Monday 21 April, 12:00 by Karzal

HBO Reveals Release Window and First-Look Photos for The Gilded Age Season Three

The Russells continue their rise through New York society this summer in the third season of period drama The Gilded Age.

The third season of Julian Fellowes' (Downton Abbey) drama series consists of eight episodes. It will air on HBO and stream on HBO Max.

The Gilded Age

©Deadline - HBO

Here's the description for season three: "The American Gilded Age was a period of immense economic and social change, when empires were built, but no victory came without sacrifice. After the Opera Wars, the old guard has weakened and the Russells are poised to take their place at the head of society.

Bertha sets her sights on a prize that could elevate the family to unimaginable heights, while George risks everything on a gamble that could revolutionize the railroad industry—if it doesn't destroy him first. Across the street, chaos erupts in the Brook household when Agnes refuses to accept Ada's new position as mistress. Peggy meets a beautiful Newport doctor whose family is less than thrilled about her career. As all of New York races toward the future, their ambition may come at the expense of what they truly hold dear.

During a recent interview with Deadline, HBO's Francesca Orsa hinted that the drama will enter a new era in the upcoming season.

“I think, broadly, it’s an interesting way in which we’ve explored that era of how divorce came to the forefront in United States relationships,” she said. “I think that there’s a conversation to be had about arranged marriages, and if it doesn’t necessarily work, what divorce looks like in that time, and what that bodes for society. And then whether you’re accepted in society or not, based on a divorce.”

The season three cast includes Carrie Coon, Christine Baranski, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson, Denée Benton, Taissa Farmiga, Harry Richardson, Blake Ritson, Simon Jones, Jack Gilpin, Cynthia Nixon, Ben Ahlers, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Debra Monk, Donna Murphy, Kristine Nielsen, Kelli O'Hara, Patrick Page, Taylor Richardson, Douglas Sills, John Douglas Thompson, Erin Wilhelmi, Kelley Curran, CJ Wilson, Matilda Lawler, Audra McDonald, and Phylicia Rashad.

The Gilded Age returns to HBO in June. Check out more first-look photos below.