Show cover for The Gilded Age

The Best Episodes of The Gilded Age Season 1

Every episode of The Gilded Age Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Gilded Age Season 1!

It’s 1882 and the Gilded Age is in full swing when Marian Brook, a young orphaned daughter of a Southern general, moves in with her rigidly conventional aunts in New York City. With the help of Peggy Scott, an African-American woman masquerading as her maid, Marian gets caught up in the dazzling lives of her rich neighbors as she struggles to decide between adhering to the rules or forging her own path.

Genre:Drama
Network:HBO

Season 1 Ratings Summary

The best episode of "The Gilded Age" season 1 is "Never The New", rated 7.8/10 from 2108 user votes. It was directed by Michael Engler and written by Julian Fellowes. "Never The New" aired on 1/24/2022 and is rated 0.2 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "Money Isn't Everything".

  • Never The New
    7.8/10 2,108 votes

    #1 - Never The New

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 1/24/2022

    1882. After the death of her father and accompanied by Peggy Scott, Marian Brook travels to New York to live with her aristocratic aunts, Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook. Meanwhile, determined to break into society, ruthless tycoon George Russell and his ambitious wife Bertha move their family into a lavish mansion across the street and prepare to throw their first soirée.

    Director: Michael Engler

    Writer: Julian Fellowes

  • Money Isn't Everything
    8.0/10 1,543 votes

    #2 - Money Isn't Everything

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 1/31/2022

    Tom Raikes’ visit to New York delights Marian but worries aunt Agnes. An increasingly desperate Peggy seeks legal advice from Mr. Raikes, George takes steps to further his latest business plans, Oscar van Rhijn homes in on young Gladys Russell, and a charity bazaar becomes the source of a dramatic stand after Bertha is slighted.

    Director: Michael Engler

    Writer: Julian Fellowes

  • Face the Music
    8.3/10 1,519 votes

    #3 - Face the Music

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 2/7/2022

    An unfortunate development finds George’s new rail station under threat. Despite Agnes’ warnings, Marian continues to see Mr. Raikes, who lays his ambitions bare. Peggy learns that a publisher is interested in her stories. At a talk given by Clara Barton, Ada reunites with a childhood friend. Oscar grows attached to his plan, while Jack invites Bridget to a show.

    Director: Salli Richardson-Whitfield

    Writer: N/A

  • A Long Ladder
    8.0/10 1,330 votes

    #4 - A Long Ladder

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 2/14/2022

    In the aftermath of a tragedy, George makes a deal to help Bertha. Peggy gets an assignment from publisher T. Thomas Fortune, but a dinner with her parents ends on a sour note. Marian learns more about the mysterious Mrs. Chamberlain. Bannister's visit to the Russell house has a lasting impact on the staff. Bridget shares her dark secret with Mrs. Bauer.

    Director: Salli Richardson-Whitfield

    Writer: N/A

  • Charity Has Two Functions
    7.9/10 1,425 votes

    #5 - Charity Has Two Functions

    Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 2/21/2022

    George and Bertha extend an invite to a young man who's piqued Gladys' interest. After charming Mr. McAllister, Bertha accompanies Marian and Aurora to hear Clara Barton speak in Dansville. There, Peggy works on her article and shares the story of her first love with Marian, whose interest in Mr. Raikes continues to grow. Oscar crosses paths with a vengeful Turner.

    Director: Salli Richardson-Whitfield

    Writer: N/A

  • Heads Have Rolled for Less
    8.2/10 1,141 votes

    #6 - Heads Have Rolled for Less

    Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 2/28/2022

    Bertha goes all out at a luncheon to impress Mr. McAllister, enlisting the help of Bannister — who rubs Church the wrong way. George fights to protect his public image, while Agnes’ status quo is disrupted. As Marian debates her feelings, Mrs. Chamberlain makes her an offer. Gladys bonds with a new friend. Armstrong intensifies her campaign against Peggy.

    Director: Salli Richardson-Whitfield

    Writer: N/A

  • Irresistible Change
    8.0/10 1,143 votes

    #7 - Irresistible Change

    Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 3/7/2022

    As the city buzzes over Edison’s electricity demonstration, Bertha plans a picnic that involves Mr. Raikes — but not Marian. Agnes entreats her niece to protect the family’s reputation. George prepares for a legal battle as he bristles over Larry’s career ambitions. Bannister plots his revenge. Turner gets an unwelcome surprise.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Tucked Up in Newport
    8.1/10 1,335 votes

    #8 - Tucked Up in Newport

    Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 3/14/2022

    During her first visit to Newport, Bertha follows Mr. McCallister’s lead but is soon reminded of her place. Oscar’s pursuit of Gladys is threatened by a familiar presence. George gets his day in court. Worried about Armstrong’s interference, Peggy reveals her past. Marian makes a decision about her romantic future. Bridget follows Jack across the city.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Let the Tournament Begin
    8.7/10 1,161 votes

    #9 - Let the Tournament Begin

    Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 3/21/2022

    As Marian prepares to embark on a new adventure, Ada and Aurora rush to stop her before it's too late. With Gladys' debut ball fast approaching, the clash between Bertha and Mrs. Astor has consequences for all of New York society. The discovery of a shocking letter changes everything for Peggy. Baudin lays out his double life.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A