The Gilded Age, HBO’s acclaimed period drama, has surged to the top of the streaming charts following a dramatic twist in Season 3. According to FlixPatrol, the series is currently ranked number one on HBO’s Top 10 TV Shows in the United States as of August 5, 2025, surpassing And Just Like That…, the Sex and the City reboot, which holds the second spot. Globally, the series dominates in 37 countries.
The boost in popularity follows the events of Season 3, Episode 7, titled “Ex-Communicated,” which ended with a major cliffhanger involving fan-favorite character George Russell, played by Morgan Spector. In the episode’s final moments, a shooter enters Russell’s study and fires a gunshot, leaving his fate uncertain and setting the stage for a dramatic season finale.
In a recent interview with Variety, Spector commented on the ambiguity surrounding his character’s future. “In the 19th century, gunshot wounds from up close were extremely dangerous. Many people didn’t survive them. I don’t have a contract for next season yet, so who knows?”
Created by Julian Fellowes, The Gilded Age first premiered in 2022 and is set in late 19th-century America, spanning the post-Reconstruction and early Progressive Era. The narrative centers on Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson), who becomes entangled in the societal clash between the old-money van Rhijn-Brooks and the rising new-money Russell family.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding George Russell’s survival, HBO has confirmed that the show will return for a fourth season. An HBO executive stated, “[We’re] delighted to continue exploring these characters’ grand ambitions for what we promise will be a thrilling fourth season.”
The series has received widespread acclaim for its opulent costumes and standout performances. Alongside Jacobson and Spector, the cast includes Carrie Coon, Cynthia Nixon, and Christine Baranski. In 2024, The Gilded Age earned six Primetime Emmy nominations, including one for Outstanding Drama Series.
The Season 3 finale of The Gilded Age is scheduled to air on August 10 and is currently available for streaming on HBO Max.
Source: CBR