The Gilded Age may not be the most critically celebrated television drama, but its ability to draw viewers into the lives of New York’s wealthy elite is difficult to deny. As the series returns with Season 4, its mix of lavish settings, complicated relationships, and social rivalries continues to offer an irresistible escape.

In a recent reflection for HELLO!, entertainment editor Emmy Griffiths describes the show’s appeal with a playful comparison: it is like McDonald’s — enjoyable and addictive, even if it may not be the most nourishing television choice.

The comparison captures the curious relationship viewers can have with the series. Its storylines may sometimes feel exaggerated or its dialogue occasionally silly, yet the world created by Julian Fellowes keeps audiences invested.

A New Take on the World of Period Drama

Following the conclusion of Downton Abbey in 2015, Fellowes turned his attention to another period drama, this time exploring the world of wealthy Americans during the Gilded Age.

Although The Gilded Age shares some familiar ingredients with Downton Abbey, its setting creates a different social landscape. Rather than focusing on British aristocracy, the series follows the tensions between established New York families and newly wealthy figures seeking acceptance.

The show did not initially receive the same level of critical enthusiasm as some prestige dramas, but it gradually developed a passionate audience. Griffiths writes that she resisted the series for several seasons before finally giving in to the enthusiasm surrounding it — only to find herself caught up in its social intrigues.

A Cast That Makes the Drama Work

One of the writer’s main reasons for the show’s appeal is its ensemble cast.

Christine Baranski’s Agnes van Rhijn, Carrie Coon’s Bertha Russell, and Morgan Spector’s George Russell are singled out as standout performances. Griffiths compares their characters to familiar figures from Downton Abbey, describing Agnes as America’s Lady Grantham, Bertha as America’s Lady Mary, and George as America’s Lord Grantham.

The performances help make even relatively small social conflicts feel important. Whether the characters are concerned about Mrs. Astor attending Bertha’s ball, securing the best opera box, or navigating an unexpected social connection, the cast brings energy to the show’s sometimes absurd situations.

The article also notes that Taylor Swift is among those particularly enthusiastic about Coon’s portrayal of Bertha.

Costumes, Scenery, and Social Rivalries

Beyond the performances, the series offers the spectacle of its historical setting. Its costumes, interiors, and grand locations are central to the viewing experience, creating a world that feels visually rich even when the plot takes an unexpected turn.

The American setting also gives the show a distinctive social dynamic. Wealth can open doors to elite society, but money alone does not guarantee acceptance among families who have belonged to old New York for generations.

That tension between old money and new money creates a steady source of conflict. The possibility of servants rising through the ranks and entering the world of their employers adds another layer that distinguishes the series from British aristocratic dramas.

An Escape From the Real World

Perhaps the most compelling explanation for the show’s popularity is its ability to provide a temporary escape. Griffiths describes the experience of spending an hour in a world where the characters’ biggest worries revolve around social standing, family reputations, and carefully managed relationships.

The problems may seem small compared with real-world concerns, but that is precisely part of the attraction.

The writer’s verdict is deliberately contradictory: The Gilded Age may not be good in the conventional sense, but its entertainment value is undeniable. With Season 4 bringing back its familiar cast and social drama, the series continues to prove that a television show does not need universal critical acclaim to become an addictive viewing habit.

The Gilded Age Season 4 is currently available on Sky and NOW.

Source: Compiled from various sources