The opulent world of 1880s New York society, filled with its intricate social rules and cutthroat ambition, has captivated audiences, propelling 'The Gilded Age' from a show on the bubble to a global phenomenon. Actors, including Carrie Coon who plays the formidable Bertha Russell, have observed a noticeable increase in public recognition and fan engagement across all demographics, a gratifying experience after the show's initial struggle to find its audience. "to know that people are actually consuming the thing you’re making is very gratifying," Coon shared with IndieWire.
Co-creator Sonja Warfield attributes the series' breakthrough to its third season, describing it as the "sweet spot" where writers and actors fully understand their characters, allowing for richer narratives. This newfound confidence has empowered the production team to envision Season 4 as its most elaborate yet. Production designer Bob Shaw confirmed the ambitious scope, stating, "This is the season where we keep saying, ‘it’s go big or go home.'" Viewers can expect a parade of extravagant events, including multiple weddings, a dance hall party, an inventors' convention, a national monument dedication, and even a presidential visit.
The upcoming season promises to delve deeper into the complex lives of its characters. The Russells, the show's new-money power couple, face marital strife as George (Morgan Spector) grapples with Bertha's (Carrie Coon) manipulation of their daughter Gladys's (Taissa Farmiga) marriage to a duke. Without Bertha's counsel, George is described as "unmoored," leading him to dangerous coping mechanisms as his empire faces challenges. Bertha, however, remains resolute in her conviction that the arranged marriage, which now sees Gladys and the Duke deeply in love, was the right path for her daughter's future.
Meanwhile, Peggy Scott (Denée Benton), the pioneering Black journalist, embarks on a joyful new chapter. After two seasons marked by personal tragedy and racial injustice, Peggy's romance with Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica) blossoms, leading to a grand wedding that sees the Scott family navigating even higher echelons of Black society. Audra McDonald, who plays Peggy's mother, expressed delight at this shift, noting, "It’s wonderful to see Black joy on television."
Across the street, the old-money van Rhijn household experiences a dramatic power shift. After Oscar (Blake Ritson) squandered their fortune in a Ponzi scheme, Ada (Cynthia Nixon) inherits a substantial sum, reversing her subservient role to her imperious sister Agnes (Christine Baranski). This new dynamic will be tested as Ada is expected to finance Agnes's lavish presidential soirée. Baranski teased that this season offers her character an exciting evolution, stating, "It’s my favorite year in terms of my character’s narrative line."
The show also continues to resonate with contemporary issues, drawing parallels between the historical robber barons and today's billionaires. Cynthia Nixon highlighted this connection, observing, "These billionaires are the main story of our moment, and it is the main story of ‘The Gilded Age.’" However, Julian Fellowes, the show's creator, offers a more nuanced perspective, defending the industrialists of the past for their role in shaping America for the 20th century.
With a strong sense of camaraderie and a renewed mandate from viewers, the cast and crew are hopeful for many more seasons. Donna Murphy, who portrays Caroline Astor, echoed the sentiment of many, stating, "We hope we get a fifth, a sixth, or a seventh season."
