Four seasons in, The Gilded Age has carved out a unique space in the TV landscape. Julian Fellowes' HBO drama, co-written with Sonja Warfield, initially had to step out of the shadow of Downton Abbey. Now, it's less about proving itself and more about maintaining the momentum it has built. Alongside reliable favorites like The Pitt and Slow Horses, it's become one of the most consistent shows on television, with a steady release schedule that suggests no signs of slowing down—assuming another renewal comes through.
The ensemble keeps growing with impressive names, and the story strikes a delicate balance between melodrama and feel-good entertainment. Season 4 doesn't shy away from heavier themes, upending several characters in the process, but it remains utterly compelling thanks to its strongest performers.
What's in Store for the Russells and the Van Rhijns?
When Season 4 opens, Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) is in London, supporting her daughter Gladys (Taissa Farmiga) through the birth of her first child with the Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb). This distance underscores the growing rift between Bertha and her husband George (Morgan Spector), whose visits to the office and gentlemen's club have become more frequent since their separation last season. When Bertha returns and attempts reconciliation, it's clear that love alone won't bridge the gap—especially as both face their own battles.
George is obsessed with finding the man who shot him in the Season 3 finale, while Bertha finds herself in a new rivalry with Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) over hosting a dinner for President Grover Cleveland (Jim Gaffigan). Their uneasy peace is threatened, and the next generation—Larry (Harry Richardson) and Marian (Louisa Jacobson)—rekindle old feelings after a chance encounter.
Peggy's Dilemma and Other Romances
Peggy Scott (Denée Benton) is engaged to Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica), but her future mother-in-law (Phylicia Rashad) meddles, and Peggy worries about balancing marriage with her writing career. Meanwhile, Ada Forte (Cynthia Nixon) finds unexpected romance, and Oscar van Rhijn (Blake Ritson) and Enid Winterton (Kelley Curran) continue their scheming relationship.
The season puts several characters through the wringer, exploring the gap between public facades and private truths. The Russells maintain a united front in society, but whispers about their marriage persist. Coon and Spector's chemistry makes their separation feel like a temporary hurdle, and their eventual leaning on each other is a highlight.
Baranski and Nixon remain the show's backbone, with Baranski's sharp wit and Nixon's warmth providing the series' signature blend of humor and heart. Peggy's storyline gets even more focus this season, a welcome development after previous struggles with balancing her arc. Her dilemma—whether marriage means sacrificing her professional dreams—is compelling, though more scenes with Marian would have been nice.
For fans of the show, this season delivers on all fronts. If you're new, you can catch up on the season 4 premiere date and dive into the drama. And if you're looking for more period pieces, check out our list of the best anthology TV seasons.
Overall, The Gilded Age Season 4 is a triumph—darker, bolder, and more confident than ever. It's a must-watch for fans of period drama and high-society intrigue.
