It has been over a year and a half since The Gilded Age captivated audiences with its intricate portrayal of competing opera houses. The Emmy-winning HBO drama, crafted by Julian Fellowes, returns for what promises to be its most compelling season yet. Season 3, debuting Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max, finds Bertha (Emmy nominee Carrie Coon) ready to claim her position at the helm of New York society. Meanwhile, George (b Morgan Spector) ventures westward, aiming to expand his railroads to the California coast—a move that could redefine the industry landscape.
In a parallel narrative, Ada (Emmy winner Cynthia Nixon) embraces her new role as the lady of the Brook house following her marriage to the discreetly affluent Rev. Forte. This shift presents challenges for Agnes (fellow Emmy winner Christine Baranski), who grapples with the reality of her sister’s newfound wealth, which has enabled them to retain their home. Fortunately, this arrangement allows Marian (Louisa Jacobson) and Larry (Harry Richardson) to nurture their budding romance in close quarters.
With ambitions soaring, relationships evolving, and the future looming large, the third season of The Gilded Age stands out as a must-watch contender for awards this weekend.
The best of the rest
For those who may not be drawn to the world of opera, a variety of other options await. Here are some noteworthy picks:
- The Waterfront: Kevin Williamson returns to Wilmington, North Carolina, the backdrop for his iconic series Dawson’s Creek, with a new tale inspired by true events. This family drama centers on the Buckleys, a dynasty that has dominated the town of Havenport through their fishing empire. As matriarch Belle (Maria Bello) and her adult son Cane (Jake Weary) strive to keep the family business afloat amidst challenges, their plans quickly spiral out of control. All eight episodes are now available for streaming on Netflix.
- The Buccaneers: Apple TV+ finally unveils the long-awaited second season of its period drama, based on an unfinished novel by Edith Wharton. This season follows a group of young American women navigating London high society in the 1870s. Now the Duchess of Tintagel, Nan (Kristine Frøseth) wields significant influence, while Conchita (Alisha Boe) emerges as a beacon for a new generation of American heiresses. The Season 2 premiere is currently streaming on Apple TV+.
- Surviving Ohio State: This new HBO documentary delves into the harrowing experiences of victims of Dr. Richard Strauss, a physician at Ohio State University who exploited his position to abuse male student-athletes for two decades. Based on Jon Wertheim‘s article in Sports Illustrated, this nearly two-hour documentary expands upon the original reporting that brought the scandal to light. It is now available for streaming on Max.
Ready, set… Chicken Jockey!
This week’s standout pick, the video game adaptation A Minecraft Movie, may not be an Oscar contender, but it is poised to dominate the Kids’ Choice Awards. Children are enamored with this film, drawn to Minecraft, the charismatic Jack Black, and the viral “Chicken Jockey” meme that has captured the imagination of the younger audience. With nearly a billion dollars in box office gross, Warner Bros. is certainly reaping the rewards.
Black stars alongside Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, and Sebastian Hansen, who find themselves transported to the cube-based realm known as the Overworld, where they must thwart the evil piglin Malgosha (a portmanteau of “pig” and “goblin”) and find their way back home. Expect a visual feast of cubes in this unique cinematic experience, now streaming on Max.
More home movies
If venturing into the mines isn’t your preference, consider these new films available on subscription streaming platforms or VOD this weekend:
- Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical: Disney+ presents a filmed stage adaptation of the beloved animated film from 2013. This adaptation follows princess sisters Elsa (Samantha Barks) and Anna (Laura Dawkes), with Elsa’s journey of self-discovery leading to a kingdom plunged into eternal winter. Featuring 12 new songs alongside the favorites, including the iconic “Let It Go,” this production offers a fresh take on a classic tale. Note that while Frozen ran on Broadway from 2018 to 2020, this film captures the West End production that ran from 2021 to 2024.
- Ash: Starring Eiza Gonzalez and Aaron Paul, this sci-fi thriller from director Flying Lotus follows Riya, an astronaut who awakens on a ship with no memory of her past. With only Brion (Paul) as her companion, she must navigate trust issues as her memories resurface. This film adds an intriguing entry to the space horror genre and is now streaming on Shudder.
- KPop Demon Hunters: This animated musical action-comedy from Sony follows the K-pop girl group Huntrix, who double as demon slayers protecting their fans from malevolent forces. When a demon boy band rises to fame, the members of Huntrix—Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo)—must confront the threat. With anime-inspired visuals and a lead single performed by members of the popular K-pop group Twice, this film is a vibrant adventure.
- Friendship: In a landscape where comedies often miss the mark, Friendship stands out as a uniquely humorous film. Starring Tim Robinson as Craig, a socially awkward man who becomes overly attached to his charming neighbor, Austin (Paul Rudd), the film explores the dark side of friendship. While it may not be the best introduction to Robinson’s comedic style, it showcases his talent in a distinctive narrative. The film is now available for purchase on VOD platforms like Amazon.
Get all over new Haim
In celebration of their fourth album, I Quit, the sister trio Haim has unveiled the music video for “All Over Me,” featuring talents such as Will Poulter, Nabhaan Rizwan, and Archie Madekwe.
Wednesday on a Friday
Rock band Wednesday has released “Wound Up Here (By Holdin On),” the second single from their forthcoming album, Bleeds, set to launch on September 19.
