Julian Fellowes, one of the best writers of the historical genre, has produced another masterpiece. The creator of “Downton Abbey” has given us a new television obsession with “The Gilded Age” on HBO. The Gilded Age is about how Marian Brook’s life is upended when she is sent to New York to live with her affluent aunts in the 19th century. Every day, Marian faces tensions between her desire to embrace modernity and her family’s adherence to more traditional values.
To get you ready for the season 2 premiere of the lavish series, The Digital Fix has compiled all you need to know about the first season, which detailed the war between old and new money-rocking American society. Everything you want to know about The Gilded Age season 2, including when it will be available, the actors, the plot, and a trailer, is right here.
The Gilded Age Season 2 Renewal Status
On February 14, 2022, HBO confirmed the second season order for The Gilded Age. The Gilded Age had brought in big numbers for the network, even topping the 2021 HBO smash hit The White Lotus. Thankfully, the writers and producers of The Gilded Age had already begun working on Season 2 when the renewal was announced. Season 2 of The Gilded Age can now begin production in 2022 as the return date has been set. HBO’s vp of programming, Francesca Orsi, was effusive in her support of the show’s renewal (via The Digital Fix).
The Gilded Age Season 2 Release Date
Nathan Lane, who plays society judge Ward McAllister, recently shared some Gilded Age season 2 news that may have shed light on when we may expect to see it. After being asked about Season 2, he stated, “Season 2 won’t be going on until September… But in a way, that’s just like being a part of an outstanding repertory troupe. Many long-lost loved ones and dear pals. The first date for the show’s return to HBO Max has been announced.
The Gilded Age Cast and characters
- Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell, is determined to use her money and position to break into a polite society that resists change at every turn
- Morgan Spector as George Russell, Bertha’s husband and a classic robber baron representing “new money”
- Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook, a penniless young gentlewoman whose circumstances force her to live with her estranged aunts
- Denée Benton as Peggy Scott, a young ambitious African-American writer who works as Agnes’ secretary
- Taissa Farmiga as Gladys Russell, innocent and naïve, yet ready to be treated as an adult
- Harry Richardson as Larry Russell, a recent Harvard University graduate eager to make his way in the world
- Blake Ritson as Oscar van Rhijn, Agnes’ intelligent and charismatic son who is looking for a rich heiress to guarantee him a proper standard of living and act as a shield for his homosexuality.
- Thomas Cocquerel as Tom Raikes, a sensible young lawyer, smitten when he meets Marian, his late client’s orphaned daughter
- Simon Jones as Mr. Bannister, the Van Rhijns’ self-aggrandizing English butler who keeps the rest of the staff in check
- Jack Gilpin as Mr. Church, the Russell family’s butler, a supporter of Mrs. Russell, excelling at his job
- Cynthia Nixon as Ada Brook, Agnes’ sister who is reliant upon her charity
- Christine Baranski as Agnes van Rhijn (née Brook), a proud and stubborn old money socialite, head of the Brook house
- Kelli O’Hara as Aurora Fane, Agnes’ niece by marriage who helps Mrs. Russell break into society
- Donna Murphy as Caroline Schermerhorn Astor, a prominent American socialite and leader of the elite group of New York society known as “The Four Hundred”
- Debra Monk as Mrs. Armstrong, Mrs. Van Rhijn’s lady’s maid
- Kristine Nielsen as Mrs. Bauer, cook for Mrs. Van Rhijn, taking young Bridget under her wing
- Taylor Richardson as Bridget, the Van Rhijn housemaid, troubled by an abusive past
- Ben Ahlers as John “Jack” Treacher, footman of the Van Rhijn household
- Kelley Curran as Miss Turner, Bertha’s ambitious lady’s maid, who does not intend to be a servant all her days. She is fired at the end of season 1.
- Douglas Sills as Monsieur Baudin, the chef of the Russell household who initially presents himself as French before it is revealed that he is Josh Borden from Wichita, Kansas.
- Celia Keenan-Bolger as Mrs. Bruce, the Russell’s new housekeeper
- Michael Cerveris as Mr. Watson, George Russell’s valet
- Erin Wilhelmi as Adelheid, Gladys Russell’s lady’s maid
The Gilded Age Season 2 Plotline
Season 2 of The Gilded Age has not yet been formally announced, but we can make educated guesses based on Season 1’s happenings. In the prior season, accomplished African-American woman Peggy Scott helped Marian Brook defy her family’s expectations. Their deeds sparked a social war that played out over nine engrossing episodes, with railroad magnate George Russell and his wife Bertha at the center of it all.
Marian was left devastated by Tom Raikes’ departure at the end of Season 1. It’s unclear if Season 2 will show Marian making time for self-improvement or turning to Larry Russell for solace. The combination of intense feelings and romantic intrigue will keep viewers glued to their screens.
The story of Peggy Scott and her quest for her missing baby is also likely to develop further in Season 2. Contrary to her father’s falsified account of the child’s death, it was revealed that Peggy’s child was alive and surreptitiously adopted. The journey that Peggy and her mother take to Philadelphia in search of the mother’s son is an intriguing storyline that will certainly play a significant role in the future season.
The Gilded Age Season 2 Trailer
A 2023 Max teaser film gave us our first peek at the upcoming season of The Gilded Age, even if there is still no official trailer for the entire second season.
The Gilded Age Season 2 Episodes
The following season will likely follow the same format as the last one, with nine episodes that each run for between 46 and 80 minutes.
Where can I watch The Gilded Age?
Season 2 of The Gilded Age will premiere exclusively on HBO Max, joining the first season there. The ad-supported membership starts at $10 per month, while the ad-free membership is $15 per month. HBO Max has a huge library spanning several genres, and subscribers can select the plan that best suits their needs. The episodes can be rented or purchased on Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, Vudu, and Google Play, among other streaming video services.