# The Gilded Age returns with clichés, melodrama and weak performances

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-gilded-age-review-what-did-we-do-to-deserve-such-a-terrible-stinker/
- Published: 2026-11-02T22:00:29+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-02T22:22:16+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/nov/02/the-gilded-age-review-what-did-we-do-to-deserve-such-a-terrible-stinker
- Topics: Culture, Entertainment, TV

## Key points

- The Gilded Age returns for a fourth season to a scathing review.
- The reviewer derides its clichés and clunky dialogue.
- New plots include a risky birth, a convenience marriage and a presidential visit.

## Summary

Season four of Julian Fellowes’ period drama The Gilded Age has returned, prompting a sharply negative review that mocks its clichés, dialogue and melodramatic plotting. The reviewer argues that the show’s success, including its Emmy awards and renewal, sits uneasily with what they see as its poor writing and performances.

The opening episode follows Gladys Russell through a dangerous labour in England, while back in New York Oscar marries Enid in a marriage of convenience. Other storylines include Agnes preparing to host President Grover Cleveland, Marian’s continuing romance with Larry, and Peggy’s engagement amid concerns about her future work and family life. The article’s excerpt ends as it begins to discuss how the show handles race.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.