The Gilded Age Season Three Explores Real 1880s Wealth, Power, Marriages

The third season of HBO's "The Gilded Age" continues to explore the tension between old money and nouveau riche families in late 19th-century New York, dramatizing the social climbing and industrial boom of the era. Central characters like Bertha and George Russell, inspired by real historical figures such as Alva and William Kissam Vanderbilt, navigate the complexities of elite society, including rivalries with established families like the Astors. The show integrates historical events and figures, including the era's industrialists, suffragettes, and socialites, to enrich its narrative, while also highlighting notable historical episodes like the arranged marriage of Consuelo Vanderbilt to the Duke of Marlborough. Actor Morgan Spector, who plays George Russell, notes the show's unique blend of glamour and drama, emphasizing its appeal as a gentler period drama compared to typical HBO offerings. The series draws heavily on real history, with characters and storylines reflecting the social and economic realities of the Gilded Age, including the strategic marriages designed to elevate social status both in America and Europe. Overall, "The Gilded Age" balances lavish production with historical authenticity, focusing on the veneer of wealth and power during a transformative period in American history.