Updated 15 February: It’s been confirmed, The Gilded Age fans. A second season of the HBO drama is officially in the works, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The renewal of the Julian Fellowes drama comes just three weeks after the series – which has been in development for a decade – premiered on HBO.

So, if you’re wondering what will become of your favourite (and not-so-favoured) Gilded Age characters, you won’t be left on too much of a cliffhanger. Speaking about the second season, Francesca Orsi, executive vice president of programming at HBO Max, said:

“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.”

Universal TV president Erin Underhill also added: “The first season of The Gilded Age is the beginning of an epic story that introduced a fascinating world full of intriguing characters.

“The scope of Julian’s vision is ambitious, and we’re thrilled to continue to explore the depths of this fascinating era with HBO.” 

While a release date and all of those other juicy details are yet to be confirmed, keep an eye on this space for updates.

With the upcoming release of Downton Abbey: A New Era on his hands, you might think that Julian Fellowes wouldn’t have much time on his hands. Fortunately, he’s still been able to carve out some space in his schedule to create the Sky Atlantic/HBO drama and we are definitely not complaining. 

The Gilded Age – if it hasn’t already – will likely enrapture you with its old-school glamour. Alongside executive producer Gareth Neame and director Michael Engler – the creative team behind both the award-winning Downton Abbey series and feature film – it’s a period drama treat. 

Originally announced back in 2016, The Gilded Age was initially believed to be a Downton Abbey prequel airing on NBC but has since changed tack, moved to HBO and is no longer linked thematically to the Downton franchise.

The series takes us back to New York in 1882 during the American Gilded Age, which saw increasing conflicts develop between the old ways and brand-new systems. With fortunes made then lost in a flash, it was a time that saw the city transform before everyone’s eyes.

If you’re yet to dig into this exciting series, allow us to explain just why you should binge-watch it very, very soon.

Here’s everything you need to know about The Gilded Age.

What is The Gilded Age about?

The nine-part series takes place in New York in the 1880s and focuses on one woman’s move from rural Pennsylvania to New York City in what was a truly transformative time period.

After the death of her father, Marian Brook (Gone Hollywood’s Louisa Jacobson) goes off to The Big Apple to live with her “thoroughly old money aunts” – Agnes van Rhijn (played by The Good Fight’s Christine Baranski) and Ada Brook (played by Sex And The City’s Cynthia Nixon).

A culture-shocked and penniless Marian is suddenly thrust into a world of aristocracy and wealth. As the synopsis states: “In a new world, a new age is about to begin.”

As Marian is exposed to this new way of living, questions swirl around how she will go forward in the world. Will she follow the established rules of society, or forge her own path?  

Who stars in The Gilded Age?

In addition to Jacobson, Baranski and Nixon, the stellar ensemble cast includes Carrie Coon (The Nest), Morgan Spector (Homeland) as George Russell, Taissa Farmiga (American Horror Story) as Russell’s wife Gladys, Denée Benton (Broadway’s Hamilton) as Peggy Scott and Blake Ritson (Emma) as Oscar van Rhijn.

The series will also feature Simon Jones (Brideshead Revisited), Harry Richardson (Poldark), Thomas Cocquerel (Alive) and Jack Gilpin (Billions). 

Is there a trailer for The Gilded Age?

Sky Atlantic have released a new trailer for The Gilded Age and it looks tense, catty and very dramatic – we already love it. “You must meet the right people, in the right way,” Marian’s aunts tell her. 

In another scene, Peggy Scott (Benton) simply says: “For a New Yorker, anything is possible.”

We’re certainly ready to experience this new age and fortunately, we don’t have too long to wait. Watch the trailer here:

The official teaser trailer was also released on 18 November and it’s only contributing further to our excitement for the series. You can watch it here: 

When and where will The Gilded Age be released?

The Gilded Age is available to watch on Sky Atlantic and is also available to be streamed via NOW.

Images: Sky Atlantic/HBO