The Gilded Age season 2 potential release date, cast, plot, trailer and everything you need to know

It’s felt like a high-society battlefield for the past 10 episodes but instead of sharp swords there have been cutting looks, polite disdain and social invitations held to ransom.

The Russells’ climb to the top of society has been no easy feat. They’ve had to endure threats to their reputation and accusations of manslaughter, but worst of all (and we do mean worst), they’ve been snubbed all over town, even on their very own doorstep. The shame.

The cutthroat marital duo George (Morgan Spector) and Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) have used their wit and cunning to ruthlessly nestle their way into a position they think themselves worthy of – but will they be able to hold on to the throne?

Season two has a lot to answer, not just about the Russells but also poor Peggy Scott (Denée Benton), who concluded the first season in search of her abducted child. Will Marian (Louisa Jacobson) recover from Mr Raikes’ rejection? But more scandalously will Oscar van Rhijn (Blake Ritson) succeed in tricking the young Gladys Russell (Taissa Farmiga) into marriage just to hide his homosexuality from society?

Here’s every tidbit we know about The Gilded Age season two.

The Gilded Age season 2 potential release date: When’s it on?

We may be fresh out of fancy butlers available to deliver the news to you but we are very much pleased to announce that The Gilded Age has been renewed for a second season.

HBO made the announcement in February 2022. The executive VP of programming at HBO, Francesca Orsi, said in a statement (via Town and Country):

“Julian Fellowes and the entire Gilded Age family have thoroughly captivated us with their tale of late 19th-century New York City extravagance.

“Along with our partners at Universal Television, we couldn’t be prouder to embark on a season two journey with this extraordinarily talented team.”

As to when the anticipated second season will be with us, it’s too early to tell. The first series premiered in January 2022, and while a year’s production is standard in the industry, something this lavish might take a little longer. We’re pencilling spring 2023 in our (social) diaries.

In more positive news, the writers are already hard at work spinning ink into gold.

In fact, they were already thinking about the direction of the show before a second season had been given the green light.

“The truth is, we’re always getting the second season ready long before we know whether it goes ahead or not,” executive producer Gareth Neame said to Radio Times.

“Because, you know, the moment we know we’re going ahead, we have to start – the cameras have to start rolling. So you sort of have to prepare.”

“So we’re already under way with ideas for the second season,” he continued.

The Gilded Age season 2 cast: Who will be coming back?

Well, the Russells of course. It would be hard to imagine The Gilded Age without Carrie Coon and Morgan Spector at the helm.

We would also presume Louisa Jacobson would reprise the role of Marian Brook as she’s one of the chief characters.

Christine Baranski has already expressed her willingness to return to the role of the formidable Mrs Agnes van Rhijn too, stating (via Town and Country): “We’re all hoping that it goes on. I could definitely, happily continue with this show and with these actors, and with this particular marvellous writer, Julian.”

Scheduling may prove tricky however, as she admitted:

“Unfortunately because of COVID and everything else, if The Gilded Age does start again, it’s going to be parallel lines. I might be shooting two shows at once, but this is what you call a Champagne problem.”

The following cast members are likely to return:

• Denée Benton as Peggy Scott
• Cynthia Nixon as Mrs Ada Brook
• Taissa Farmiga as Miss Gladys Russell
• Harry Richardson as Larry Russell
• Blake Ritson as Oscar van Rhijn
• Claybourne Elder as John Adams
• Katie Finneran as Anne Morris
• Thomas Cocquerel as Tom Raikes
• Ben Ahlers as Jack Treacher
• Taylor Richardson as Bridget
• Kelli O’Hara as Aurora Fane
• Kelley Curran as Miss Turner
• Jeanne Tripplehorn as Mrs Sylvia Chamberlain

The Gilded Age season 2 plot: What will happen?

So far the creators are remaining tight-lipped on the plot but according to director Salli Richardson-Whitfield (via Town and Country ) “there are all sorts of ideas and dreams [for new storylines]”.

A new obstacle is likely to arise to threaten the Russells’ new position considering how they value success. With that in mind, a storyline may centre upon Mr Russell’s ambitions to build an electrically powered train line.

While that may be Mr Russell’s mountain to climb, it’s likely Mrs Russell will have her hands full with Gladys’ undesirable suitors (ahem, Oscar) and we can’t imagine her battle with the toffs is well and truly over.

Should Turner return she may pursue her ambition to win Mr Russell’s affections and where that will leave George and Bertha, only time will tell.

Peggy’s search for her long lost child is almost certain to continue. It’s also unlikely that Miss Marian Brook will remain brokenhearted for too long, especially as her budding friendship with Larry Russell appears to be growing stronger.

This may be the season Marian really comes into her own. Her love affair with Mr Raikes seemed to be her only storyline of substance in season one so it would be great to see her character develop beyond shopping sprees for new gloves and wandering around the van Rhijn estate.

Beyond that, we’ll be on the lookout for more concrete clues, so stay tuned.

The Gilded Age season 2 trailer: When can I watch it?

Your guess is as good as ours but our butler will deliver the good news as soon as it’s there on the silver tray.

The Gilded Age is available to watch on streaming service NOW.

Downton Abbey is available to buy on digital, DVD and Blu-ray. Downton Abbey: A New Era will be released in cinemas on March 18, 2022.