'The Gilded Age' Will Return For a Well Dressed Third Season of Drama

Mere days after its second season finale aired, HBO has announced that period drama The Gilded Age will officially return for a third season. Set in the upper echelons of late nineteenth-century New York society, The Gilded Age chronicles the clash between the old money elites of Manhattan, represented by families like the Astors and Vanderbilts, with the up-and-coming nouveau riche strivers who made their wealth through industry.

Season 2 concluded in particularly grand and dramatic fashion, with the nouveau riche Bertha Russell scoring a social victory over her dismissive rivals by backing the opening of the Metropolitan Opera, securing the attendance of a literal duke alongside her in her central box, and possibly marrying her daughter off to him as well. (We'll have to see what Season 3 brings on that score.) Elsewhere, the fortunes of the more traditional Van Rhijn household literally flipped after Agnes' son Oscar lost the family fortune, and Ada gained them a new one thanks to her tragically brief marriage to the kind Reverend Forte. Also, Marion Brook and Larry Russell finally shared a kiss.

“We’re so proud of what Julian Fellowes and The Gilded Age family have achieved," Francesca Orsi, EVP, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, said in a statement. "From the costumes to the production design and performances, the show has captivated so many week after week. Along with our partners at Universal Television, we are thrilled to continue this grand tale for a third season.”