The Gilded Age season 4 trailer brings Bertha and Agnes together in a surprising twist

The latest trailer for The Gilded Age season 4 offers a glimpse of another turbulent chapter for New York’s wealthiest families, with Bertha Russell and Agnes van Rhijn facing a changing social landscape.

The HBO period drama returns on 1 November 2026, bringing back Carrie Coon, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon and the wider ensemble for more battles over wealth, influence and social acceptance.

One of the most intriguing moments in the new trailer sees Agnes dining at the Russell mansion, an unexpected development given the longstanding rivalry between the two women. Their relationship has been shaped by competing ideas about social status, and the encounter raises questions about whether their interests could temporarily align.

Why are Bertha and Agnes dining together?

Bertha has spent years trying to establish her family among New York’s elite. Her determination to secure social recognition has made her a formidable opponent, particularly for those who believe their inherited status should put them above newcomers.

Agnes, meanwhile, represents the established order that Bertha has challenged. Proud and fiercely protective of her position, she has traditionally viewed the Russell family’s ambitions with suspicion.

Their meeting suggests that the changing balance of power could force old rivals to reconsider their positions. Whether the encounter represents a genuine reconciliation or a strategic arrangement remains unclear from the trailer.

The possibility of a new alliance is particularly interesting because both women are accustomed to directing events rather than allowing others to determine their futures.

What happens to George and Bertha?

The Russell marriage remains an important part of the drama. George Russell, played by Morgan Spector, has built his fortune through business, while Bertha has pursued the social recognition that money alone cannot guarantee.

Their ambitions have often complemented one another, but their determination to succeed has also placed pressure on their relationship.

The new trailer points towards further complications for the couple, although viewers will have to wait for the season to discover how the latest developments affect their marriage and family.

The series continues to explore the personal costs of ambition, showing how the pursuit of wealth and status can affect even those who appear to have everything.

Watch the trailer:

What else can viewers expect from season 4?

The returning cast includes Denée Benton as Peggy Scott, Louisa Jacobson as Marian Brook and Taissa Farmiga as Gladys Russell.

Their stories provide a wider view of a society in transition, where women face expectations around marriage, family and respectability while attempting to secure greater independence.

Peggy’s professional ambitions and personal life remain particularly important to the drama, while Marian continues to navigate the expectations surrounding her future. Agnes also faces a changing household dynamic as her sister Ada’s circumstances evolve.

Created by Julian Fellowes, The Gilded Age combines fictional family rivalries with the social changes of late nineteenth-century America.

Season 4 premieres on HBO in the United States on 1 November 2026. UK viewers should check their local listings for the confirmed broadcaster and streaming schedule.