Plot Synopsis

Created, written, and executive produced by Julian Fellowes, THE GILDED AGE is a period drama that begins in 1882 with young Marian Brook moving from rural Pennsylvania to New York City after the death of her father to live with her thoroughly old money aunts Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook. Accompanied by Peggy Scott, an aspiring writer seeking a fresh start, Marian inadvertently becomes enmeshed in a social war between one of her aunts, a scion of the old money set, and her stupendously rich neighbors, a ruthless railroad tycoon and his ambitious wife, George and Bertha Russell. Exposed to a world on the brink of the modern age, will Marian follow the established rules of society, or forge her own path? The American Gilded Age was a period of immense economic change, of great conflict between the old ways and brand new systems, and of huge fortunes made and lost. Episodes include:

"Never the New" (Monday, January 24, 2022): 1882. After the death of her father and accompanied by Peggy Scott, Marian Brook travels to New York to live with her aristocratic aunts, Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook. Meanwhile, determined to break into society, ruthless tycoon George Russell and his ambitious wife Bertha move their family into a lavish mansion across the street and prepare to throw their first soiree.

"Money Isn't Everything" (Monday, January 31, 2022): Tom Raikes' visit to New York delights Marian but worries aunt Agnes. An increasingly desperate Peggy seeks legal advice from Mr. Raikes, George takes steps to further his latest business plans, Oscar van Rhijn homes in on young Gladys Russell, and a charity bazaar becomes the source of a dramatic stand after Bertha is slighted.

"Face the Music" (Monday, February 7, 2022): An unfortunate development finds George's new rail station under threat. Despite Agnes' warnings, Marian continues to see Mr. Raikes, who lays his ambitions bare. Peggy learns that a publisher is interested in her stories. At a talk given by Clara Barton, Ada reunites with a childhood friend. Oscar grows attached to his plan, while Jack invites Bridget to a show.

"A Long Ladder" (Monday, February 14, 2022): In the aftermath of a tragedy, George makes a deal to help Bertha. Peggy gets an assignment from publisher T. Thomas Fortune, but a dinner with her parents ends on a sour note. Marian learns more about the mysterious Mrs. Chamberlain. Bannister's visit to the Russell house has a lasting impact on the staff. Bridget shares her dark secret with Mrs. Bauer.

"Charity Has Two Functions" (Monday, February 21, 2022): George and Bertha extend an invite to a young man who's piqued Gladys' interest. After charming Mr. McAllister, Bertha accompanies Marian and Aurora to hear Clara Barton speak in Dansville. There, Peggy works on her article and shares the story of her first love with Marian, whose interest in Mr. Raikes continues to grow. Oscar crosses paths with a vengeful Turner.

"Heads Have Rolled for Less" (Monday, February 28, 2022): Bertha goes all out at a luncheon to impress Mr. McAllister, enlisting the help of Bannister who rubs Church the wrong way. George fights to protect his public image, while Agnes' status quo is disrupted. As Marian debates her feelings, Mrs. Chamberlain makes her an offer. Gladys bonds with a new friend. Armstrong intensifies her campaign against Peggy.

"Irresistible Change" (Monday, March 7, 2022): As the city buzzes over Edison's electricity demonstration, Bertha plans a picnic that involves Mr. Raikes -- but not Marian. Agnes entreats her niece to protect the family's reputation. George prepares for a legal battle as he bristles over Larry's career ambitions. Bannister plots his revenge. Turner gets an unwelcome surprise.

"Tucked Up in Newport" (Monday, March 14, 2022): During her first visit to Newport, Bertha follows Mr. McCallister's lead but is soon reminded of her place. Oscar's pursuit of Gladys is threatened by a familiar presence. George gets his day in court. Worried about Armstrong's interference, Peggy reveals her past. Marian makes a decision about her romantic future. Bridget follows Jack across the city.

"Let the Tournament Begin" (Season 1 finale; Monday, March 21, 2022): As Marian prepares to embark on a new adventure, Ada and Aurora rush to stop her before it's too late. With Gladys' debut ball fast approaching, the clash between Bertha and Mrs. Astor has consequences for all of New York society. The discovery of a shocking letter changes everything for Peggy. Baudin lays out his double life.
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The eight-episode second season of THE GILDED AGE premieres on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at 9pm ET/PT on HBO. Season 2 begins on Easter morning 1883, with the news that Bertha Russell's bid for a box at the Academy of Music has been rejected. Through the eight episodes of the season, we watch as Bertha challenges Mrs. Astor and the old system and works to not only gain a foothold in Society, but to potentially take a leading role in it. George Russell takes on his own battle with a growing union at his steel plant in Pittsburgh. In the Brook House, Marian continues her journey to find her way in the world secretly teaching at a girls school while much to everyone's surprise Ada begins a new courtship. Of course, Agnes approves of none of it. In Brooklyn, the Scott family begins to heal from a shocking discovery, and Peggy taps into her activist spirit through her work with T. Thomas Fortune at the NY Globe. Season 2 episodes include:

"You Don't Even Like Opera" (Sunday, October 29, 2023): On Easter Sunday, Agnes informs Ada, Marian, and Oscar of her nephew Dashiell Montgomery's imminent arrival in New York. In need of a change after an emotional visit to Philadelphia, Peggy asks Marian about returning to 61st Street. Meanwhile, Bertha sidesteps Mrs. Astor to support the Metropolitan Opera House, and Oscar begins courting Gladys once again.

"Some Sort of Trick" (Sunday, November 5, 2023): After giving Oscar his final verdict, George sends Clay to meet Mr. Henderson, the union leader at his Pittsburgh steel plant. Meanwhile, Agnes chides Ada for being too chatty during a visit with Luke Forte, Mrs. Fane arranges a match for Marian in Newport, Larry gets a new commission, and Peggy is welcomed back to 61st Street by all but one.

"Head to Head" (Sunday, November 12, 2023): As the opera war heats up, an unlikely guest attends Bertha's Met fundraiser, while Agnes backs Mrs. Astor's effort to preserve the Academy's dominance. Meanwhile, Peggy offers to travel with Mr. Fortune to Alabama to cover a story about the Tuskegee Institute, Ada organizes a special luncheon for Mr. Forte, George attempts to sway Henderson, and Watson considers an offer.

"His Grace the Duke" (Sunday, November 19, 2023): Bertha receives discouraging news from the Met, while Ada fears that her sister will disapprove of her meetings with Mr Forte and asks Marian to cover for her.

"Close Enough to Touch" (Sunday, November 26, 2023): Ada wonders whether she should move forward with her relationship without the support of her sister, while the latter is confronted with the prospect of living alone in the future.

"Warning Shots" (Sunday, December 3, 2023): As George heads to Pittsburgh to deal with the potential strike, Bertha learns that the Duke will return for the Metropolitan Opera's opening night; Bannister tries to retrieve an incriminating letter from the Russell house. Ada and Luke return from their honeymoon and Marian receives an invitation from Dashiell.

"Wonders Never Cease" (Sunday, December 10, 2023): Bertha begins to rethink her loyalty to the Metropolitan Opera, an engagement party leaves Marian full of doubts, and George strikes a deal with the union leader Bill Henderson.

"In Terms of Winning and Losing" (Sunday, December 17, 2023): The staff question their future at Rhijn's house, just as Peggy questions her future at The New York Globe; Marian confesses her true feelings to Dashiell; the opera war reaches its climax.