The Gilded Age Season 3 recap: Everything that's happened so far

HBO Max's historical drama series The Gilded Age Season 3 premiered on June 22, 2025. This season dosen't waste time dressing up the drama in pearls and corsets. Five episodes in, the period saga is less about social climbing and more about survival — emotional, financial and reputational.

While grand ballrooms and charity events still provide the backdrop, the season also addresses the cracks in society.

Here's what happened in The Gilded Age Season 3

The Gilded Age Season 3 recap: Bertha's dream marriage becomes a nightmare for Gladys

At the centre of the storm is Bertha Russell, who scores a major victory when she arranges Gladys' royal engagement with the Duke of Buckingham. But it comes with strings attached. In Episodes 1 and 2, we learn that Bertha promised more than her daughter's hand — there were financial negotiations in play, which George Russell wasn't quite aware of.

Gladys tried her best to stay with Billy Carlton. She ran away to his house and even pleaded with her father to accept their relationship. However, her plans to be with Billy were shattered when Bertha pulled some strings and Billy ended their relationship.

The deal nearly collapses in Episode 3 when George demands the dowry to be placed in Gladys' name. The Duke resists, but Bertha manipulates the moment, using George's past investment to push the deal. The engagement is announced during a lavish party, but Gladys' shattered pearl necklace at the end of the episode says it all — this is not a love story but a union arranged for financial and social benefits.

By The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 5, the marriage is already wilting. Gladys, now the Duchess, finds it quite difficult to manage in Sidmouth Castle, especially with Lady Sarah's nagging and disrespectful attitude towards her. Bertha's social ambition may have gotten her daughter a title, but not a life.

George Russell is no longer in control

In The Gilded Age Season 3, George, who once thrived on winning, is losing control at home and in business. After being kept in the dark about the Duke's terms, he spends the first few episodes trying to reassert himself. However, his business is quite shaky after he slips on a risky Arizona land deal. Out of rage and disappointment, he fires his trusted secretary, Richard, in Episode 5. Nonetheless, George is a good father to both Larry and Gladys. He provides them with emotional support and counsel whenever they require.

Tensions escalate with Bertha. They argue over their influence, over money, and over whose legacy they're building. By Episode 5, Gladys writes home begging for help after Lady Sarah fires her trusted maid and companion, Adelheid, and George confronts Bertha. He warns Bertha that when she returns from her trip to England, he may not be waiting.

The cracks in their gold-plated empire are no longer subtle. They are personal and deep.

Marian and Larry are engaged- but will they be married?

Larry proposed to Marian in The Gilded Age (Image Via Instagram/@gildedagehbo)

Meanwhile, Marian Brook continues to navigate her tightrope. She accepts Larry Russell's marriage proposal in Season 3 Episode 5 of The Gilded Age, a day before Larry leaves for Arizona. Larry appears genuine, declaring his commitment, but his actions don't match his words.

Just before departing for Arizona on a business trip, Larry lies to Marian about his whereabouts. He goes to The Haymarket — a pleasure club for high society with Jack Trotter to celebrate their business deal. In the club, he runs into Maude Beaton, Oscar's former love and a known con artist now working under a new alias. Larry informs Oscar about the encounter but leaves without telling Marian. In the upcoming episodes, we might see Marian questioning Oscar about Larry's visit to the club. If she finds out the truth and about Larry's lies, that could change their relationship.

Peggy Scott's romance with Dr. William Kirkland

Peggy Scott and Dr. William Kirkland in The Gilded Age Season 3 (Image Via Instagram/@gildedagehbo)

Peggy Scott's arc is one of a quiet rebellion. Her romance with Dr. William Kirkland begins with a promise. He's loyal, charming, and his family invites the Scotts to dinner. However, his mother is not too elated about the match and often tries to belittle Peggy's father and his business.

In Episode 5, Peggy encounters her ex, Mr. T. Thomas Fortune, during a baseball game. Even though she initially tries to avoid the interaction, Mr. Fortune approaches her and offeres her a chance to interview for a high profile suffragist. But when Mr. Fortune arrives at the train station to accompany her, she insists on going alone. After a brief tiff with Dr. Kirkland he leaves and Peggy boards the train alone. Even though things are going pretty well for the couple, Mr. Fortune's interference and Peggy's past could put a break on their relationship.

The Van Rhijn power dynamics evolve: The Gilded Age Season 3 recap

In the Van Rhijn household, money changes power dynamics. Ada, now married and inheriting her late husband's estate, becomes the primary financial support. With Oscar's fortune gone and Agnes still stuck with rigid ideals, Ada begins to assert herself.

Their household experiences a subtle power struggle. While Ada wants credit for her charitable works, Agnes wants to uphold traditions. Meanwhile, Jack Trotter's watch invention pays off. Larry and Jack team up to finally crack a business deal. But success comes with a bittersweet price. Leaving the Van Rhijn household, which had long felt like home, isn't easy.

With Episode 6 of The Gilded Age Season 3 set to air on Jul 27, 2025, the season appears to be heading towards a reckoning. Secrets are piling up, loyalties are shifting, and every alliance is about to be tested.