The Gilded Age Season 2: Author Julian Fellowes, widely considered the best and most acclaimed writer of historical fiction, has given TV viewers yet another masterpiece. The mind behind Downton Abbey has given us another reason to stay glued to our TVs with HBO’s The Gilded Age.
In The Gilded Age, set in 19th-century New York City, protagonist Marian Brook’s life is irrevocably altered when she is sent to live with her affluent Aunts. Soon, Marian will face constant tension as she tries to reconcile the values of the modern world with those of her conservative family.
The show’s first season focused on the rift between the wealthy and the middle class. It’s easy to see why followers are eager to see what happens next in this historical saga, with all the high drama and intense tension. It’s good that season 2 of The Gilded Age is on the way! In light of the excellent show’s impending comeback, The Digital Fix has compiled all the necessary information.
Here’s all you need to know about the upcoming second season of HBO’s The Gilded Age, including its premiere date, storyline summary, and cast.
The Gilded Age Season 2 Plot
The second season of The Gilded Age will continue to focus on the struggle between the old and new money in America’s upper class. While we don’t have any concrete details now, we may assume that the series will continue directly after the previous episode’s events.
In the first season of The Gilded Age, we saw Peggy Scott, an influential African-American woman, assist Marian in standing up to her family. The New York social scene included major participants like railroad tycoon George Russell and his wife Bertha, who started a kind of colonial war that lasted for nine episodes.
Everything in The Gilded Age appears to have settled after the legal train difficulties, social debuts, the expensive ball, and the heartbreak. After a lengthy and fascinating back-and-forth, the Russells have entered New York’s high society, bringing a new wave of wealthy people to an exclusive and closed-off part of the city.
Wink wink #GildedAgeHBO pic.twitter.com/S3vFDhM4LT
— Claybourne Elder (@Claybourneelder) March 31, 2022
The first season’s climax was undoubtedly dramatic and had us eager for more. Marian and Tom Raikes’s breakup was one of the most explosive developments. There’s been no word yet on whether Marian would choose to put off love for the time being after having her heart broken in season 1 or if she’ll turn to Larry Russell for solace. Either way, things are heating up, and we can’t wait to see what Marian does next.
Season one also revealed that Peggy’s kid is still alive, despite her father’s claims to the contrary, and that the child had been discreetly adopted. Season 2 of The Gilded Age will likely focus heavily on Peggy and her mother’s journey to Philadelphia in search of Peggy’s missing son.
Fellowes has also provided some oblique hints regarding the emotional trajectory of season 2. In an interview with US Magazine, the writer said that the second season’s plot is progressing well, albeit some viewers may find it unappealing. He explained that when fans become emotionally invested in the characters, which is the ultimate goal, they only want their favorite character to be happy.
I often hear that exact request. “Make so-and-so happy, make her happy, make him happy,” and if you did that, there wouldn’t be anything to watch. Said, if you tuned in, you would observe a joyful gathering of individuals. If Fellowes’ comments are any indication, then season 2 will likely end in disaster.
As Bertha searches for a suitable suitor for her daughter Gladys, Peggy sets out on her adventure, and Marian strives to establish herself in New York. This scenario appears all too plausible. If any other clues about the story’s development come our way, you can rest assured that we will share them with you as soon as possible.
The Gilded Age Season 2 Cast
The good news is that 11 of the 12 regular cast members from the first season will return for the second. As reported by Deadline, we can expect to see the return of Christine Baranski (Andes Van Rhijn), Cynthia Nixon (Ada Brook), Louisa Jacobson (Marian Brook), and Blake Ritson (Oscar Van Rhijn).
There’s also Carrie Coon (Bertha Russell), Morgan Spector (George Russell), Taissa Farmiga (Gladys Russell), Harry Richardson (Larry Russell), Denée Benton (Peggy Scott), Simon Jones (Bannister), and Jack Gilpin (as Jack Russell) (Church).
The only regular cast member from season 1 not returning is Thomas Cocquerel, who played Tom Raikes. His character and Marian’s connection was a significant plot point in the last installment. Thus his disappearance is acceptable.
Here is the confirmed cast for the Gilded Age season 2:
- Christine Baranski (as Andes Van Rhijn)
- Cynthia Nixon (as Ada Brook)
- Louisa Jacobson (as Marian Brook)
- Blake Ritson (as Oscar Van Rhijn)
- Carrie Coon (as Bertha Russell)
- Morgan Spector (as Geroge Russell)
- Taissa Farmiga (as Gladys Russell)
- Harry Richardson (as Larry Russell)
- Denée Benton (as Peggy Scott)
- Simon Jones (as Bannister)
- Jack Gilpin (as Church)
- Rebeca Haden (as Flora McNeil)
- Robert Sean Leonard (as Reverend Matthew Forte)
- Laura Benanti (as Susan Blane)
- Nicole Brydon Bloom (as Caroline Stuyvesant)
- Michael Braugher (as Booker T. Washington)
- Christopher Denham (as Robert McNeil)
- David Furr (as Dashiell Montgomery)
- Ben Lamb (The Duke of Buckingham)
- Matilda Lawler (as Frances Montgomery)
- Dakin Mathews (as Mr. Winterton)
Season 2 of The Gilded Age will contain a mix of returning cast members and newcomers, as evidenced by the above list. Laura Benanti and Robert Sean Leonard are just two examples of the fresh faces featured in the next episode. In addition to these two, Deadline reports that Christopher Denham, David Furr, Ben Lamb, Matilda Lawler, Dakin Mathews, Michael Braugher, and Nicole Brydon Bloom will appear in future episodes of the second season.
Another unexpected addition to the main cast is Rebeca Haden, who had a cameo appearance in Season 1 as the shadowy Flora McNeil. Haden will be returning in the same role for the second season of The Gilded Age. That wraps up what we know about season 2 of The Gilded Age. Here’s our rundown of season 3 of Bridgerton and The Great if you’re looking for more historical drama.
The Gilded Age Season 2 Release Date
Even while we don’t have confirmation of when season 2 of The Gilded Age will premiere, you can be assured that it’s on the road. The first season of the historical drama concluded in January 2022, and by February of that year, HBO had already renewed it for a second season.
“Julian Fellowes and the entire Gilded Age family have fully enthralled us with their tale of late 19th-century New York City luxury,” said Francesca Orsi, executive VP of programming at HBO, in a statement about the momentous announcement. “Our friends at Universal Television and we are thrilled to be continuing our journey with this phenomenal cast and crew for Season 2.”
Season 2 has also begun filming, which is excellent news. Because of this, it’s possible that the return of 19th-century New York to television screens won’t be too far off. In light of this information, we do not yet have a definite premiere date for The Gilded Age season 2. The dedicated and speedy production schedule HBO has embarked on implies that we may see the show again as early as 2023.
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The Gilded Age Season 2 Trailer
You can watch The Gilded Age Season 2 trailer below:
Final Reflections
Jessa Martin is the author of Nogmagazine, A professional in writing by day, and novelist by night, she received her bachelor of arts in film from Howard University and her master of arts in media studies from the New School. A Brooklyn native, she is a lover of naps, cookie dough, and beaches, currently residing in the borough she loves, most likely multitasking.