The highly anticipated Gilded Age Season 3 premiered on HBO and Max on June 22, 2025, captivating audiences with its lavish depiction of 1880s New York high society. Created by Julian Fellowes, the mastermind behind Downton Abbey, this Emmy-winning drama dives deeper into the clash between old money and new wealth, weaving intricate stories of romance, ambition, and social change. Fans have been buzzing on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, sharing reactions to the season’s stunning costumes, dramatic plot twists, and new cast members. Let’s explore the latest developments surrounding Gilded Age Season 3, from its premiere highlights to what’s trending online.
Premiere Highlights and Plot Teasers
The season kicked off with a bang, drawing viewers into the opulent world of the Russells and van Rhijns. Gilded Age Season 3 picks up where Season 2 left off, focusing on Bertha Russell’s (Carrie Coon) ambition to secure her daughter Gladys’ (Taissa Farmiga) marriage to the Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb), despite her husband George’s (Morgan Spector) promise that Gladys can marry for love. This tension sets the stage for fiery conflicts within the Russell household. Meanwhile, across the street, Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) grapples with her diminished status as her sister Ada (Cynthia Nixon) inherits wealth, flipping their dynamic.
Social media is ablaze with clips from the premiere, especially a surprising opening scene set in Arizona’s Wild West, a bold departure from the Upper East Side’s grandeur. Instagram reels highlight Peggy Scott’s (Denée Benton) evolving storyline, as she navigates her career as a journalist and a new romance with Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica). YouTube reviews praise the show’s exploration of divorce, women’s liberation, and the Black elite’s role in Gilded Age society, with Newport, Rhode Island, serving as a key setting.
New Cast Members Steal the Spotlight
Gilded Age Season 3 introduces a stellar lineup of new actors, sparking excitement online. Phylicia Rashad joins as a formidable figure in the Black elite, clashing with Peggy’s mother, Dorothy (Audra McDonald). Other newcomers include Andrea Martin, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Leslie Uggams, Merritt Wever, and Bill Camp, each adding depth to the season’s sprawling narrative. Fans on Instagram have shared behind-the-scenes photos of Rashad and McDonald, celebrating their on-screen chemistry and powerful performances.
YouTube vlogs from the Tribeca Film Festival, where Episode 1 premiered from June 4 to June 15, 2025, showcase interviews with the cast. Carrie Coon teased “shocking twists” that left her stunned, while Christine Baranski hinted at Agnes’ struggle with her “fall from grace.” These snippets have fueled speculation about major plot developments, with fans predicting scandals and betrayals. The returning cast, including Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook and Morgan Spector as George Russell, continues to shine, with their chemistry trending in fan edits across social platforms.
Key Point Summary:
- Gilded Age Season 3 premiered June 22, 2025, on HBO and Max.
- New cast includes Phylica Rashad, Andrea Martin, and more.
- Plot focuses on Russell family tensions and Peggy’s romance.
- Newport, Rhode Island, and Wild West settings add fresh visuals.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Reactions
Critics and fans alike are raving about Gilded Age Season 3. Early reviews on Rotten Tomatoes gave the season a perfect 100% score, praising its balance of drama and lighthearted moments. YouTube recaps highlight the show’s sumptuous production design, with grand balls and intricate costumes stealing the show. Instagram fan accounts have posted memes about Bertha’s ruthless social climbing, while others applaud Peggy’s empowerment arc, calling her a standout character.
The season’s weekly release schedule, with episodes airing every Sunday through August 10, 2025, keeps anticipation high. Episode titles like “Who Is In Charge Here?” and “Love Is Never Easy” have surfaced online, hinting at power struggles and romantic hurdles. Social media discussions also focus on the show’s historical accuracy, with Fellowes collaborating with Newport historians to depict the Black elite’s role authentically. Fans on YouTube have shared video essays analyzing the show’s themes of class, race, and gender, cementing its cultural impact.
What’s Next for Gilded Age Season 3?
As Gilded Age Season 3 unfolds, viewers are eager to see how the Russells’ marriage weathers their latest conflict and whether Marian and Larry Russell’s (Harry Richardson) budding romance will survive societal pressures. Instagram polls ask fans to predict who will rise or fall in New York’s hierarchy, with many betting on Peggy’s ascent. YouTube spoilers suggest a major character faces financial ruin, keeping audiences on edge.
HBO has not yet announced a Season 4, but the show’s strong ratings and critical praise make renewal likely. For now, fans can catch up on Seasons 1 and 2 on Max, where the first season has nine episodes and the second has eight. The buzz around Gilded Age Season 3 shows no signs of slowing, with social media driving its popularity among new and returning viewers.
Don’t miss the drama! Stream Gilded Age Season 3 on Max every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT, and join the conversation online to share your predictions and favorite moments.