Show cover for The Gilded Age

The Worst Episodes of The Gilded Age

Every episode of The Gilded Age ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of The Gilded Age!

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

Lowest Rated Episodes Summary

The worst episode of "The Gilded Age" 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 0.0 point(s) lower than the second lowest rated, "Head to Head".

  • 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

  • Head to Head
    7.8/10 674 votes

    #2 - 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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

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

    #3 - 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

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

    #4 - 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

  • A Long Ladder
    8.0/10 1,330 votes

    #5 - 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

  • Irresistible Change
    8.0/10 1,143 votes

    #6 - 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 1,336 votes

    #7 - 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

  • You Don't Even Like Opera
    8.1/10 896 votes

    #8 - 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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Some Sort of Trick
    8.1/10 716 votes

    #9 - 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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • His Grace the Duke
    8.1/10 683 votes

    #10 - 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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

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

    #11 - 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

  • Face the Music
    8.3/10 1,519 votes

    #12 - 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

  • Warning Shots
    8.3/10 646 votes

    #13 - 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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Close Enough to Touch
    8.5/10 707 votes

    #14 - 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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Let the Tournament Begin
    8.7/10 1,163 votes

    #15 - 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

  • Wonders Never Cease
    8.7/10 718 votes

    #16 - 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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • In Terms of Winning and Losing
    9.1/10 960 votes

    #17 - 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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A