‘THE GILDED AGE,’ SEASON FOUR: THE BEAUTIFUL POPULAR HBO DRAMA IS A MUST SEE
Back for its fourth season, The Gilded Age returns after a roller coast third year. Questions lingered as it drew to a close leading us now to wonder about answers and what other queries may rise.
The Gilded Age Season Four (2026) HBO TV Show Review
Having achieved social dominance, to the outside eye it seems Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) has accomplished everything. A new money family, the Russell’s take society by storm but after making her daughter Gladys (Taissa Farmiga) a duchess and hosting New York’s most prominent ball, there seems to be little else to do. But there is more discourse, this time in her own home. Bertha and her titan of industry husband George (Morgan Spector) may not quite be past the disagreement involving their daughter’s heart. George too is unraveling after an attempt on his life goes unchecked.
Their neighbors, the van Rhijns have challenges of their own. Agnes (Christine Baranski) accepts her sister being the one with money and now lady of the house while Ada (Cynthia Nixon) settles into a role managing the staff. Their niece Marian (Louisa Jacobson) is reluctant to start again with Larry Russell (Harry Richardson), the man she was going to marry before a misunderstanding tore them part. Marian makes a surprising choice that may alter her future forever…
Meanwhile, Peggy (Denée Benton) is endlessly happy and about to marry the love of her life, only her future mother in law has greater plans for her son.
‘THE GILDED AGE,’ SEASON FOUR: THE BEAUTIFUL POPULAR HBO DRAMA IS A MUST SEE Share on X
This is one of those shows that I look forward to every year. Like period dramas that came before it, it leans into some of the soapier drama which can work as much in the favor of a show as against. For the most part, I enjoy how season four sets up The Gilded Age. There is one thread, which is the Larry and Marian love story (I want to see them happily in love), that I want to be a reality, but where they are now seems unlikely.
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Speaking of romances, the season three finale for Peggy continues and makes me smile. Additionally, I do want Bertha and George to make up. I think they’re good together and while perhaps too alike, there is no one better suited to each other when it comes to obtaining what they want from society or business. And at the heart of it all, I do think both carry a mutual respect and love. The cast remains excellent and though I know how everyone plays everyone, I’m still impressed.
Four seasons in, I don’t know that I really have anything more to say about this show. It’s a glittering beauty; the costumes sparkle and the dances lend romanticism. This opening also visually teases us more than once making me wonder what possible sorrow is in store; fans of Downton Abbey may have some PTSD from how this episode lays out. From creator Julian Fellowes, The Gilded Age continues to stun. I love it more each new season and while this season four sets up to possibly be bitterly disappointing, I’m hoping that it takes me by surprise.
Stream, at publication, episode one of The Gilded Age season four with HBO Max. Watch for new episodes weekly with the HBO Max streamer.
Love period drama? Browse the ‘period drama’ tag or take a look at the feature celebrating 20 years of Jane Eyre.
Photos: HBO
Content: this episode has an unmarried couple have sex (it cuts away with kissing, and shows the after). Conversation later deals with this as future stories likely will. One character prefers the same sex romantically (if this bothers you) and past seasons have put the character in a secret relationship. There is also a medical emergency that is a little intense. The show is TVMA.
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