“A Downton Abbey replacement”: Inside the “thrilling” fourth series of “BAFTA-worthy” drama The Gilded Age

Hold on to your (frilly) hats, period drama fans! The Gilded Age's third instalment might still be airing, but the beloved Sky show is officially returning for series 4. The New York high society drama is the perfect Downton Abbey replacement (it helps, of course, that Downton creator Julian Fellowes is behind it) - and according to the broadcaster, series 4 is set to be thrilling indeed!

If you’re unfamiliar with the show, here’s a quick rundown: it focuses on a group of late 19th century New Yorkers at a time of seismic change in America as the Industrial Revolution created a boom for the middle classes. There’s railroad magnate George Russell (played by Morgan Spector), his wife Bertha (Carrie Coon, who you'll recognise from The White Lotus), and a plethora of other characters including And Just Like That’s Cynthia Nixon.

If you're excited about another instalment as we are, here's everything you need to know about The Gilded Age series 4 ahead of its arrival, including the plot, cast, and how to watch it.

What is The Gilded Age about?

The show focuses on the era of the American Gilded Age – the late 1870s to the late 1890s – which was a period of huge social and economic upheaval. In this world, we see a battle between “old money” and “new money”, leading to class distinctions and tensions around social norms.

It centres around the orphaned Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson), who enters the New York social scene to finds herself in a battle between her estranged van Rhijn-Brook aunts (Cynthia Nixon and Christine Baranski) and their new money Russell family neighbours (Morgan Spector and Carrie Coon).

The Gilded Age explores social themes including secretive homosexuality in the era, along with the racial tensions present at the time. The show first aired in 2022, and has gone on to be a massive hit, gaining Emmy wins and nominations – with viewers believing it to be BAFTA-worthy, too.

What will happen in The Gilded Age series 4?

No spoilers here, but let’s just say that series 3 included a big, unexpected tragedy. The third instalment has been a real hit with fans, with critics describing it as “the juiciest material yet”. The third series, which is still underway (the finale airs on 10th August) has seen divorce, violence, and cracks beginning to show in the Russell household – as well as, naturally, all the lavish lunches and opulent parties.

Series 3 also saw the introduction of the Kirkland family, a prominent Black family from Newport, and old money addition Joan Carlton, played by Victoria Clark. Although plot details for series 4 are yet to be unveiled, we’ll hope for more of the same compelling twists as the show continues.

Who’s in the cast of The Gilded Age series 4?

Sky hasn't yet announced the cast of The Gilded Age series 4, but we're hoping that the following series 3 cast members will return:

• Carrie Coon (The White Lotus, Gone Girl) as Bertha Russell
• Morgan Spector (Homeland) as George Russell
• Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook
• Denée Benton (Our Friend) as Peggy Scott
• Taissa Farmiga (American Horror Story) as Gladys Russell
• Harry Richardson (Poldark) as Larry Russell
• Blake Ritson (The Crown, The Sandman) as Oscar van Rhijn
• Simon Jones (Brideshead Revisited) as Mr. Alfred Bannister
• Jack Gilpin (Billions, Succession) as Mr. Church
• Cynthia Nixon (Sex And The City, Ratched) as Ada Forte (née Brook)
• Christine Baranski (Mamma Mia!) as Agnes van Rhijn (née Brook)
• Ben Ahlers (When The Lights Go On) as John "Jack" Trotter
• Debra Monk (American Horror Story) as Mrs. Armstrong
• Kelli O'Hara (13 Reasons Why) as Aurora Fane
• Taylor Richardson (The Time Traveller’s Wife, American Horror Story) as Bridget
• Celia Keenan-Bolger (The Visit,) as Mrs. Bruce
• Patrick Page (Spirited) as Richard Clay
• Phylicia Rashad (The Beekeeper) as Mrs. Elizabeth Kirkland
• Brian Stokes Mitchell (Trapper John M.D.) as Black pastor Frederick Kirkland
• Jordan Donica (Charmed) as Dr. William Kirkland
• Victoria Clark (The Blacklist) as Joan Carlton

Is The Gilded Age any good?

Loved Downton Abbey? We can bet you’ll enjoy this show, as it’s created and written by Downton’s very own Julian Fellowes – meaning there’s history, drama, and flouncy outfits aplenty. We’ve previously described it as The White Lotus meets Downton Abbey, as it stars Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell, and features similarly impossible-to-predict twists.

Aside from its gripping, soap-like plot, the show has been praised for its feast of visuals, from its sprawling marble mansions to the costumes, which reflect a shifting moment in history where the advent of artificial dyes caused an explosion of colourful fashion.

How can I watch The Gilded Age?

Sky hasn't yet shared a release date for The Gilded Age series 4, but as soon as we have more news, we'll update you here. Until then, you can catch up on the first, second and (what’s available of the) third series on NOW.

Which other period dramas can I watch now?

Luckily, we’re in something of a renaissance for period dramas at the moment. Alongside classics such as The Crown and Bridgerton, if you’re looking for equal parts entertainment and escapism, Yorkshire rags-to-riches drama The Hardacres is a great watch and has just been renewed for a second series. You can catch up on series 1 on 5. Want more Julian Fellowes-adjacent material? Belgravia: The Next Chapter is a Downton-meets-Bridgerton drama to binge.

Meanwhile, there’s plenty more in the works to get excited about: The Forsytes is a “lavish” new drama from the creator of Poldark which is arriving later this year. A Dolly Alderton-penned new series of Pride and Prejudice is due next year starring Olivia Colman and Jack Lowden. And keep your eyes peeled for the Gillian Anderson-featuring Trespasses, which is set during The Troubles and is coming soon to Channel 4.