While Downton Abbey and Bridgerton are often considered the benchmark for excellent period dramas, another underrated series is making serious waves. 'The Gilded Age,' created by Julian Fellowes, has left audiences utterly captivated.
A New Benchmark in Period Dramas
When the words ‘period dramas’ are uttered, most people automatically think of Downton Abbey and Bridgerton. These two series have played a huge part in putting opulent, upstairs/downstairs costume dramas on the map. Now, there’s another series that’s being hailed as being 'even better' than these two — and audiences just can’t seem to get enough. In fact, the show has been developed by the creator of Downton Abbey himself, inevitably drawing comparisons to the series that’s frequently labelled as the Gold Standard of period dramas.
While Downton Abbey deals with the life and scandals of one family in England, this series takes a closer look at the societal intricacies of multiple families — in New York City. 'The Gilded Age' is a period drama created by Julian Fellowes alongside Sonja Warfield for HBO and it’s set during — you guessed it — the Gilded Age of the United States. Episodes across the show’s three seasons have been directed by Michael Engler, Salli Richardson Whitfield, Deborah Kampmeier, and Crystle Roberson.
Plot and Cast
Spanning the boom years of the 1880s in New York City, the ‘masterpiece’ series first premiered on television in January 2022. Following a successful three-season run, the show was renewed for a fourth series in 2025. While the latest instalment of the series is expected to premiere sometime this year, no official release date has been announced yet. 'The Gilded Age' stars an exceptional Carrie Coon alongside Morgan Spector, Cynthia Nixon, Christine Baranski, Louisa Jacobson, Taissa Farmiga, Harry Richardson, Blake Ritson and Jack Gilpin.
The entire cast of the series has been lauded time and again for their brilliant 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 bagged an Emmy in 2022 for Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More).
The official plot describes it 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.”
Critical Acclaim
Critics have lauded the period drama across its three seasons, with one calling it: “An excellent mix of soap opera drama & 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 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.” While one reviewer said: “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.”
Audience Reactions
Audiences have been left equally enthralled, with one viewer writing: “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.” While 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!”
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 one viewer shared: “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 on NOW with a subscription.
