This article contains spoilers for The Gilded Age season 3, episode 6, “If You Want to Cook an Omelette.”
After the shocking events that HBO’s period drama just went through,The Gilded Ageseason 4 just got a massive update. Heading into its fourth installment, the Julian Fellowes-created series bulked up its cast on the heels of enjoying a bigger spotlight and a noticeable increase in audience attention in the aftermath ofThe Gilded Ageseason 2 ending.
That increase has built up duringseason 3, with the Emmy-nominated drama consistently boasting record-breaking ratings from one week to the next. This has been accompanied by big storyline swings that have left the audience buzzing.
On the heels of a shocking character death in its most recent episode,HBOhas announced thatThe Gilded Ageseason 4 has been officially ordered by the network. The news also comes just a few weeks ahead of the show’s season 3 finale on August 10. HBO Programming’s EVP Francesca Orsi wrote about the critical acclaim and major viewership growth in a statement on the renewal:
We couldn’t be prouder of the undeniable viewership heights The Gilded Age has achieved this season. Transporting us to 1880s New York City, Julian Fellowes and the enormously talented cast and crew have created a “cant-miss it” entertainment experience from week to week, and we’re delighted to continue exploring these characters’ grand ambitions for what we promise will be a thrilling fourth season.
Universal Television President Erin Underhill, who co-produces the show with HBO and Neamo Film and Television, also celebratedThe Gilded Age’s continued success and renewal with the following statement:
Thanks to Julian and the phenomenally talented cast and crew, each season of The Gilded Age delivers stories rich in drama and history, stellar performances and stunning production value. Every moment spent in this world and with these characters only deepens our love for the show, and we’re so happy that our partners at HBO and audiences around the world are clamoring for more.
What This Means For The Gilded Age
The Ratings Boosts Say It All
The Gilded Agehas bucked the overall trend of many comedies and dramas. While most shows establish their core audience early on, slipping and increasing to modest degrees, the HBO hit has gone from strength to strength. It has won an Emmy, been nominated for six more, and it has grown its audience significantly for season 3.
The show has increased for five straight weeks. The fifth installment reached four million viewers in its first three days, boosted by an increase on HBO Max.The Gilded Age, on the whole, is up by 20%. It also comes after a major shake-up toThe Gilded Age’s large castof characters, withthe unexpected death of John Adams in episode 6.
It matchesa similar trend toThe White Lotusseason 3, which enjoyed its biggest audience to date. But that resort dramedy, with a hint of murder, has experienced a relatively steady growth.The Gilded Age, on the other hand, is finally becoming the major HBO original that it always had the potential to be.
Our Take On The Gilded Age’s Success
It Makes Sense
Hailing as it does from the creator ofDownton Abbey, and bolstered by HBO’s production values, the gossipy period drama was infused with breakout potential. After a strong third season, building toThe Gilded Ageseason 3, episode 6, it is finally coming together.
The Gilded Ageseason 3 airs Sundays at 9 PM ET on HBO and streams on HBO Max
The Gilded Age
Cast
The Gilded Age, set in 1882 during a time of economic prosperity, follows Marian Brook, an orphaned Southern general’s daughter, as she moves to New York City. She navigates society’s complexities with her aunts and Peggy Scott, an African-American masquerading as her maid, amidst the city’s opulent elite.
