Period drama hailed ‘so spectacular’ it beats Downton Abbey and Bridgerton

The lavish period drama has earned rave reviews, with critics and audiences alike declaring it ‘even better’ than Downton Abbey and Bridgerton.

Still from The Gilded Age
The series has been developed by the creator of Downton Abbey (Image: HBO)

When the phrase ‘period dramas’ is mentioned, most people’s minds immediately turn to Downton Abbey and Bridgerton. Both series have played an enormous role in bringing lavish, upstairs/downstairs costume dramas firmly into the mainstream.

Now, another series is being lauded as ‘even better’ than these two beloved shows — and viewers simply cannot get enough of it.

What makes it all the more compelling is that the show has been created by the very same mastermind behind Downton Abbey, inevitably inviting comparisons to the series widely regarded as the gold standard of period drama.

While Downton Abbey chronicles the lives and scandals of a single English family, this new series delves deeper into the social complexities of multiple families — set against the backdrop of New York City.

The Gilded Age is a period drama crafted by Julian Fellowes alongside Sonja Warfield for HBO, set during — as the title suggests — the Gilded Age of the United States. Episodes across the show’s three seasons have been helmed by directors Michael Engler, Salli Richardson Whitfield, Deborah Kampmeier, and Crystle Roberson, reports Wales Online.

Still from The Gilded Age
The period drama has been hailed as a ‘masterpiece’ by viewers (Image: HBO/Heyday Productions)

Spanning the prosperous boom years of 1880s New York City, the ‘masterpiece’ series first graced television screens in January 2022. Following a triumphant three-season run, the show was commissioned for a fourth series in 2025. While the latest instalment is anticipated to arrive sometime this year, no official release date has yet been confirmed.

The Gilded Age boasts an outstanding Carrie Coon alongside Morgan Spector, Cynthia Nixon, Christine Baranski, Louisa Jacobson, Taissa Farmiga, Harry Richardson, Blake Ritson and Jack Gilpin.

The entire ensemble has been praised repeatedly for their superb performances, with Coon and Baranski earning Outstanding Lead Actress and Outstanding Supporting Actress nominations respectively at the 2024 Emmy Awards.

The series also secured a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series that same year, and claimed an Emmy in 2022 for Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Programme (One Hour or More).

Still from The Gilded Age
The cast has been lauded for their incredible performances in the period drama (Image: HBO/Heyday Productions)

The Gilded Age’s official synopsis describes it as: “The conflicts surrounding the new money Russell family and their old money neighbors, the van Rhijn family, in 1880s New York City high society.”

Critics have heaped praise on the period drama across its three seasons, with one calling it: “An excellent mix of soap opera drama and American history! Even better than the first season, Julian Fellowes and his creative team have turned up the heat yet still retained the Downton Abbey magic of this American Version. Extremely satisfying television.”

Meanwhile, another reviewer said: “The Gilded Age Season 2 is an impressive spectacle in storytelling, brimming with thoroughly distinctive relationships, low yet impactful stakes, and spectacular performances from the whole cast.”

A third critic added: “Yet another compelling spectacle with higher stakes and thoughtful character journeys that provide plenty of entertainment and worthy angst, all while brimming with excellent performances.”

Still from The Gilded Age

The period drama has left audiences utterly captivated (Image: HBO/Heyday Productions)

While one reviewer said: “It all looks as magnificent as ever, with lavish locations supplemented by seamless use of CGI. The difference this time around is that the dramatic stakes are raised.”

Viewers have been equally captivated, with one fan saying: “BRAVO… One of the best series on TV.. I and my daughter absolutely loved it. All 3 seasons. The nail biting drama at the end of each episode kept us on the edge of our seats. Nicely done.

“The acting was superb.. they made you feel every emotion of the moment.. from crying, to anger, to laughter. Oh my. And I can’t say enough awesome and wonderful things about the wardrobes. Simply stunning. The show is a 10 out of 10 for me. Can’t wait for season 4.”

An IMDB user review of the series said: “I have been a long time reader, and fan of Julien Fellows. I always loved Downton, and had my favorites on the show, however, I think The Gilded Age has just stolen the #1 spot for my favorite period series. I hope it continues on for many seasons! Such a phenomenal cast.”

One fan of the show added: “An exceptionally well done series! It is a WOW in every aspect of the series which is unusual as there is always something that is not that good. But this series lives up to everything you would desire. Sets, direction, costumes and above all a truly fantastic cast. Indeed, this is a must-watch show. Hats off!”

Another viewer went so far as to label it an ‘absolute masterpiece’: “I absolutely love this series! The majesty and mastery of the intricate goings on at the time are eloquently portrayed.”

While one captivated viewer said: “Absolutely thrilling series. Just finished season 3, and we are stunned. The Gilded Age is a tour de force: a superbly made period drama about several New York families and society in the late nineteenth century. The show is masterfully written, cast, acted, costumed, produced, set and scored. We very much look forward to Season 4. Bravo!”

The Gilded Age is available to buy on Amazon Prime Video or stream with a subscription on NOW.

CRE: https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/2215352/spectacular-period-drama-beats-downton-bridgerton