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The Gilded Age is a historical drama television series created by Julian Fellowes for HBO, set in 1880s New York City during a time of immense economic growth and social change.
It premiered its first season on January 24, 2022, followed by a second on October 29, 2023. In December 2023, HBO renewed the series for season 3, which is scheduled to premiere on June 22, 2025.
The story centers on Marian Brook, a young woman navigating the strict social hierarchies of 1882 New York. She becomes entangled in the tensions between her own old-money relatives, the van Rhijn-Brook family, and their neighbors, the wealthy, industrialist Russell family.
Ahead of season 3, remember: Bertha won the opera war and may have promised Gladys to the Duke. Peggy quit her job, Jack got a clock patent with Larry’s help, and Ada’s inheritance saved the Van Rhijns. Power is shifting, and drama is coming.
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Disclaimer: The following list is ranked in no particular order, and the opinions expressed belong solely to the author.
Peggy steps away from journalism and 6 other things to remember before watching The Gilded Age season 3
1) New money took the lead
On the night of the opera, Mrs. Fish initially attends the Academy of Music but quickly leaves after noticing its sparse attendance. She heads to the Metropolitan Opera instead, seeing a packed house and congratulating Bertha Russell on her triumph.
Mrs. Fish declares that Bertha has "reinvented American society," signaling a pivotal moment when new money decisively overtakes old money in the social hierarchy. This marks a significant power shift in New York City, with Bertha's success at the Met serving as a public and symbolic victory over the old-guard elite, including figures like Mrs. Astor.
While a few, such as Mrs. Astor and Agnes Van Rhijn, remain committed to the traditional social order, most of New York's high society chooses to align with the Met and, by extension, with Bertha and the new money class.
This transformation is also reflected in Agnes' changing role within her family and the growing opportunities for upward mobility, as seen through working-class characters like Jack. Though this social evolution begins in earnest at the close of The Gilded Age season 2, it sets the stage for even greater shifts in the seasons to follow.
2) Bertha may have traded Gladys for power
In The Gilded Age season 2, the Duke of Buckingham becomes the center of attention, with both old- and new-money elites competing for his favor. In a last-minute twist, Bertha successfully brings him to the Met, stunning those at the Academy.
Since Mrs. Astor had already offered the Duke wealth and social access, many assume Bertha must have offered something more personal—her daughter, Gladys.
Bertha’s ambition to dominate New York society drives her, even if it means pushing Gladys into a match without love. This marks a major shift, especially since Gladys previously rejected Oscar’s proposal for that very reason.
If she ends up marrying the Duke in season 3, it could spark serious conflict and deepen the tension between personal freedom and social climbing.
3) Peggy left journalism for herself
In The Gilded Age season 2, Peggy Scott juggles her responsibilities at The Globe and her efforts to support Black education. However, by the finale, she decides to step away from journalism. A talented writer since her introduction in season 1, Peggy tells Fortune she plans to focus on her novel.
While this is partly true, it is clear that deeper personal reasons also influence her decision.
Peggy’s turning point comes when she sees Fortune with his wife and child, prompting her mother to warn her about getting too close. Despite trying to downplay their connection, Peggy has developed feelings for Fortune, culminating in a kiss earlier in the season.
Her choice to leave the paper may leave her future uncertain, but it reflects a step toward self-respect and clarity heading into season 3.
4) Jack secured his patent and a business lead
Jack’s main storyline in The Gilded Age season 2 centers on developing his alarm clock invention, which unfolds gradually throughout the season. By episode 6, members of the Van Rhijn-Brook household helped him raise the money to file for a patent, but his initial application was denied due to his not belonging to a guild.
In episode 7, Bannister steps in to help resolve the issue, and Jack finally secures the patent, earning Larry Russell’s admiration.
In episode 8, Jack presents the clock to Larry, explaining its innovation, which is that it runs without getting stuck or needing oil. Larry is intrigued and offers to ask around for potential investors, suggesting a possible partnership.
This moment is a major turning point for Jack, setting the stage for his entrance into the business world in season 3 as he begins to pursue commercial success with his invention.
5) Ada and Marian gained power over Agnes
While some characters in The Gilded Age embrace change and modern ideas, Agnes van Rhijn remains firmly rooted in tradition. A staunch defender of the old-money elite, she frequently clashes with her niece, Marian, and often dominates her sister, Ada.
Although Agnes herself doesn't evolve much in season 2, the world and her family change significantly around her.
Marian increasingly asserts her independence, from turning down a marriage proposal to choosing to attend the Met with Larry instead of the more traditional Academy. The biggest shift comes at the end of the season when Ada inherits Reverend Forte’s fortune just as the Van Rhijn household faces financial ruin.
With this inheritance, Ada becomes the new head of the household, finally gaining authority and control over their life and staff.
6) Bertha won the opera battle
The opera war was one of the central social conflicts in The Gilded Age season 2. From the start of the season, the new Metropolitan Opera House was still under construction, and Bertha Russell chose to support it over the established Academy of Music.
Driven by her desire to defy the old-money elite, especially Mrs. Astor, Bertha spent the season turning the Met into New York’s top social venue. Her rivalry with Mrs. Winterton and competition for the Duke of Buckingham’s favor fueled the opera house battle, which Bertha ultimately won.
7) The Van Rhijn-Brooks avoided ruin
The second half of The Gilded Age season 2 was especially difficult for the Van Rhijn-Brook family, with Ada’s brief marriage ending in her husband’s death and Oscar’s reckless decision compounding their troubles.
Oscar spends the season trying to find a wife to hide his sexuality, courting Miss Beaton, only to be duped by her and Mr. Crowther in a con that nearly bankrupts the family.
Agnes is furious as they face losing everything, but a last-minute twist changes their fate: Ada reveals Reverend Forte left her his entire estate, saving them from ruin and hinting at a power shift in the family for season 3.
Interested viewers can watch two seasons of The Gilded Age on HBO Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
