The BEST episodes of The Gilded Age
Every episode of The Gilded Age ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of The Gilded Age!
The American Gilded Age was a period of immense economic change, of great conflict between the old ways and brand-new systems, and of huge fortunes made and lost. Against the backdrop of this transformation, young Marian Brook moves from rural Pennsylvania to New York City after the death of her father to live with her thoroughly old-money aunts. Accompanied by Peggy Scott, an aspiring writer seeking a fresh start, Marian inadvertently becomes enmeshed in a social war, between one of her aunts, a scion of the old-money set, and her stupendously rich neighbors, a ruthless railroad tycoon and his ambitious wife. Exposed to a world on the brink of the modern age, will Marian follow the established rules of society, or forge her own path?
#1 - In Terms of Winning and Losing
Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired 12/17/2023
While the staff question their future in the van Rhijn household, Jack receives welcome news about his patent. After scoring a victory for the local schools, Peggy considers her future at the NY Globe. Later, Marian confesses her true feelings to Dashiell – and Bertha and Mrs. Astor make their final moves in the opera war.
#2 - Let the Tournament Begin
Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 3/21/2022
Marian’s grand plan is threatened. Bertha and Mrs. Astor lock horns over Gladys’ debut. Peggy is stunned by a major reveal.
#3 - Wonders Never Cease
Season 2 - Episode 7 - Aired 12/10/2023
Against the backdrop of the biggest event in New York City’s history, Bertha reconsiders her loyalty to the Met. Meanwhile, an engagement celebration leaves Marian with doubts, Peggy strives to make a difference in Brooklyn, George strikes a deal with Mr. Henderson, Oscar makes an alarming discovery, and the van Rhijn household reels as Luke’s health deteriorates.
#4 - Warning Shots
Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired 12/3/2023
As George heads to Pittsburgh to deal with the potential strike, Bertha learns that the Duke will return for the Metropolitan Opera’s opening night. While the staff chip in to help Jack, Bannister tries to retrieve an incriminating letter from the Russell house. Ada and Luke return from their honeymoon and Marian receives an invitation from Dashiell.
#5 - Heads Have Rolled for Less
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 2/28/2022
Mr. McAllister’s visit to the Russells shakes the aunts’ household. George aims to control the narrative. Marian considers her feelings.
#6 - Close Enough to Touch
Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired 11/26/2023
While Ada questions whether to move forward without her sister’s support, Agnes faces the prospect of living alone. In Newport, Bertha puts the finishing touches on the event of the season as Mrs. Winterton plots her revenge. After experiencing the best of the Tuskegee Institute, Peggy and Mr. Fortune witness the dangers of the South firsthand.
#7 - Face the Music
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 2/7/2022
George faces a surprise development. Marian sees Mr. Raikes against Agnes’ wishes. Ada runs into an old friend. Peggy gets an opportunity.
#8 - What the Papers Say
Season 3 - Episode 2 - Aired 6/29/2025
Amid their domestic quibbles, Agnes and Ada welcome the Scotts into their home. Bertha and George disagree about Gladys's future.
#9 - Money Isn't Everything
Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 1/31/2022
Marian receives a visit from Tom Raikes, whose legal advice Peggy seeks. The Russells take center stage at a charity bazaar.
#10 - Irresistible Change
Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 3/7/2022
As a historic moment captures the city, Agnes vows to protect her family’s reputation, while Larry’s career plans rub George the wrong way.
#11 - His Grace the Duke
Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 11/19/2023
After receiving discouraging news about the Met, Bertha deals with rumors that are swirling about Larry. Fearing her sister’s disapproval, Ada asks Marian to cover for her as she continues to see Mr. Forte. Later, Bertha vies for position with the visiting Duke of Buckingham, and, in Tuskegee, Peggy navigates a tense dinner with Mr. Fortune and Booker T. Washington.
#12 - Who is in Charge Here?
Season 3 - Episode 1 - Aired 6/22/2025
As George faces opposition for a new railway plan, Bertha prepares for the Duke's return, and Ada finds purpose in the temperance movement.
#13 - Some Sort of Trick
Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 11/5/2023
After giving Oscar his final verdict, George sends Clay to meet Mr. Henderson, the union leader at his Pittsburgh steel plant. Meanwhile, Agnes chides Ada for being too chatty during a visit with Luke Forte, Mrs. Fane arranges a match for Marian in Newport, Larry gets a new commission, and Peggy is welcomed back to 61st Street by all but one.
#14 - Charity Has Two Functions
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 2/21/2022
Bertha, Marian, Aurora, and Peggy make an overnight trip to see Clara Barton speak. Gladys’ desired beau is invited to dinner.
#15 - Love is Never Easy
Season 3 - Episode 3 - Aired 7/6/2025
While George enters tense negotiations, Larry and Jack meet with a potential investor. Later, the Scotts meet the Kirklands.
#16 - Marriage is a Gamble
Season 3 - Episode 4 - Aired 7/13/2025
Bertha deals with unwanted rumors in the press… and the surprise arrival of her sister Monica.
#17 - Tucked Up in Newport
Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 3/14/2022
Peggy reveals the truth about her past, while George’s day in court arrives, and Marian considers her romantic future.
#18 - Head to Head
Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 11/12/2023
As the opera war heats up, an unlikely guest attends Bertha’s Met fundraiser, while Agnes backs Mrs. Astor’s effort to preserve the Academy’s dominance. Meanwhile, Peggy offers to travel with Mr. Fortune to Alabama to cover a story about the Tuskegee Institute, Ada organizes a special luncheon for Mr. Forte, George attempts to sway Henderson, and Watson considers an offer.
#19 - You Don't Even Like Opera
Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 10/29/2023
On Easter Sunday, Agnes informs Ada, Marian, and Oscar of her nephew Dashiell Montgomery’s imminent arrival in New York. In need of a change after an emotional visit to Philadelphia, Peggy asks Marian about returning to 61st Street. Meanwhile, Bertha sidesteps Mrs. Astor to support the Metropolitan Opera House, and Oscar begins courting Gladys once again.
#20 - A Long Ladder
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 2/14/2022
Marian learns more about Mrs. Chamberlain. George makes a deal to benefit Bertha. Peggy meets a trailblazing newspaperman.
#21 - Never the New
Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 1/24/2022
In 1882, Marian arrives at the home of her “old money” aunts Agnes and Ada, whose new neighbors vie to break into New York high society.
#22 - A Different World
Season 3 - Episode 5 - Aired 7/20/2025
Gladys has trouble adjusting to her changed circumstances...and the controlling Lady Sarah. After a string of personal and professional wins, Larry runs into a familiar face. While at an event with Dr. Kirkland, Peggy gets an opportunity from an old colleague. Later, drama ensues at Mrs. Fish's Newport luncheon.