HBO’s “The Gilded Age” is returning to Newport to film its fourth season, the Rhode Island Film & TV Office announced Thursday.
The Emmy-winning drama, created by Lord Julian Fellowes of “Downton Abbey” fame, is set in 1880s New York City and Newport. Season four will feature returning stars Carrie Coon, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson, Denée Benton, Taissa Farmiga, Audra McDonald and Phylicia Rashad, among others.
Newport’s mansions and historic streets will once again serve as the production’s backdrop, a partnership that officials say has delivered steady economic benefits to the state. The show employs local carpenters, drivers, caterers and hotel staff during its weeks of filming, while also drawing tourists eager to visit the locations they see on screen.
“One of the principal joys of filming The Gilded Age was the discovery of Newport, Rhode Island,” Fellowes said in a statement. “Not only did I find a beautiful seaside town filled with architectural marvels, but I also met people who were as kind and helpful as any filmmaker could wish. I look forward to returning as soon as it can possibly be arranged.”
Executive Producer David Crockett credited a wide network of local collaborators, including the Rhode Island Film & Television Office, state and city officials, the Preservation Society of Newport County and local homeowners and business owners who have hosted the cast and crew.
Steven Feinberg, executive director of the Rhode Island Film & TV Office, called the production “a dream come true.”
“Since its inception, we were tenacious in bringing this very special production to the Ocean State,” Feinberg said. “Our beautifully preserved mansions are priceless jewels.” He added that the series will continue to boost Rhode Island’s $8 billion annual tourism economy “for years to come.”
Gov. Daniel J. McKee praised the ongoing partnership with HBO, saying the production “highlights our state’s iconic settings and reflects our continued ability to host major film and television projects — and to do it well.”
State leaders echoed the economic message. House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, D-Warwick, said filming in Rhode Island “delivers meaningful economic benefits for local workers and businesses, and it bolsters our vibrant creative community.” Senate President Valarie J. Lawson, D-East Providence, said she hopes global viewers “will appreciate seeing the beauty, culture, and history of our state on screen — and be inspired to visit and experience it all in person.”
Todd Trebour, executive director of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, noted that the arts contribute $2.37 billion to the state’s economy, or 3.3 percent of its GDP, and support nearly 18,000 jobs.
For the Preservation Society of Newport County, the show has been both a promotional boon and a preservation partner. “The success of The Gilded Age has turned the Newport Mansions into Hollywood stars,” said CEO and Executive Director Trudy Coxe. “The show has not only drawn new visitors to the mansions and increased interest in the historical Gilded Age, it also has been a rewarding partnership with HBO, supporting our efforts to preserve these historic house properties.”
“The Gilded Age” is a co-production between HBO and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group. Fellowes serves as creator, writer and executive producer. Sonja Warfield is a writer and executive producer. Additional executive producers include Gareth Neame, David Crockett, director Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Kate Churchill, Bob Greenblatt, and writers Elaine Aronson and Davita Scarlett. Erica Dunbar is historical consultant and co-executive producer, and Holly Rymon serves as co-executive producer.
The Rhode Island Film & TV Office operates under the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.
