Headline:
‘HBO’s “The Gilded Age” Breaks Viewership Records as Season 3 Escalates Society Warfare’
Byline: Samantha Shafiq
HBOβs acclaimed period drama The Gilded Age has stormed back with its third season, shattering records as 2.7 million U.S. viewers streamed its premiere across platforms in just three days. The series, created by Downton Abbey mastermind Julian Fellowes, returned June 22, plunging audiences into 1880s New Yorkβs cutthroat battle between old and new money.
Following the climactic “Opera War,” the Russell family now threatens to dethrone the entrenched elite. A newly released synopsis teases high-stakes maneuvers: Social climber Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) pursues a power grab to cement her familyβs status, while railroad magnate George Russell (Morgan Spector) risks ruin with an industry-transforming gamble. Meanwhile, the van Rhijn-Brook household descends into chaos as Agnes (Christine Baranski) resists ceding authority to her sister Ada (Cynthia Nixon). The season promises escalating conflicts where “ambition may come at the cost of what [characters] truly hold dear.”
Key Details for Viewers:
- Release Schedule: New episodes air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and stream simultaneously on Max.
- Next Episode: July 6 (Episode 3).
- Season Structure: 8 episodes total, culminating in an August 10 finale.
- Full Schedule: Episodes 3β8 release weekly through August 10. Episodes 1β2 are now streaming.
- Where to Watch: Max (all seasons available).
Ensemble Cast Highlights:
Returning stars include Carrie Coon, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Morgan Spector, and Louisa Jacobson, alongside DenΓ©e Benton, Taissa Farmiga, and over 20 prominent supporting actors. [Full cast guide here.]
The official Season 3 trailer debuted June 3 on Max, showcasing the lavish production and simmering tensions ahead. For further updates, subscribe to entertainment newsletters like USA TODAYβs Watch Party.
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