If You Miss the Russells, Fear Not: HBO Teases ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 4 Will Premiere in 2026
In January 2022, HBO debuted The Gilded Age, a period drama chronicling the titular American era of decadence and societal change. Created by Downton Abbey‘s Julian Fellowes, the new series applied the upstairs-downstairs approach of his British hit to a few upper-class families in N.Y.C. at the turn of the 19th century, while highlighting the power struggle between new-money schemers, represented by Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon), as they clash with old-money scions, like Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski). (Also, props to The Gilded Age for including a rare depiction of upper-class Black Brooklyn society at the time!)
Three years later, The Gilded Age has reached new heights, with season 3 drawing in more viewers than ever and growing to surprisingly life-or-death stakes compared to the show’s low-stakes beginnings. (Remember when season 1’s finale hinged on getting Mrs. Astor to attend a ball?) Following the season 3 finale on August 10, 2025, fans are clamoring for news of the show’s future. Below, read on for everything we know about The Gilded Age season 4 so far.
Ada Brook (Cynthia Nixon) and Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) in season 3.
Has ‘The Gilded Age’ been renewed for season 4?
Yes! HBO announced the renewal on July 28, two weeks before the season 3 finale. The renewal came as the series continued to reach new viewership feats week after week. According to Deadline, ahead of the season 3 finale, The Gilded Age was “adding viewers at a rate nearly 50 percent higher than in previous seasons.”
“We couldn’t be prouder of the undeniable viewership heights The Gilded Age has achieved this season,” said Francesca Orsi, EVP, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films. “Transporting us to 1880s New York City, Julian Fellowes and the enormously talented cast and crew have created a ‘cant-miss it’ entertainment experience from week to week, and we’re delighted to continue exploring these characters’ grand ambitions for what we promise will be a thrilling fourth season.”
When will ‘The Gilded Age’ season 4 come out?
There’s no official release date for season 4 yet, so the timeline for new episodes is unclear. However, in mid-December 2025, HBO dropped a teaser for its 2026 slate, and The Gilded Age was among the shows featured (along with other tentpole hits like Euphoria and House of the Dragon, and new releases like Lanterns). So, that being said, the period drama should return sometime in 2026.
As for when exactly, we can look back at previous seasons to get a sense. For example, season 1 premiered in January 2022, followed by season 2 in October 2023, and season 3 in June 2025. Although, the 2023 Hollywood strikes contributed to the delay between seasons 2 and 3, so the wait won’t be as long for season 4. We would bet that the new episodes will start airing in fall 2026
By the end of season 3, Gladys (Taissa Farmiga) is excited about her arranged marriage with Hector (Ben Lamb).
Which of the cast will return for ‘The Gilded Age’ season 4?
As of the season 3 finale, most of the show’s stacked cast will likely return for season 4. This includes *deep breath*: Carrie Coon (Bertha Russell), Morgan Spector (George Russell), Taissa Farmiga (Gladys Russell), Harry Richardson (Larry Russell), Christine Baranski (Agnes van Rhijn), Cynthia Nixon (Ada Brook), Louisa Jacobson (Marian Brook), Blake Ritson (Oscar van Rhijn), Denée Benton (Peggy Scott), Audra McDonald (Dorothy Scott), Jordan Donica (Dr. William Kirkland), Ben Lamb (Hector, Duke of Buckingham), Kelley Curran (Enid Winterton), Kelli O’Hara (Aurora Fane), Donna Murphy (Mrs. Astor), Ben Ahlers (Jack Treacher), Douglas Sills (Monsieur Baudin), Celia Keenan-Bolger (Mrs. Bruce), Simon Jones (Mr. Bannister), Jack Gilpin (Church), Debra Monk (Armstrong), Phylicia Rashad (Elizabeth Kirkland), and Brian Stokes Mitchell (Frederick Kirland.)
