'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.”

The renewal news comes after the drama scored solid — and steadily increasing — ratings for its second season. Total premiere-night viewing for the second season grew for six consecutive weeks, culminating in a series high for the Season 2 finale. 

The series sprawling ensemble cast includes Carrie Coon, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson, Denée Benton, Ben Ahlers, Michael Cerveris, Kelley Curran, Taissa Farmiga, Jack Gilpin, Simon Jones, Sullivan Jones, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Debra Monk, Donna Murphy, Kristine Nielsen, Kelli O’Hara, Patrick Page, Harry Richardson, Taylor Richardson, Blake Ritson, Douglas Sills, Erin Wilhelmi, Nathan Lane, Audra McDonald, John Douglas Thompson, Ashlie Atkinson, Laura Benanti, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Christopher Denham, David Furr, Ward Horton, and Matilda Lawler. 

There's no word yet on what sort of story Season 3 might encompass, but since the show's second made rich narrative work out of a social debate over which rich family would attend which lavish opera house opening, literally anything feels possible. 

“There is much more story to tell with The Gilded Age," Erin Underhill, Universal Television president, said. "We’re delighted that HBO is giving fans another season of Julian Fellowes’ incredible storytelling. The cast and crew put so much of their heart and soul into the last two seasons, and we’re so proud that all this hard work is paying off with another season…you won’t want to miss what’s next!”

The Gilded Age is created, written, and executive produced by Downton Abbey's Julian Fellowes. Sonja Warfield also serves as writer and executive producer, while Michael Engler is both a director and an executive producer. Gareth Neame, David Crockett, Bob Greenblatt, and Salli Richardson-Whitfield also executive produce. The show is a co-production between HBO and Universal Television.

Seasons 1 and 2 of The Gilded Age are currently available to stream on Max.