The long wait is almost over for The Gilded Age Season 2!
In what promises to be an exciting continuation of the American period drama, Julian Fellowes, known for Downton Abbey, returns with this much-anticipated second season. HBO recently announced the official premiere date, revealing a new plot summary and an enticing trailer brimming with drama and opulence.
Mark Your Calendars: The Gilded Age Season 2, Episode 1 Release Date
The historical drama is set to premiere on Sunday, October 29, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, with streaming available on HBO Max. This eight-episode season is bound to plunge viewers once more into the lavish and turbulent world of late 19th-century New York City.
The Gilded Age Season 1 Recap
As we gear up for the second season, let’s take a moment to revisit the sumptuous world of the first season. Set in the iconic Gilded Age of the 1880s in New York City, Season 1 introduced viewers to a period marked by immense societal change, where old traditions clashed with new systems, and fortunes were rapidly made and lost.
The complex storyline wove through the lives of various characters, each grappling with their ambitions, secrets, and desires amidst the ever-changing landscape of high society. With romance, betrayal, intriguing characters, stunning costumes, and Julian Fellowes’ intelligent scripts, The Gilded Age showcased great potential, particularly with its talented ensemble cast and production team.
In Season 1, we followed young Marian Brook, who moved from rural Pennsylvania to New York City after her father’s death to live with her old-money aunts, Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook. Alongside her was Peggy Scott, an aspiring writer seeking a fresh start. Marian soon found herself caught in a social war between one of her aunts and the super-wealthy Russells—George, a ruthless railroad tycoon, and his ambitious wife, Bertha.
The Official Synopsis of Season 2
The American Gilded Age was a time of significant economic change, marked by conflicts between old traditions and new systems, and fortunes being made and lost. Season 2 kicks off on Easter morning in 1883, with Bertha Russell facing rejection in her bid for a box at the Academy of Music. Throughout the season, we’ll watch her challenge Mrs. Astor and the high society norms as she aims to secure her place.
Meanwhile, George Russell deals with increasing tensions at his Pittsburgh steel plant. In the Brook House, Marian continues her secret teaching job at a girls’ school, while Ada unexpectedly begins a new romance, much to Agnes’ disapproval. Over in Brooklyn, the Scott family starts to heal from a shocking revelation, and Peggy finds herself drawn to activism through her work with T. Thomas Fortune at the New York Globe.
The Gilded Age Season 2 Cast
The second season boasts a large ensemble cast, both new and returning members:
– Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell
– Morgan Spector as George Russell
– Christine Baranski as Agnes van Rhijn
– Cynthia Nixon as Ada Brook
– Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook
– Denée Benton as Peggy Scott
– Taissa Farmiga as Gladys Russell
– Harry Richardson as Larry Russell
– Blake Ritson as Oscar Van Rhijn
– Plus many others.
The Gilded Age Season 2 Trailer
The new trailer teases a brewing societal war, offering glimpses of the drama, intrigue, and elegance that await in the second season.
What We Hope to See
As the countdown to the premiere continues, here’s what we hope to see in the new season. More romance between characters would be wonderful, given Julian Fellowes’ knack for creating memorable TV couples. We also look forward to focusing on the core female characters: Bertha Russell, Agnes van Rhijn, Ada Brook, Marian Brook, and Peggy Scott.
Additionally, we’d love to see more of the “downstairs” group, mirroring the dynamic seen in Downton Abbey. However, we hope to avoid unnecessary nudity or explicit scenes, as the small amount in Season 1 felt out of place.
Here’s to hoping HBO allows Julian Fellowes to excel at what he does best: crafting period dramas full of wit and style.
