Fans and critics are comparing The Gilded Age to Downton Abbey, with many declaring it superior; season 4 has been greenlit and praise is growing
The Gilded Age has recently become a focal point of conversation among period-drama enthusiasts, with many viewers claiming it outshines Downton Abbey. Created by Julian Fellowes, the series transports audiences to the social battlegrounds of late-19th-century America.
The programme is built around the collision of the aspirational new money Russell family and the entrenched old money van Rhijn family, set against the backdrop of 1880s New York City high society. Word-of-mouth praise has intensified ahead of a newly announced season 4, and many viewers now describe the show as essential, binge-ready viewing.
Although the series premiered its inaugural season in 22, it has steadily expanded its audience, with season 3 arriving in 2026 and earning particularly strong reviews. The cast includes familiar faces such as Carrie Coon, Harry Richardson, Cynthia Nixon and Christine Baranski, whose performances have been singled out for praise.
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes the series holds an 89% fresh rating overall, and season 3 reached an impressive 96% in 2026. Availability varies by region: the show is currently on Sky, while fans can stream Downton Abbey on ITVX.
Why viewers are making the comparison
Comparisons to Downton Abbey are natural given the shared pedigree of Julian Fellowes and the overlapping themes of class, etiquette and family conflict. However, many supporters argue that the differences are what give The Gilded Age its edge: a US setting introduces distinct cultural tensions and a more abrasive clash between wealth and heritage. The series often leans into the financial and political ambitions of its players, creating what fans call a more immediate, sometimes sharper dramatic pulse. Critics and commenters have noted that the show’s tone, plotted power struggles and modern sensibilities make it feel both familiar and refreshingly distinct from its British counterpart.
American context and historical texture
Setting the drama in the United States allows the series to explore the dynamics of rapid industrialisation, social climbing and urban expansion in ways that feel uniquely American. The Russell family’s rise is framed by a rapidly changing economy and a noisy, aspirational culture—elements that contrast with the more insulated aristocratic world of Downton Abbey. Reviewers point to the show’s attention to period detail and how it uses those elements to deepen storytelling rather than merely decorate scenes. The result is a show where class conflict often intersects with the era’s technological and economic shifts, which some viewers find more compelling.
Production values and ensemble acting
Another common praise is the series’ production scale and ensemble strength. From costume work to set design, many viewers cite high production values as a reason the show feels cinematic. The ensemble cast, featuring actors from acclaimed series like The White Lotus and Poldark, delivers performances that critics describe as layered and emotionally resonant. Commenters on fan pages have contrasted the show’s frequent cliffhanger moments and what they call nail-biting drama with the more methodical pacing of some traditional period pieces, arguing that this creates a particularly compelling weekly appointment television.
Audience reaction, ratings and access
Online reactions are mixed but leaning positive: many fans have declared the series their new favourite period drama, while some remain loyal to Downton Abbey or point to earlier shows such as Upstairs, Downstairs as benchmarks. Aggregated reviews and viewer comments underline the same trend—the series has grown in critical esteem with each season. For viewers interested in catching up or diving in, there are promotional bundles: TV customers can currently access Sky, Netflix and Discovery+ together through an Essential TV package priced at £15 per month, which provides on-demand viewing without a dish or aerial. Note that affiliate links and commercial offers may appear alongside coverage, and availability of the series depends on regional streaming rights.
With season 4 already confirmed and the cultural conversation continuing, The Gilded Age looks set to remain a major talking point for period-drama viewers. Whether audiences ultimately prefer it to Downton Abbey or see both as complementary classics, the series has secured a place in contemporary television through strong writing, production values and performances that keep many watching episode after episode.
