The Gilded Age Season 4: 7 Shocking Plot Twists We Expect After That Finale

The Gilded Age Season 4 is officially happening, and the news couldn't have come at a better time for fans reeling from the dramatic events of the Season 3 finale. The lavish HBO period drama, created by *Downton Abbey*'s Julian Fellowes, has cemented its place as a must-watch series, with its opulent fashion, high-stakes social warfare, and compelling upstairs-downstairs narratives.

As of late 2025, the renewal for a fourth season was confirmed by HBO on July 28, 2025, a clear sign of the network's confidence in the show's record-setting viewership. While the renewal is a cause for celebration, the question of when we can return to 1880s New York City remains open, with the new season expected to pick up the threads of several major cliffhangers left dangling by the previous installment.

The Official Status and Anticipated Release Date

The journey of *The Gilded Age* from a concept to a multi-season hit has been a fascinating one, with each season raising the bar for historical drama production. The show's creator, Julian Fellowes, continues to oversee the intricate dance between New Money and Old Money, ensuring the historical accuracy and narrative depth that fans adore.

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Is The Gilded Age Season 4 Confirmed?

Yes, absolutely. HBO officially renewed *The Gilded Age* for a fourth season on July 28, 2025, weeks before the Season 3 finale aired. This early renewal demonstrates the network's commitment to the series, which has consistently delivered strong ratings and critical acclaim. The decision was based on the undeniable viewership heights the series has achieved.

When Will Season 4 Premiere?

As of today, December 18, 2025, HBO has not announced an official release date for *The Gilded Age* Season 4. Based on the production schedules of previous seasons, which saw a gap of nearly two years between Season 1 (January 2022) and Season 2 (October 2023), and the mid-2025 premiere of Season 3, fans should prepare for a significant wait.

• Speculated Timeline: Given the time needed for writing, costume design, set construction, and the elaborate filming process, a premiere in late 2026 or 2027 is the most likely scenario.
• Recent Update: It is worth noting that the series was not featured in HBO's recent sizzle reel for its upcoming 2026 roster, which further supports a later release window.

The Core Cast Returning for Season 4

A period drama of this scale relies heavily on its ensemble cast, and thankfully, the vast majority of the star-studded lineup is expected to return to their roles for Season 4. The main conflicts—the social climb of Bertha Russell, the stoicism of Agnes van Rhijn, and the ambition of Peggy Scott—would be impossible without the actors who bring them to life.

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While no formal contracts have been confirmed for every single player, the central figures are considered locks to return, as their storylines are the very foundation of the show's success.

Expected Returning Main Cast Members:

• Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell
• Morgan Spector as George Russell
• Christine Baranski as Agnes van Rhijn
• Cynthia Nixon as Ada Brook
• Denée Benton as Peggy Scott
• Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook
• Audra McDonald as Dorothy Scott
• Nathan Lane as Ward McAllister
• Harry Richardson as Larry Russell
• Blake Ritson as Oscar van Rhijn

The series is known for its revolving door of Broadway legends, and fans can anticipate new, prominent historical figures and socialites being introduced to challenge or ally with the Russells and the Van Rhijns.

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7 Shocking Plot Twists and Predictions for The Gilded Age Season 4

The Season 3 finale delivered a series of massive game-changers, setting up a dramatically different landscape for 1880s New York society. Season 4 will be forced to confront the fallout from these events, promising a season of intense personal and social upheaval.

1. The Fate of George Russell and the Russell Marriage

The most immediate and terrifying cliffhanger involved George Russell, whose life was left hanging in the balance after a shocking incident. While one source suggests the immediate danger was resolved in the penultimate episode, the finale still left the Russell marriage in a precarious state. Speculation is rife that George's stress may lead to a potential laudanum problem or even an affair, which would be the ultimate test of Bertha's social ambition and their powerful partnership.

2. Bertha Russell’s New Social War

Having seemingly conquered the highest echelons of New York society, Bertha Russell's focus in Season 4 is predicted to shift. With her daughter Gladys pregnant, Bertha will now be maneuvering for her grandchild's future, potentially against the established Old Money families who still resent her. Her ambition knows no bounds, and the next social battle could involve international connections or even political influence to secure her family's legacy.

3. Peggy Scott’s Romantic and Professional Dilemma

The finale ended with a major romantic milestone for Peggy Scott, who received a proposal from William. However, Peggy's character arc has always been defined by her professional ambitions as a writer and her commitment to social justice. Season 4 will likely see her struggle to reconcile her desire for marriage and domestic life with her calling to her career, with some fans predicting she may ultimately turn down the proposal to prioritize her work.

4. The Unfolding of Marian and Larry’s Romance

The slow-burn romance between Marian Brook and Larry Russell is expected to take center stage. With the social barriers for their union seemingly lowered, Season 4 will deal with the practicalities of their relationship and the inevitable complications that arise from marrying into the Russell family, which is still viewed with suspicion by Agnes van Rhijn.

5. Agnes van Rhijn’s New Lease on Life

Following the major personal developments of Season 3, Agnes van Rhijn's world has been irrevocably changed. The staunch matriarch must now navigate a new reality that challenges her rigid view of the world. Her storyline is poised to explore her emotional vulnerability and her relationship with her newly complicated family dynamic, which is a major shift from her long-held position as the unmovable rock of Old New York.

6. The Rise of Gladys Russell and Her Pregnancy

Gladys Russell's pregnancy is a huge development that elevates her standing and secures the Russell line. Her storyline in Season 4 will focus on her transition into motherhood and her role as a young society wife, potentially giving her a new independence from her overbearing mother, Bertha. This could create new tension within the Russell household as Gladys begins to assert her own will.

7. The Long-Awaited Downton Abbey Crossover

Perhaps the most exciting speculation for Season 4 involves a potential crossover with Julian Fellowes's other masterpiece, *Downton Abbey*. Fellowes has repeatedly teased the possibility, suggesting that the timing could finally be right. The key opportunity arises from Gladys Russell's marriage and the possibility of her moving to England, which would geographically and narratively bridge the gap between the two worlds. While no official crossover is confirmed, the new season is the perfect time to drop an explicit reference or even introduce a character who will later appear in the *Downton Abbey* universe.

Topical Entities and Historical Context for Season 4

To maintain its topical authority, *The Gilded Age* must continue to anchor its drama in the real historical context of the 1880s. Season 4 is expected to delve deeper into several key societal and technological shifts:

• The Rise of Industry: Further exploration of George Russell's railway and steel empire, reflecting the massive industrial growth and the rise of American titans like Carnegie and Rockefeller.
• The Arts and Culture: Continued focus on the opera wars, the emergence of the Metropolitan Opera, and the influence of European culture on American high society.
• Social Justice and Reform: Peggy Scott's work will continue to highlight the struggles of the Black community in post-Civil War New York, focusing on education, publishing, and the early civil rights movement.
• Architecture and Opulence: The show will undoubtedly feature more of the lavish mansions, reflecting the "palace building" trend of Fifth Avenue that defined the era.

While the wait for *The Gilded Age* Season 4 will be long, the confirmed renewal and the explosive plot points left by the finale ensure that the return to New York will be worth every moment. Fans can expect more drama, more opulence, and a continued clash between the rigid traditions of the past and the ambitious future of the New World. Keep an eye on HBO's official channels for the first glimpse of a trailer or an official release date announcement, likely in the coming year.