one of the best series on TV,' praising the 'nail-biting drama' and 'superb acting.' Another said, 'I think The Gilded Age has just stolen the #1 spot for my favorite period series.' A third fan declared it an 'absolute masterpiece,' while another described it as 'a tour de force' and 'superbly made.'
The official synopsis states: 'The conflicts surrounding the new money Russell family and their old money neighbors, the van Rhijn family, in 1880s New York City high society.' The series is available to buy on Amazon Prime Video or stream with a subscription on NOW.
