The Gilded Age Season 3: Everything You Need To Know About The Premiere Date, Cast, And Shocking Plot

The Gilded Age Season 3 is officially here, and the battle for supremacy in New York’s high society has never been fiercer. The much-anticipated third installment of Julian Fellowes' opulent historical drama has returned, promising more dazzling balls, high-stakes financial maneuvers, and personal scandals than ever before. This article, updated for December 15, 2025, provides all the confirmed details, including the official release date, a full breakdown of the returning and new cast, and the juicy plotlines set to unfold.

The series, which captures the collision of old money and new ambition in the 1880s, was renewed for a third season shortly after the success of its second. Fans no longer have to speculate, as HBO and Max have confirmed that the saga of the Russells and the van Rhijn-Brooks is back to shake up the social calendar and the foundations of New York City.

The Official Premiere Date and Episode Count

The waiting game is finally over for fans of the period drama. The official premiere date for The Gilded Age Season 3 was Sunday, June 22, 2025.

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The new season debuted at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and is available to stream on Max.

• Premiere Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025
• Network: HBO and Max
• Episode Count: Season 3 consists of eight episodes, continuing the show's tradition of tightly plotted drama.
• Release Schedule: New episodes are dropping weekly every Sunday, leading up to the season finale.

The third season's return is a clear sign of the show's enduring popularity and its ability to capture the imagination of viewers with its stunning costumes, lavish sets, and compelling drama centered on the "New Money" Russells attempting to break into the exclusive world of "Old Money" New York society, led by the formidable Agnes van Rhijn. The new installment is set to pick up right where the previous season's climactic events left off.

The Main Cast and Character Profiles for Season 3

The heart of The Gilded Age lies in its phenomenal ensemble cast, featuring Broadway legends and celebrated dramatic actors. All the major players are returning for Season 3, along with several exciting new additions to stir the pot of New York society. This section serves as a comprehensive profile guide to the key players and their status as the new season begins.

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The Russell Household (New Money)

• Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell: The ambitious wife of the railroad tycoon. Season 3 sees Bertha finally taking her place at the head of society, but her ambition will continue to collide with the established order, hinting at new scandals.
• Morgan Spector as George Russell: The powerful and ruthless railroad magnate. His business ventures are rumored to take a massive, high-stakes gamble with the railroad, which could put the family's financial security at risk and potentially involve his son, Larry.
• Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook: Agnes's niece, caught between the old world and the new. Her romantic entanglements and desire for independence will be major focal points.
• Taissa Farmiga as Gladys Russell: Bertha and George's daughter. Having made her society debut, Gladys is now navigating the marriage market and seeking her own agency, potentially against her mother's wishes.
• Harry Richardson as Larry Russell: The Russell's architect son. Rumors suggest Larry will be involved in a dramatic plotline with Charlotte Astor and a potential financial arrangement that ties him to a new family.

The van Rhijn-Brook Household (Old Money)

• Christine Baranski as Agnes van Rhijn: The staunch defender of old New York and Marian's aunt. The official plot summary indicates the van Rhijn household will be "thrown into chaos," suggesting a major event will challenge Agnes's rigid control.
• Cynthia Nixon as Ada Forte (née Brook): Marian's kind-hearted aunt. Following her marriage to the Reverend Matthew Forte in Season 2, Ada is now a married woman, and her new life will undoubtedly be a source of drama for the traditionally-minded Agnes.

The Scott Household

• Denée Benton as Peggy Scott: The talented writer and Marian's friend. Season 3 will see Peggy venturing into several new and exciting plot developments, continuing her career and activism in the Black elite community of New York.
• Audra McDonald as Dorothy Scott: Peggy's mother. Her relationship with Peggy and her husband, Arthur Scott, remains a key emotional storyline.

New Cast Members for Season 3

In November 2024, HBO announced several high-profile additions, ensuring the new season brings fresh faces and new conflicts to the Upper East Side:

• Dylan Baker
• Kate Baldwin
• Michael Cumpsty
• John Ellison Conlee
• Bobby Steggert
• Kelley Curran as Mrs. Enid Winterton, a recent widow with a mysterious past.

The Shocking Plotlines and Historical Events to Expect

The official logline for The Gilded Age Season 3 promises that "ambition and scandal collide," which is the very essence of the show. The narrative will continue to weave fictional drama with real-life historical milestones of the period, providing a rich tapestry of 1880s New York.

The Russell's Social Triumph and Financial Risk

Bertha Russell’s ascent to the pinnacle of society is complete, but maintaining that position is a new challenge. Her focus will shift from merely gaining acceptance to wielding influence. Meanwhile, George Russell’s business empire faces a new threat. His high-stakes gamble on the railroad could lead to financial ruin, forcing his children, Gladys and Larry, into difficult decisions to protect the family name. This plotline underscores the volatile nature of the "Gilded Age" wealth.

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Chaos in the van Rhijn Household

The most intriguing hint is the promise of the van Rhijn household being "thrown into chaos." This could stem from Agnes's reaction to Ada's new marriage, Marian's rebellious spirit, or a major financial reversal that threatens their 'Old Money' security. The introduction of new characters and the ongoing pressure from the 'New Money' faction will test Agnes's resolve like never before.

Peggy Scott’s New Ventures and Historical Context

Peggy Scott's storyline remains one of the most compelling, focusing on the Black elite and the burgeoning Civil Rights movement. Season 3 will see Peggy engaging in new professional ventures, likely related to her writing and activism. Julian Fellowes' show is known for tackling significant historical issues, and the new season is set to explore:

• The Temperance Movement: The growing push for the prohibition of alcohol, a major social reform effort of the era.
• Divorce and Women's Rights: The struggle to obtain a divorce and the broader conversation around women's autonomy and legal rights in the late 19th century.
• The Statue of Liberty: The laying of the cornerstone for the Statue of Liberty was a major event in the 1880s, which could provide a backdrop for a major society fundraiser or a plot point for George Russell.
• Coney Island's First Rollercoaster: The opening of the first rollercoaster on Coney Island symbolizes the new forms of entertainment and the changing social landscape that the Old Money elite are struggling to accept.

Scandal and Romance

As always, romance and scandal are at the forefront. Rumors of a major scandal involving Mrs. Astor and her oldest daughter, Charlotte Astor, are circulating, suggesting that even the most established families are not immune to the social pressures of the time. Marian Brook’s romantic life remains a key interest, with the new season exploring whether true romance can survive in an age where status and money reign supreme.

Topical Authority and The Gilded Age's Legacy

The Gilded Age is more than just a costume drama; it is a meticulously researched exploration of a pivotal period in American history. Creator Julian Fellowes, known for Downton Abbey, continues to use the clash between the Russells and the van Rhijn-Brooks to illustrate the shift in power from inherited status to industrial wealth. The show's commitment to historical accuracy, from the Newport Mansions to the intricate social rules, solidifies its position as a leading historical drama. The introduction of entities like the Temperance Movement, the Statue of Liberty, and the burgeoning New York society events reinforces the topical authority of Season 3, making it a must-watch for history buffs and drama fans alike. The eight-episode run ensures a fast-paced, high-impact season that will undoubtedly be the talk of the town, both on and off-screen, as the battle for supremacy continues.