HBO has officially confirmed that The Gilded Age Season 4 is in production, with fans claiming the series is even better than Downton Abbey. The period drama, created by Julian Fellowes, has resumed filming, and new episodes are set to arrive later this year.
A Worthy Successor to Downton Abbey
The celebrated series unfolds during the prosperous era of late 19th-century New York City and is regarded by many viewers as a fitting heir to the beloved ITV programme. Plenty of enthusiasts argue that the new series actually exceeds Downton in quality, citing its compelling storyline, sumptuous production design, and outstanding ensemble cast headlined by Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Cynthia Nixon, and Christine Baranski.
Taking place in the 1880s, the drama focuses on the simmering conflict between two families ruling high society: the established van Rhijns with their inherited wealth and the nouveau riche Russell clan. White Lotus actress Coon plays the central character, Bertha Russell, whose husband George (Spector) accumulated his wealth as a robber baron and is resolved to ascend through Manhattan's upper echelons.
At the same time, formidable widow Agnes van Rhijn (Baranski) sustains an intense rivalry with the ambitious Bertha, steadfastly refusing to associate with anyone whose fortune doesn't predate the Declaration of Independence.
Production and Release Details
This week, HBO Max announced that The Gilded Age Season 4 is currently being filmed, with fresh episodes due this autumn. As the streaming platform launched in the UK this year, fans can expect the series to drop in line with the American broadcast, with the drama also accessible via Sky and NOW.
The gripping teaser trailer has offered audiences a sneak peek behind the scenes as the principal cast reconvenes on set. "I'm actually more excited about this season than I've been of any of the seasons," Baranski teases. Fellow cast members have offered a preview of the show's "expanding world" and "even higher stakes" this time round, with Coon revealing that Bertha is in a "very precarious position".
Fan Reactions
The first-look footage released on YouTube has whipped fans into a frenzy of excitement, with one user declaring: "I need a hundred seasons of this!" Another admitted: "Has anyone else rewatch the series three times... all right 4..... maybe 5..., I stopped counting." A third gushed: "FULL.BODY.CHILLS," and one user replied: "OMG I'm counting the days til Fall even more now!!!! I LOVE this show!!!!"
An IMDb fan wrote in their review: "Absolute masterpiece! I absolutely love this series! The majesty and mastery of the intricate goings on at the time are eloquently portrayed. BRAVO!!"
Comparing to Downton Abbey
Period drama enthusiasts who are yet to give The Gilded Age a chance are encouraged to catch up over the coming months ahead of Season 4. One member of a Facebook fan page boldly claimed: "The Gilded Age is even better than Downton Abbey." To which another responded: "While I love both series, I agree. The Gilded Age seems fresher to me."
The Gilded Age Season 4 premieres this autumn on HBO Max, Sky, and NOW.
