Introduction to The Gilded Age – Season 3: A Grand Return to Historical Drama (2025)

The Gilded Age, HBO’s acclaimed historical drama created by Julian Fellowes, returns for its third season in June 2025, delivering captivating stories of New York’s elite in the 1880s. Set during the Gilded Age—a period of rapid economic growth and social conflict in America—Season 3 promises to be the most spectacular yet, blending intense drama, lavish costumes, and intricate social maneuvering. Below is a comprehensive introduction to The Gilded Age Season 3, covering its plot, cast, and standout features.

Setting and Plot

The Gilded Age is set in 1882, a time when wealth and power in New York were shaped by the rivalry between the “old money” elite—long-established aristocratic families—and the “new money” tycoons who amassed fortunes through industry and commerce. Season 3 continues to focus on two prominent families: the van Rhijns, representing traditional aristocracy, and the Russells, embodying the rise of newly wealthy industrialists.

Following the dramatic events of Season 2, which culminated in the Russells’ triumph in the “Opera War” and major shifts within the van Rhijn family, Season 3 begins with significant changes. The van Rhijn household faces upheaval as Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) loses financial control to her sister Ada Brook Forte (Cynthia Nixon), who inherits a substantial fortune from her late husband. Meanwhile, Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) schemes to solidify her family’s social standing by arranging a prestigious marriage for her daughter Gladys (Taissa Farmiga), despite opposition from her husband, George Russell (Morgan Spector). George, a railroad magnate, risks everything on an ambitious transcontinental railway project that could either elevate the Russells to new heights or lead to their ruin.

Season 3 delves deeper into sensitive themes such as divorce, racial discrimination, and social inequality. A notable highlight is the expanded storyline exploring the Black elite in Newport, Rhode Island, through the character of Peggy Scott (Denée Benton), an ambitious journalist. Peggy’s journey offers a fresh perspective on the era’s social dynamics, vividly portraying the barriers faced by Black Americans, even within elite circles.

The plot is more intense than ever, with relationships pushed to their limits and conflicts resolved in unexpected ways. From high-stakes social battles in opulent drawing rooms to deeply personal dramas, The Gilded Age Season 3 promises to keep viewers glued to their screens.

Cast and New Characters

The Gilded Age Season 3 boasts a stellar ensemble of Broadway and Hollywood talent, with returning stars and exciting new additions:

• Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell: The ambitious matriarch determined to elevate her family’s status. Coon’s sharp and commanding performance shines, especially in confrontations with her husband and social rivals.
• Christine Baranski as Agnes van Rhijn: The pillar of old-money society, Agnes grapples with losing control within her own household. Baranski delivers razor-sharp dialogue and moments of wry humor.
• Cynthia Nixon as Ada Brook Forte: The gentle sister who now holds financial power, sparking intriguing tensions with Agnes.
• Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook: The young van Rhijn niece navigating love and purpose. Her romance with Larry Russell (Harry Richardson) is a key focus this season.
• Denée Benton as Peggy Scott: The talented Black journalist who enters Newport’s Black elite and faces prejudice from the family of her potential love interest, Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica).
• Taissa Farmiga as Gladys Russell: The Russell daughter pressured into an arranged marriage with the Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb), despite her heart lying elsewhere.
• Morgan Spector as George Russell: A driven yet emotional businessman facing high-stakes challenges in both his empire and family life.

Season 3 introduces new faces:

• Phylicia Rashad as Elizabeth Kirkland: William’s mother, a powerful figure in the Black elite with prejudices against Peggy.
• Jordan Donica as Dr. William Kirkland: Peggy’s potential love interest, bringing a complex romantic arc.
• Bill Camp as J.P. Morgan: The historical financier involved in George Russell’s railway venture.
• Merritt Wever as Monica: Bertha’s sister, offering a fresh perspective on the Russell family.
• Leslie Uggams, Lisagay Hamilton, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and others enrich the ensemble with vibrant new characters.

Key Highlights

1. High-Stakes Social and Emotional Drama

Season 3 is the most dramatic yet, with relationships pushed to their breaking points. From power struggles in the van Rhijn household to Gladys’s marriage dilemma and Peggy’s challenging romance, each episode delivers gripping moments. The theme of divorce is explored deeply, particularly through Aurora Fane (Kelli O’Hara), who faces societal judgment when her husband seeks to end their marriage.

2. Expanded Focus on the Black Elite

A major step forward is the exploration of Newport’s Black upper class. Peggy Scott’s storyline highlights racial discrimination while celebrating the resilience of the Black community. The Newport scenes are meticulously crafted, offering both opulence and historical depth.

3. Costumes and Production Design

The Gilded Age is renowned for its lavish costumes and settings, and Season 3 delivers. Costume designer Kasia Walicka-Maimone creates stunning gowns, from elaborate hats to shimmering ball dresses. Production designers Bob Shaw and Regina Graves recreate the era’s grandeur, from Fifth Avenue mansions to Newport estates, with impeccable detail.

4. Outstanding Performances

The cast blends seasoned stars and rising talents seamlessly. Carrie Coon and Christine Baranski remain the heart of the show, delivering nuanced performances. Denée Benton earns praise for adding depth to Peggy, while newcomers like Phylicia Rashad and Jordan Donica make strong impressions.

5. Music and Direction

The score by Harry Gregson-Williams and Rupert Gregson-Williams enhances the show’s luxurious and dramatic tone. Directors like Michael Engler and Salli Richardson-Whitfield bring a faster pace, with tightly crafted episodes full of surprises.

Release Schedule and Where to Watch

The Gilded Age Season 3 premiered on June 22, 2025, on HBO and the Max streaming platform, with eight episodes airing weekly on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET. In Vietnam, viewers can watch via international streaming services or licensed cable providers. The show is simulcast in the U.S. and select regions to avoid spoilers.

Episode schedule:

• Episode 1: “Who Is In Charge Here?” – June 22, 2025
• Episode 2: “What the Papers Say” – June 29, 2025
• Episode 3: “Love Is Never Easy” – July 6, 2025
• Subsequent episodes air weekly until August 10, 2025.

Initial Reception and Audience Feedback

Season 3 has garnered rave reviews, with outlets like Variety, IndieWire, and Roger Ebert calling it the show’s best season yet. Critics praise its balance of intense drama and lighter moments, as well as its deeper exploration of social issues. However, some, like The New Yorker, note the show’s occasional focus on glamour over gritty historical realities.

Fans on platforms like X express excitement for the return, particularly for the new plot twists and stellar cast. Many call it “Downton Abbey’s American cousin, but wilder and more fun” (Cele|bitchy). The show is lauded for its entertainment value, with dramas like debates over table settings or marriage schemes captivating viewers.

Why Watch The Gilded Age Season 3?

The Gilded Age Season 3 is an enthralling journey into the opulent yet scheming world of 19th-century New York. With its gripping plot, exceptional cast, and stunning production, it’s a must-watch for fans of historical drama, lavish costumes, and tales of ambition, love, and power. Whether you’re a longtime Julian Fellowes fan or a newcomer, Season 3 will captivate from the first episode.

Prepare to immerse yourself in grand mansions, dazzling parties, and relentless drama. The Gilded Age Season 3 awaits!