The Gilded Age has started its fourth season with a major ratings achievement, attracting its largest premiere audience since the HBO period drama debuted.

The Season 4 premiere, which aired November 1, drew nearly 4 million U.S. viewers across platforms during its first three days of availability, according to HBO. The figure marks a 25% increase from the Season 3 premiere, which attracted 3.2 million viewers, making it the most-watched season debut in the show’s history.

The strong opening continues the series’ growing popularity following an impressive third season. Season 3 averaged 8.8 million U.S. viewers per episode, with its finale reaching 5 million viewers after three days. The previous season also generated a major response on social media, with conversations increasing by 185% compared with the season before. HBO has not yet released comparable social media figures for Season 4.

Season 4 Brings New Challenges for the Russell Family

Created by Julian Fellowes and Sonja Warfield, The Gilded Age continues to follow the wealthy families and social rivalries of 1880s New York.

In the new season, Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) faces the consequences of her efforts to change high society. Her family must deal with the fallout as Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) sees an opportunity to regain her former position.

Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) is trying to find a new direction in life, while Peggy Scott (Denée Benton) works to gain acceptance from her future in-laws.

The premiere also delivered several major developments. Bertha traveled to the United Kingdom for her daughter Gladys’ (Taissa Farmiga) difficult childbirth, while New York’s elite gathered for the wedding of Oscar van Rhijn (Blake Ritson) and Enid van Rhijn (Kelley Curran).

Marian and Larry Russell (Harry Richardson) also faced new complications after rekindling their romance, with an unexpected encounter potentially putting Marian’s reputation at risk. Meanwhile, George Russell (Morgan Spector), still recovering from being shot in the Season 3 finale, continued searching for the person responsible while confronting a new threat from anti-monopoly legislation.

The Gilded Age Season 4 Release Schedule

The returning cast includes Cynthia Nixon, Morgan Spector, Taissa Farmiga, Harry Richardson, Blake Ritson, Ben Ahlers, Ashlie Atkinson, Dylan Baker, Kelley Curran, Jordan Donica, Jessica Frances Dukes, Amy Forsyth and Jack Gilpin.

Other cast members include Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Debra Monk, Donna Murphy, Kelli O’Hara, Jim Gaffigan, Dallas Roberts, Andrew Burnap, Elizabeth Marvel, Adrienne Warren, Bill Camp and Phylicia Rashad.

Julian Fellowes serves as creator, writer and executive producer, alongside executive producers Gareth Neame, David Crockett, Bob Greenblatt, Kate Churchill, Davita Scarlett and Elaine Aronson. Salli Richardson-Whitfield and Sonja Warfield are also part of the creative team as director and executive producer, and writer and executive producer, respectively.

New episodes of The Gilded Age Season 4 air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and HBO Max. The season will continue through its finale on December 20.