The Gilded Age Season 3: Everything You Need To Know About The 8-Episode Schedule And Major Cast Changes
The highly anticipated return of Julian Fellowes' period drama, The Gilded Age, is officially here, and fans are eager for all the details on the new season. As of today, December 22, 2025, the most pressing question—how many episodes will make up the third installment—has a definitive answer: The Gilded Age Season 3 will consist of an eight-episode run. This confirms the structure established by the second season, promising a tightly woven narrative of social wars and burgeoning power struggles in late 19th-century New York. The season premiered on June 22, 2025, and is airing weekly on HBO and Max.
The eight-episode schedule for Season 3, while one episode shorter than the inaugural season, is packed with the high-stakes drama that viewers have come to expect. From the relentless ambition of Bertha Russell to the complex moral landscape of Marian Brook and Peggy Scott, the new season is poised to deliver a deep dive into the historical events and societal shifts of the era. The limited run ensures that every week brings a significant development in the "New Money" versus "Old Money" conflict, culminating in the season finale on August 10, 2025.
The Gilded Age Season 3: Complete Cast and Character Guide
The core of The Gilded Age's success lies in its stellar ensemble cast, featuring a mix of Broadway legends and acclaimed television actors. Season 3 sees the return of nearly all major players, along with the introduction of several exciting new characters who will shake up the social scene in New York and Newport, Rhode Island.
- Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell: The ambitious wife of George Russell, determined to climb the social ladder and secure her family’s place among New York’s elite "Old Money."
- Morgan Spector as George Russell: A powerful railroad magnate and "New Money" titan whose business dealings often put him at odds with the established order.
- Christine Baranski as Agnes van Rhijn: The proud, traditional matriarch of the van Rhijn family, a staunch defender of "Old New York" aristocracy.
- Cynthia Nixon as Ada Forte (née Brook): Agnes's kinder, more gentle sister, whose life saw a major turning point at the end of Season 2.
- Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook: The young protagonist navigating the complex social rules of her aunts' world while seeking independence and love.
- Denée Benton as Peggy Scott: An aspiring writer and Marian's friend, whose storyline explores the challenges and triumphs of the Black elite in the era.
- Harry Richardson as Larry Russell: George and Bertha's son, a young architect with a growing career and romantic entanglements.
- Taissa Farmiga as Gladys Russell: The Russell daughter, now a debutante, whose social life is carefully orchestrated by her mother, Bertha.
- Blake Ritson as Oscar van Rhijn: Agnes's son, whose financial and personal life remains a source of ongoing drama.
New Faces Joining the Season 3 Social Whirl
To keep the drama fresh and connect the fictional narrative to real-life historical figures, Season 3 introduces several notable new cast members:
- Bill Camp as J.P. Morgan: The legendary investment banker, whose involvement will likely put him "at odds" with George Russell over the critical railroad industry.
- Merritt Wever: Cast as Bertha Russell's estranged sister, a character who promises to reveal new layers to Bertha’s past and her relentless drive for social acceptance.
- Phylicia Rashad as Mrs. Elizabeth Kirkland: A new character whose presence, along with other new additions like Brian Stokes Mitchell and Victoria Clarke, hints at a deeper exploration of the Black elite's world.
- Leslie Uggams as Ernestine Brown: Another new face adding depth to the parallel story of Peggy Scott and her family.
The Eight-Episode Schedule: A Weekly Breakdown of Season 3
The decision to stick with an eight-episode structure for Season 3 mirrors the successful pacing of the previous installment, allowing for focused storytelling on key plot threads. The season promises to be a condensed burst of drama, fashion, and historical intrigue, airing exclusively on HBO and streaming on Max.
The weekly release schedule, which began in June 2025, builds anticipation week after week, making The Gilded Age a true cultural event. Unlike binge-watching models, the weekly format encourages discussion and speculation among the dedicated fanbase, a crucial element for a show with such rich historical and character detail.
The eight episodes will track the major conflicts, including Bertha’s continued efforts to establish a new opera house, George Russell’s battles in the railroad industry, and the evolving professional and personal life of Peggy Scott. The limited episode count means the writers, led by creator Julian Fellowes, must be judicious with their narrative choices, ensuring every scene advances the central themes of power, class, and societal change.
Historical Themes and Plot Points in the New Season
A hallmark of Julian Fellowes' work is the seamless integration of fictional characters with real-world historical events, and Season 3 is no exception. The eight episodes are set to explore fascinating new aspects of the American Gilded Age, moving beyond the immediate confines of New York City and into other locales and social circles.
The Rise of Newport and the Black Elite
One major storyline is the introduction of the wealthy Black community in Newport, Rhode Island. This historical setting will provide a rich backdrop for Peggy Scott’s family and career, allowing the show to delve into the complexities of class, colorism, and privilege within the Black elite of the 1880s. This storyline promises to be one of the most historically grounded and emotionally resonant of the season.
Industrial Titans and Financial Warfare
George Russell's plot will escalate with the arrival of J.P. Morgan. The conflict between these two industrial titans over the railroad industry reflects the cutthroat financial warfare that defined the era. The struggle between Russell's "New Money" approach and the established power of figures like Morgan will be a central tension, showcasing the ruthless ambition required to succeed in the rapidly industrializing United States. This plot thread will likely dominate several of the eight episodes.
Cultural and Social Milestones
The season is also expected to touch upon other significant cultural milestones of the time. Potential historical events that could be woven into the narrative include the laying of the cornerstone for the Statue of Liberty, the opening of the first roller coaster on Coney Island, and various social scandals like the fall from grace of society arbiter Ward MacAllister. These moments provide the perfect canvas for Bertha Russell's social maneuvering and Marian Brook's journey of self-discovery.
In summary, fans can confidently anticipate a concise, dramatic, and historically rich third season. With a confirmed eight-episode run, the narrative is set to be sharp and impactful, delivering a satisfying continuation of the battle between the old guard and the new industrialists of 19th-century New York. Tune in weekly for the latest chapter in this captivating historical saga.
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