Cynthia Nixon and Christine Baranski Star in 'The Gilded Age' Tonight

Tonight at 9 PM on Sky Atlantic, the much-anticipated third season of Julian Fellowes's period drama, 'The Gilded Age,' returns to captivate audiences with its portrayal of New York's elite in the late 19th century. The show stars acclaimed actors Cynthia Nixon and Christine Baranski, who delve into the complexities of societal change and personal ambition against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving America.

'The Gilded Age' has garnered mixed reviews, with some critics applauding its sumptuous production values while others note its struggle to balance historical accuracy and entertainment. According to Phil Harrison, a television critic for The Guardian, the series continues to underwhelm, lacking the necessary literary weight to elevate its narrative beyond mere spectacle. He states, 'It’s never quite racy or absorbing enough to excuse its lack of literary weight.' The show features Nixon's character, Ada, becoming increasingly involved in the temperance movement, much to the chagrin of Baranski's character, Agnes.

In addition to 'The Gilded Age,' viewers can also tune into Channel 4's documentary 'Death in the Desert: The Nurse Helen Mystery' at 9 PM, which investigates the mysterious death of British nurse Helen Smith in Saudi Arabia in 1979. This documentary raises questions about potential foul play and the political implications of her death during a time when the UK was establishing strong ties with the Saudi government.

Furthermore, BBC Two's offerings include 'Murder 24/7,' which explores a volatile domestic dispute, and 'My Super Sweet 16,' a nostalgic look back at extravagant birthday parties of wealthy teens from the 2000s.

As these diverse programs air this evening, they reflect the broad spectrum of storytelling that television offers, from historical dramas to contemporary crime investigations, each engaging audiences in unique and thought-provoking ways.