The Gilded Age Season 4: Everything We Know About The 2026 Premiere And The Russell’s Shocking Divorce

The Gilded Age Season 3 has officially concluded its run on HBO and Max, with the finale airing in August 2025, leaving fans reeling from a series of shocking twists, most notably the unexpected fate of the Russell marriage. As of today, December 18, 2025, the most pressing question for viewers is not about the Season 3 release date, which has passed, but the highly anticipated return of the period drama for a fourth season. The good news is that HBO has already confirmed the renewal, and while an official release date remains unannounced, all signs point to a spectacular return in 2026, with production updates and casting news beginning to surface. The third season, which premiered on June 22, 2025, deepened the social wars between old money and new money in 1880s New York City, pitting the formidable Bertha Russell against the established elite like Agnes van Rhijn. However, the true drama of the season finale, "My Mind Is Made Up," centered on a personal crisis for the New Money titans, setting the stage for an explosive Season 4.

The Gilded Age Season 3: Cast, Production, and Shocking Finale Recap

The third season of Julian Fellowes' opulent historical drama was an eight-episode run that delivered on its promise of grand balls, social maneuvering, and profound personal change.

Key Cast and New Entrants for Season 3

The core ensemble of the series returned, maintaining the dynamic tension between the established Van Rhijn/Brook household and the ambitious Russell family.

• Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell
• Morgan Spector as George Russell
• Christine Baranski as Agnes van Rhijn
• Cynthia Nixon as Ada Forte (formerly Ada Brook)
• Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook
• Denée Benton as Peggy Scott
• Taissa Farmiga as Gladys Russell

Season 3 also saw an influx of celebrated Broadway and television talent, adding significant topical authority and new plot threads to the narrative. New cast members included:

• Phylicia Rashad
• Brian Stokes Mitchell (Guest Star)
• Victoria Clark
• Jordan Donica
• Bill Camp
• Merritt Wever
• Leslie Uggams
• LisaGay Hamilton
• Dylan Baker (as Dr. Logan)
• Kate Baldwin (as Nancy Adams Bell)

Production Timeline and Filming Locations

The series was officially renewed for a third season in December 2023. Filming commenced in New York in June 2024 and wrapped up in January 2025, ensuring a swift turnaround for the summer 2025 premiere. The production continued to utilize stunning historical locations, including Troy, NY, which doubles for 1880s New York City, though production designer Bob Shaw noted the difficulty of finding new, suitable mansions for filming.

The Season 3 Finale: A Marriage on the Rocks

The finale, "My Mind Is Made Up," provided resolution for some characters while introducing a seismic shift for others. * The Russell's Divorce: The most talked-about event was the dramatic split between Bertha Russell and George Russell. After years of being a united front against Old New York, the finale saw the powerful couple heading for the divorce courts. This unexpected development promises to redefine the social landscape of the show, as a single Bertha will be an even more formidable—and perhaps more vulnerable—social player. * Agnes van Rhijn's New Role: After a period of personal misfortune, the staunch Agnes van Rhijn saw her luck begin to change. She was asked to become the vice president of the New York Heritage Society, offering her a new purpose and a fresh source of social power. * George Russell's Fate: George Russell's legal troubles, which had been a major source of tension, were determined in the finale, though the full implications of the verdict will carry into the next season. * Peggy Scott's Setback: The ambitious writer and activist Peggy Scott faced an "unhappy surprise," complicating her professional and personal life just as she seemed to be finding her footing.

The Gilded Age Season 4: Renewal Status and 2026 Release Speculation

The good news for fans is that the story of the Russells and the Van Rhijns is far from over.

Official Season 4 Renewal

HBO officially renewed *The Gilded Age* for a fourth season on July 28, 2025, only a day after the sixth episode of Season 3 had aired. This early renewal demonstrates HBO's confidence in the series and its creator, Julian Fellowes. The show has consistently been a critical and audience favorite, cementing its place as a flagship period drama for the network.

When Will Season 4 Premiere? The 2026 Timeline

While a definitive, official release date for *The Gilded Age* Season 4 has not been announced by HBO, the consistent production schedule of the previous seasons allows for educated speculation. * Current Status: As of late 2025, the series is in the early stages of pre-production or possibly early filming. The Season 3 finale aired in August 2025, and the renewal was announced in July 2025. * The 2026 Teaser: In mid-December 2025, HBO dropped a teaser for its 2026 slate of programming, and *The Gilded Age* was included in the lineup. This strongly suggests a premiere sometime in the 2026 calendar year. * Historical Precedent: The gap between Season 1 (January 2022) and Season 2 (October 2023) was nearly two years, partly due to production logistics. The gap between Season 2 and Season 3 (June 2025) was about a year and a half. Given the early renewal and the typical production schedule for a show of this scale, a late 2026 premiere is the most likely scenario. Fans should anticipate a return in the Fall or Winter of 2026.

Anticipating the Next Chapter: Plotlines and Character Arcs for Season 4

The dramatic conclusion of Season 3 has provided a wealth of material for Julian Fellowes to explore in the upcoming fourth season. The central themes will undoubtedly revolve around the fallout of the Russell's separation and the continuing struggle for social dominance.

The New Battlefront: Bertha vs. George Russell

The divorce proceedings between Bertha and George Russell will be the centerpiece of Season 4's social drama. Bertha's entire identity has been tied to her role as the wife of the powerful George Russell, and her quest for social acceptance has been a joint effort. * Bertha's Autonomy: A single Bertha will have to navigate New York society on her own terms, possibly making her more ruthless and independent than ever before. Will she use her newfound freedom to achieve her ultimate goal of an opera house box, or will the scandal of a divorce set her back? * George's Power: George Russell, a titan of industry, will face the social and financial ramifications of a high-profile divorce. This storyline will explore the vulnerability of even the most powerful men in the face of personal scandal in the Gilded Age.

The Van Rhijn/Brook Household's Evolution

The Van Rhijn household is also poised for major changes, particularly with the rise of Ada Forte. * Ada's New Status: Following her surprise marriage and subsequent inheritance, Ada Forte has transitioned from a dependent relative to a woman of independent means. Her new role as vice president of the New York Heritage Society will give her a platform that contrasts sharply with Agnes van Rhijn's traditional views. * Marian's Romance: Marian Brook's romantic entanglements and her desire for a meaningful life beyond social expectations will continue to drive her arc. The new season is expected to further explore her relationship with a suitable—or perhaps unsuitable—suitor.

Peggy Scott's Professional and Personal Journey

Peggy Scott's storyline remains one of the most compelling, focusing on the African American elite in the 1880s and the challenges of being a Black woman writer and activist. * The Unhappy Surprise: The setback Peggy faced in the Season 3 finale will likely form the basis of her Season 4 arc. Fans are eager to see how she overcomes this new obstacle, potentially with the help of her editor, T. Thomas Fortune, or her mother, Dorothy Scott. * Journalism and Activism: Season 4 will continue to explore the burgeoning civil rights movement and the role of Black journalists in New York, adding a crucial layer of historical depth to the series. The anticipation for *The Gilded Age* Season 4 is immense. While the immediate question of the Season 3 release date is now history, the promise of a 2026 return, coupled with the dramatic cliffhangers of the finale, ensures that the opulent world of Julian Fellowes' drama will continue to dominate water cooler conversations for the foreseeable future. Keep an eye on HBO and Max announcements for the official 2026 premiere date.