Skip to main content

Get ready for more high-society drama. HBO has renewed The Gilded Age, the new series from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, for season 2. 

HBO orders ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 2 

Audra McDonald, in an olive dress, and Denee Barton, in a purple dress and hat, in an episode of 'The Gilded Age'
Audra McDonald and Denée Benton in ‘The Gilded Age’ | Alison Cohen Rosa/HBO

The Gilded Age follows a young woman named Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) who moves from Pennsylvania to New York to live with her old-money aunts, Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) and Ada Brook (Cynthia Nixon). Once there, she gets caught up in a social war between the city’s established elite and relative newcomers George Russell (Morgan Spector), a railroad baron, and his ambitious wife Bertha (Carrie Coon). Marian also develops a friendship with an aspiring writer named Peggy Scott (Denée Benton).

The Jan. 24 debut of The Gilded Age was the most-watched Monday night premiere since Chernobyl in 2019, according to the network.     

 “Julian Fellowes and the entire Gilded Age family have thoroughly captivated us with their tale of late 19th century New York City extravagance,” said Francesca Orsi, executive vice president of HBO Programming. “Along with our partners at Universal Television, we couldn’t be prouder to embark on a season two journey with this extraordinarily talented team.”

“The first season of The Gilded Age is the beginning of an epic story that introduced a fascinating world full of intriguing characters,” Universal Television president Erin Underhill said. “The scope of Julian’s vision is ambitious, and we’re thrilled to continue to explore the depths of this fascinating era with HBO.”

‘The Gilded Age’ cast react to renewal news 

Cynthia Nixon wearing a teal dress and Christine Baranski in a purple dress in 'The Gilded Age'
Cynthia Nixon and Christine Baranski in ‘The Gilded Age’ | Alison Cohen Rosa/HBO

Several Gilded Age cast members reacted to the renewal news on social media. 

“You are cordially invited to join Mr. & Mrs. George and Bertha Russell for Season Two of #TheGildedAgeHBO,” Coon tweeted.

“It’s official! #GildedAgeHBO will be back on your TV screens for season 2!!” Nixon wrote on Instagram. “We are tha-rilled!! I’ve sooo loved reading your comments about how much you enjoy this show. Thank you!” 

“TODAY IS A GOOD DAY,” wrote Jacobson on Instagram. 

‘The Gilded Age’ Season 1 finale airs March 21 

Related

‘The Gilded Age’: Does ‘Downton Abbey’ Exist in the Same Universe as the HBO Series?

So far, there’s no word on when The Gilded Age Season 2 might arrive. The show is almost at the halfway point of its first season, with the finale set to air on Monday, March 21. 

In the show’s fourth episode, airing Feb. 14, the Russells brace for the fallout following the death of Patrick Morris (Michael Gill). Morris, a New York City alderman, died by suicide in the Feb. 7 episode, “Face the Music,” after an attempt to double-cross George Russell went sour, leaving him and his family penniless. 

“They’ll blame me,” George says to Bertha. 

“You are strong. He was weak,” she replies. “Who’s to blame for that?” 

Meanwhile, Marian gets to know the scandalous Mrs. Chamberlain (Criminal Minds alum Jeanne Tripplehorn), against the advice of her aunt Ada, while Peggy continues to clash with her father over her career choices and her future. 

The Gilded Age airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO. Episodes also stream on HBO Max. 

Check out Showbiz Cheat Sheet on Facebook!

Best in Entertainment