HBO’s The Gilded Age, a sweeping period drama set in 1880s New York, is poised to return for its third season. The series, created by Julian Fellowes, continues to captivate audiences with its exploration of wealth, ambition, and social change. Starring Carrie Coon as the determined Bertha Russell and Christine Baranski as the traditionalist Agnes van Rhijn, Season 3 promises fresh rivalries, romantic entanglements, and lavish production. With an early screening at the Tribeca Film Festival and a new trailer spotlighting love and marriage, here’s a detailed look at what’s in store.
Premiere and Exclusive Preview
The Gilded Age Season 3 will premiere on June 22, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max, with eight episodes slated for release. The season will continue the saga of New York’s elite, blending personal drama with historical context.
Fans can get an early glimpse at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, where the season’s first episode will screen on June 12, 2025. The event will feature a discussion with Julian Fellowes and select cast members, offering insights into the show’s creative process and upcoming storylines.
Trailer Reveals Focus on Romance and Strategy
A trailer released on May 1, 2025, sets the tone for The Gilded Age Season 3, emphasizing themes of love and marriage. The preview highlights Bertha Russell’s efforts to arrange a strategic match for her daughter, Gladys (Taissa Farmiga). Bertha’s dialogue underscores her ambitions: “Marriage is a real opportunity. You can influence politics and change events. You can have powerful, interesting lives.” The trailer also teases escalating tensions between Bertha and Agnes van Rhijn, alongside romantic developments for other characters, all framed by the show’s signature opulent visuals.
Plot and Character Developments
Carrie Coon’s Bertha Russell remains a central figure, driven to secure her family’s place among New York’s old-money elite. In Season 3, Bertha focuses on Gladys’ marriage as a tool to gain political and social influence, but her plans may spark conflict within the family. Her rivalry with Agnes van Rhijn intensifies, with Bertha leveraging lavish events—potentially a grand ball or gala—to cement her status.
Christine Baranski’s Agnes van Rhijn continues to uphold tradition, resisting the rise of nouveau riche families like the Russells. Her niece, Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson), navigates her own path, with the trailer hinting at a new romantic interest that could challenge Agnes’ authority. Ada Forte (Cynthia Nixon), now more independent, faces tensions with Agnes as their differing values clash. The van Rhijn family dynamics promise emotional depth and conflict.
The ensemble cast includes returning favorites like George Russell (Morgan Spector), whose business ventures face new risks, and Peggy Scott (Denée Benton), a journalist breaking barriers in a segregated society. Her storyline is expected to explore both professional challenges and personal growth. The Gilded Age Season 3 introduces new characters, including a potential rival or ally named Oscar van Rhijn, played by Jordan Waller, whose role may shake up existing alliances. Other newcomers, such as a possible suitor or socialite, are teased but not yet detailed.
The series weaves historical events into its narrative, with Season 3 likely touching on real-life figures or scandals from the Gilded Age. The show continues to address class divides, racial inequalities, and gender roles, particularly through Peggy’s journalism and Bertha’s defiance of social norms. These themes ground the drama in the era’s transformative changes, from industrial growth to shifting power dynamics.
Production and Visual Splendor
Filming for The Gilded Age Season 3 took place in historic locations, including Newport, Rhode Island, and Troy, New York, with sets recreating Fifth Avenue mansions and bustling city streets. The production team, led by Julian Fellowes, maintains meticulous attention to detail, from period-accurate furnishings to elaborate costumes designed by Kasia Walicka-Maimone. The wardrobe features luxurious gowns and tailored suits, reflecting the era’s extravagance.
Fellowes, known for Downton Abbey, collaborates with a writing team that balances sharp dialogue with intricate plotting. Directors such as Michael Engler and Salli Richardson-Whitfield bring visual flair, while the show’s historical consultants ensure authenticity in depicting 1880s New York society.
The Gilded Age Season 3 Cast and Crew Updates
The core cast returns, including Morgan Spector, Denée Benton, Taissa Farmiga, Harry Richardson as Larry Russell, and Blake Ritson as Oscar van Rhijn. New cast members, including Jordan Waller, add fresh dynamics, though specific roles remain under wraps. Julian Fellowes continues as showrunner, with executive producers Gareth Neame and David Crockett overseeing production. The series is a co-production between HBO and Universal Television, with a budget supporting its high production values.
Why Season 3 Stands Out
The Gilded Age has built a loyal following for its blend of soapy drama and social commentary, drawing comparisons to Fellowes’ Downton Abbey while carving its own niche. Season 3’s focus on marriage as a political tool, combined with ongoing class and racial tensions, offers timely parallels to modern audiences. The trailer’s glimpses of grand events and emotional confrontations, paired with the Tribeca screening, have generated significant buzz.
The show’s ability to humanize its characters—whether Bertha’s relentless ambition or Peggy’s quiet resilience—sets it apart. Its visual splendor, from glittering ballrooms to meticulously crafted costumes, makes it a feast for the eyes, while its historical grounding adds intellectual weight.
How to Watch and Prepare
The Gilded Age Season 3 will air on HBO and stream on Max, with Seasons 1 and 2 available for catch-up viewing. Fans can expect weekly episode releases following the premiere. Additional promotional materials, such as cast interviews and behind-the-scenes featurettes, are likely to drop closer to June 2025, building anticipation.
With new characters, high-stakes rivalries, and a richly detailed world, The Gilded Age Season 3 is set to be a highlight of HBO’s 2025 lineup. Whether you’re drawn to the drama, the history, or the sheer spectacle, this season promises to deliver. Stay tuned to TVSeasonspoilers for more updates and news.