When Julian Fellowes created Downton Abbey, he gave us a lavish look at early 20th-century British aristocracy. But his follow-up, HBO's The Gilded Age, is quietly doing something even more impressive: it's showing the full picture of America's Gilded Age, not just the champagne-soaked lives of the upper crust. While both shows share a creator, The Gilded Age has become the more compelling historical drama by refusing to stay inside the bubble of its wealthy protagonists.
From its first season, the series has made a point of highlighting the struggles of the working class, the fight for labor rights, and the systemic racism and sexism that defined the era. In Season 2 alone, we saw the rise of labor unions, the discrimination faced by women in engineering, the stark contrast between the treatment of Black Americans in the South versus New York City, and the shifting landscape of education. These aren't just background details—they're central to the story, giving the show a depth that Downton Abbey often lacked.
Labor Strikes and Social Unrest Take Center Stage
One of the most powerful storylines in The Gilded Age Season 2 was the union strike against George Russell's (Morgan Spector) business empire. Rather than relegating this to a subplot, the writers put it front and center, showing the brutal realities of workers fighting for fair wages and safer conditions. The tension between George and his employees was palpable, and the resolution—a temporary pay increase—felt earned and realistic. This focus on labor issues was especially timely, airing during the real-life SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, and it underscored the show's commitment to exploring the era's social conflicts.
Similarly, Peggy Scott's (Denée Benton) journey to Alabama with T. Thomas Fortune (Sullivan Jones) to visit the Tuskegee Institute revealed the horrors of Southern racism. The threat of violence they faced was chilling, and Peggy's return to New York with a renewed sense of purpose highlighted the stark differences in racial dynamics across the country. This storyline wasn't just about one character's experience—it was a commentary on the broader struggle for civil rights that would continue for decades.
Women Breaking Barriers in Male-Dominated Fields
The show also tackled gender discrimination through the story of Emily Warren Roebling (Liz Wisan), who took over the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge after her husband fell ill. Her involvement was kept secret because the men in charge feared the public wouldn't trust a bridge built by a woman. This wasn't just a fictional plot point—it was a real historical fact, and the show's portrayal of Emily's quiet determination and the sexism she faced was both inspiring and infuriating. It's a reminder that The Gilded Age is committed to telling stories that Downton Abbey often glossed over.
What's Next for the Series?
With Season 4 confirmed for November, The Gilded Age shows no signs of slowing down. The upcoming season promises to delve even deeper into the social issues of the era, with President Grover Cleveland (Jim Gaffigan) set to appear and George Russell's business empire continuing to expand. Peggy's engagement to Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica) will likely bring new challenges, and the ongoing industrial revolution will continue to reshape the lives of all the characters.
As the 1880s progress, the show is poised to explore how technological advancements and social upheaval trickle down to every level of society. Whether it's Jack Trotter's (Ben Ahlers) rise through the watch-making business or the growing tensions between the old money and new money families, The Gilded Age is proving that historical dramas can be both entertaining and enlightening. For fans of the genre, it's a must-watch that offers a more complete and nuanced look at a pivotal era in American history.
If you're looking for a show that doesn't just romanticize the past but actually examines it, The Gilded Age is the one to watch. And with the Season 4 trailer hinting at more drama, there's plenty to look forward to. For those who appreciate unforgettable storytelling, this series delivers.
