'The Gilded Age' Season 3 Returns in June; First Look at Phylicia Rashad and Cast

Creator/writer/executive producer, Julian Fellowes' The Gilded Age, HBO's period drama that brings the opulent world of late 19th-century New York to life, is set to return with its highly anticipated third season. The show, which has captivated audiences with its rich costumes, intricate character dynamics, and the clash between old money and new, continues to explore the struggles of the elite during a time of great social change.

The good news is that Season 3 is officially confirmed to premiere in June 2025 on HBO with eight episodes. No firm date in June has been announced and while this may seem like a long wait, it’s a much-anticipated return for fans who want to see how the lives of the Russell family, the van Rhijns, and their rivals continue to unfold.

The official season 3 logline reads, "The American Gilded Age was a period of immense economic and social change, when empires were built, but no victory came without sacrifice. Following the Opera War, the old guard is weakened and the Russells stand poised to take their place at the head of society. Bertha sets her sights on a prize that would elevate the family to unimaginable heights while George risks everything on a gambit that could revolutionize the railroad industry — if it doesn’t ruin him first. Across the street, the Brook household is thrown into chaos as Agnes refuses to accept Ada’s new position as lady of the house. Peggy meets a handsome doctor from Newport whose family is less than enthusiastic about her career. As all of New York hastens toward the future, their ambition may come at the cost of what they truly hold dear."

The major season 2 cliffhanger was that of Oscar van Rhijn losing all of the family's money to a con artist and Ada's late husband's fortune coming to the rescue. The dynamics between Agnes and Ada this new season will definitely be one storyline to keep fans hooked. Marian versus Bertha Larry will also be interesting. Will Bertha relent and let her grown son make his own choices or will she meddle? Let's not forget the additional of everyone's favorite TV mom.

Phylicia Rashad, a seasoned actress known for her iconic roles in The Cosby Show and A Raisin in the Sun, will join the cast as Mrs. Elizabeth Kirkland, a wealthy socialite with her own complex history. Her character’s interactions with the core group of elite New Yorkers will surely provide new tensions and alliances.

Brian Stokes Mitchell, a Tony Award-winning actor, will play Frederick Kirkland, Elizabeth’s husband. His character is expected to bring an air of sophistication and intrigue to the series, providing a new layer of drama within the social circles of New York.

Rounding out the cast for season three is Carrie Coon, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson, Denée Benton, Taissa Farmiga, Harry Richardson, Blake Ritson, Ben Ahlers, Ashlie Atkinson, Dylan Baker, Kate Baldwin, Victoria Clark, John Ellison Conlee, Michael Cumpsty, Kelley Curran, Jordan Donica, Jessica Frances Dukes, Claybourne Elder, Amy Forsyth, Jack Gilpin, LisaGay Hamilton, Ward Horton, Simon Jones, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Ben Lamb, Nathan Lane, Andrea Martin, Audra McDonald, Debra Monk, Hattie Morahan, Donna Murphy, Kristine Nielsen, Paul Alexander Nolan,  Kelli O’Hara, Patrick Page, Rachel Pickup, Taylor Richardson, Douglas Sills, Bobby Steggert, Erin Wilhelmi, John Douglas Thompson, Leslie Uggams, Merritt Wever, with Bill Camp.

The Gilded Age is a co-production between HBO and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

Check out our gallery of newly released season 3 first look images below and let us know your thoughts in the comments.