The Gilded Age returns to HBO for its third season on Sunday, June 22, at 9 PM ET, kicking off with an episode titled Who Is In Charge Here? The premiere sees ambition clashing with old-world tradition, as George Russell faces fresh opposition and Bertha prepares for the arrival of a Duke.
Out West, George finds resistance to his plans for a new train route connecting major cities in Arizona. Back in New York, the social maneuvering continues, with Bertha Russell making ready for a Duke’s visit—a clear sign of her ongoing push for aristocratic recognition. Meanwhile, Peggy Scott, a character who has consistently provided grounding in the show’s more opulent surroundings, falls ill following an unseasonable snowstorm, hinting at troubles beyond social niceties.
The series, centered on Marian Brook as she deals with New York society after her father’s death, thrives on the tension between old money and new. Ada hosts a temperance movement gathering, to Agnes’ clear disapproval, further highlighting the era’s social divides. This episode sets the stage for what looks to be another season of lavish period detail and sharp social commentary.
