The critically acclaimed HBO Original just wrapped its third season, leaving its characters’ fates up in the air.
The fascination for the industrial age in America and the opulent lifestyles of the robber barons have catapulted the show towards a fourth season.
It shouldn’t be a surprise why we keep watching. Consider lavish mansions, opulent gowns, butlers, lady’s maids, and nights at the opera. The Gilded Age, HBO Max’s 2024 Emmy-nominated original series delves into all that amid the rise of the robber barons—or the powerful and wealthy industrialists in late 19th-century America, often seen as having gained their fortunes through ruthless, exploitative, or unethical business practices.
The show has drawn audiences in with drama, intrigue, and the growing divide between the old rich and new money. Where acceptance into society is decided by a privileged few, just as being shunned is. Written by Julian Fellowes, who also dreamt up the world of Downton Abbey, The Gilded Age gives us a peek into the intricate dance that was life during such a tumultuous time in history.
The Industrial Revolution in America happened from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. During this time, captains of industry like the Vanderbilts, the Rockefellers, and J.P. Morgan set the course for the future with innovations and infrastructure such as the much-coveted railway system. Woven into this were the comings and goings of high society, where but one misstep could leave one out in the cold, or worse, disgraced.
This was the time when the right of suffrage was still in its inception, and racial prejudices ran high. The phrase “the gilded age” was borrowed from author Mark Twain, which he used to describe the rapid economic growth during the period, but where the influx of money and high living did little to cover up the societal issues of the time.
All that drama makes for one compelling watch, and here are the reasons why we keep tuning in.
Related story: ‘Bridgerton’ Season 3 (Part 1): The Emancipation of Penelope Featherington
Related story: What ‘A Queen’s Runway’ on Netflix shows us about the Philippines’ love for beauty queens and pageants
The stellar casting
Stepping outside the plotlines, The Gilded Age is made even more compelling by its powerhouse cast. At the heart of the story are rich industrialist George Russell and his wife Bertha, so ably played by Morgan Spector and the amazing Carrie Coon, representing new money. Christine Baranski is the traditionalist grand dame Agnes Van Rhijn, who lives with her spinster sister Ada, portrayed by Cynthia Nixon. Rounding out the cast are the likes of Nathan Lane, Taissa Farmiga, and Louisa Jacobson.
Who’s in, who’s out?
One of the most fascinating things to watch in The Gilded Age is all the walking on eggshells that the characters do just to keep their positions. One word from the much-feared society doyenne Mrs. Lina Astor (Donna Murphy) can have their name scratched off the invite list. Or the mere hint of an occasional dalliance or indiscretion could lead to a broken engagement or even divorce. The show’s writers deftly navigate these plotlines that have you saying, “More tea, please!”
Related story: REVIEW: ‘Conclave’ explores the high stakes of papal succession
Related story: Ten book-to-screen adaptations to add to your stream list
The lavish costumes and mansions
To say The Gilded Age is a beautiful show is an understatement. The intricate details on the myriad of gowns that the ladies wear are the perfect foil to the elegantly dapper suits worn by the men. Set in mansions that are gilded in gold and beautiful tapestries, it is enough to transport the viewer into a whole other time and space. Not to mention the whole idea of changing…into another gown…just for dinner at home. How fancy is that?
The price of fame and notoriety
Perhaps the biggest draw of this show is the lengths the characters will go to gain a foothold in high society. One where status is the ultimate pinnacle of success. Which, in those times, was not always dictated by how much money you have. You see daughters being shown off in an attempt to find the perfect match, which as a plotline is nothing new, but the degree of ruthlessness in this show makes it hard to turn away. On the other end, you have the men wheeling and dealing as they build America into the economic power it would later become. As Coon’s Bertha Russell says, “Happiness is the by-product of a well-ordered life.”
The Gilded Age gives us a taste of what life was like during one of America’s most opulent and most progressive ages. A world that was caught between the old and the new. While history books have already told us what happens in the end, albeit not with these specific characters per se, it’s piqued our curiosity enough to want to still see how it all plays out from a more personal point of view. As for what lies ahead for the families that live on Manhattan’s 61st Street and their so-called friends, we’ll just have to wait until the 4th season comes to find out.
Stream all three seasons of The Gilded Age on HBO Max.
Related story: HBO Max is now in the Philippines! Here’s what awaits us couch potatoes
Related story: 10 of the most highly anticipated K-dramas in 2025
