🚨 The Gilded Age Season 4 trailer just LANDED, and it’s PURE DRAMA! 💔 George and Bertha’s marriage is on the edge—will they shatter New York’s elite with a divorce? Secrets, betrayals, and a shocking twist await! 😱
Introduction: A Shocking Turn in New York’s High Society
HBO’s The Gilded Age, crafted by Julian Fellowes, has enthralled audiences with its lavish portrayal of 1880s New York, where ambition, wealth, and scandal collide. The Season 3 finale, aired on August 10, 2025, left fans reeling with a cliffhanger: George Russell (Morgan Spector) walking away from his wife, Bertha (Carrie Coon), hinting at a potential divorce. The newly released Season 4 trailer, unveiled on August 12, 2025, amplifies this tension, teasing a dramatic unraveling of the Russells’ once-unshakable marriage. This 1500-word article dissects the trailer’s key moments, explores the divorce speculation, and delves into what lies ahead for the series’ characters, themes, and cultural impact, while keeping spoilers minimal for those catching up.
The Trailer: A Glimpse of Fracture and Ambition
The Season 4 trailer, debuted during HBO’s fall preview event, is a two-minute whirlwind of opulence and heartbreak. It opens with a sweeping shot of the Russell mansion, now eerily quiet, as Bertha’s voiceover declares, “I built this empire for us.” The camera cuts to George, his face hardened, packing a suitcase—a stark image of separation. Lady Whistledown-esque narration (voiced by an unseen figure) teases, “In the gilded halls of New York, even the mightiest fall.” The trailer showcases the Russells’ fractured dynamic, interspersed with glimpses of other characters’ arcs: Peggy Scott’s (Denée Benton) engagement, Marian Brook’s (Louisa Jacobson) romance, and a mysterious figure linked to George’s shooting. Visuals of a lavish Newport ball, a shadowy boardroom, and a lingering shot of a divorce petition fuel speculation about the Russells’ fate. The score, a haunting orchestral piece, underscores the stakes, promising a season of betrayal and redemption.
The Divorce Question: Are George and Bertha Over?
The trailer’s central question—will George and Bertha divorce?—stems from the Season 3 finale’s gut-punch. George, recovering from an assassination attempt, left Bertha after accusing her of ruthlessness in arranging their daughter Gladys’ (Taissa Farmiga) marriage to the Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb). His departure, coupled with his statement, “I’m not sure what I want,” sets up a potential separation. The trailer amplifies this with scenes of George at his club and Bertha alone in their mansion, alongside a fleeting image of legal documents. Carrie Coon, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, hinted at Bertha’s resolve: “She’ll fight for what she wants, and that’s George.” Morgan Spector added, “It’s a journey back to each other—or not,” leaving the outcome ambiguous.
Historically, divorce in the 1880s was rare and socially ruinous, especially for women. The trailer suggests Bertha may challenge these norms, as she did by hosting divorced women at her Newport ball. Showrunners Julian Fellowes and Sonja Warfield noted that couples of the era often lived apart without formal divorce, hinting at a nuanced resolution. The trailer’s focus on Bertha’s ambition—seen in a clip of her rallying allies—suggests she’ll fight to preserve her marriage and social standing, but at what cost?
Other Key Plot Threads
The trailer teases several subplots that promise to enrich Season 4:
Peggy and Dr. Kirkland’s Engagement: Peggy’s (Denée Benton) proposal from Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica) in Season 3’s finale is highlighted, with scenes of her navigating Black high society. The trailer hints at tension with Kirkland’s mother (Phylicia Rashad), suggesting familial conflict.
Mertina and Larry’s Romance: Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) and Larry Russell (Harry Richardson) reconciled in Season 3, and the trailer shows them dancing at a ball, hinting at a deeper commitment. Their arc may explore whether they’ll marry or face new obstacles.
Oscar’s Lavender Marriage: Oscar van Rhijn’s (Blake Ritson) proposal to Enid Winterton (Kelley Curran) is teased, with shots of their strategic alliance. Enid’s past as Bertha’s maid could resurface, threatening their plan.
Gladys’ Pregnancy: The trailer confirms Gladys’ pregnancy, showing her glowing at a social event. Her growing bond with Hector suggests a hopeful arc, but her parents’ rift may complicate her future.
The Shooting Mystery: George’s attempted assassination remains unresolved, with the trailer showing a shadowy figure and a cryptic note. This subplot could tie to George’s business rivals or a new antagonist.
Cast: Who’s Returning?
The trailer confirms the return of the core ensemble:
Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell, fighting to save her marriage and social empire.
Morgan Spector as George Russell, grappling with an existential crisis.
Christine Baranski as Agnes van Rhijn, navigating her new role in the Heritage Society.
Cynthia Nixon as Ada Brook, asserting her authority as household head.
Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook, balancing love and independence.
Denée Benton as Peggy Scott, embracing her engagement and ambitions.
Taissa Farmiga as Gladys Russell, expecting a child with the Duke.
Blake Ritson as Oscar van Rhijn, scheming with Enid Winterton (Kelley Curran).
Donna Murphy as Mrs. Astor, potentially ceding power to Bertha.
New characters, hinted at in the trailer, include a mysterious lawyer and a business rival, though casting details remain under wraps. Claybourne Elder’s John Adams will not return, but Nathan Lane’s Ward McAllister and Ben Ahlers’ Jack Trotter are featured prominently.
Themes: Power, Love, and Social Change
Season 4 promises to deepen The Gilded Age’s exploration of ambition, gender, and class. Bertha’s fight to preserve her marriage reflects the era’s constraints on women, while her social victories—ousting Mrs. Astor—highlight her feminist awakening. Peggy’s arc underscores racial dynamics, with her engagement challenging Black high society’s norms. The trailer’s emphasis on divorce and social maneuvering mirrors historical shifts, as new-money families like the Russells reshaped New York’s elite. The show’s blend of soap opera drama and historical accuracy, praised by Variety as its “best season yet,” ensures these themes resonate with modern audiences.
Cultural Impact and Fan Reactions
The Gilded Age has become a cultural powerhouse, with Season 3’s premiere-night viewership growing 20% over Season 2 and social media chatter up 60%, per HBO. The trailer’s release has sparked a frenzy on X, with fans speculating about the Russells’ marriage and praising the show’s campy flair. The hashtag #GildedAgeS4 trends weekly, with users debating “Team Bertha” vs. “Team George.” The show’s diverse storytelling and LGBTQ+ representation, including Oscar’s arc, have broadened its appeal, earning a dedicated fanbase.
Production and Release Timeline
Filming for Season 4 began in early 2025, with production ongoing at The Elms and Marble House in Newport. The season, expected to have 10 episodes, is slated for a late 2026 or early 2027 premiere, aligning with the 18- to 21-month gap between seasons. The trailer’s high production values—lavish sets, intricate costumes—reflect HBO’s commitment to quality, rivaling Downton Abbey. Director Michael Engler and costume designer Kasia Walicka-Maimone return, ensuring visual splendor.
Where to Watch and What’s Next
Seasons 1–3 are streaming on HBO Max, with Season 4 to follow upon release. International viewers can access the show on Sky Atlantic or NOW. Fans can stay engaged through HBO’s social channels or X discussions under #GildedAge. A companion podcast, The Gilded Age Official Podcast, offers insights from the cast and crew.
Conclusion: A Season of High Stakes
The The Gilded Age Season 4 trailer delivers a tantalizing glimpse of a fractured marriage, simmering scandals, and societal upheaval. George and Bertha’s potential divorce looms large, but the show’s rich ensemble and historical depth ensure a multifaceted narrative. With its blend of drama, romance, and social commentary, Season 4 promises to cement The Gilded Age as a must-watch saga. As we await its 2026 debut, the trailer invites us to ponder: can love survive ambition in the gilded halls of New York?
