The hype for Yellowjackets Season 4 is real. After Season 3 left jaws on the floor, this Showtime and Paramount+ gem about a stranded girls’ soccer team and their messy adult lives keeps fans hooked with its raw survival vibes, creepy psychological twists, and ‘90s nostalgia. With the renewal confirmed, everyone’s itching for the latest scoop. Here’s everything known about Yellowjackets Season 4—premiere date guesses, cast updates, and juicy plot hints.
Premiere Date: When’s Yellowjackets Season 4 Dropping?
No exact premiere date for Yellowjackets Season 4 is out yet, but past seasons offer some hints. Season 1 hit in November 2021, Season 2 in March 2023, and Season 3 in February 2025, slowed a bit by the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes. Since the Season 4 renewal dropped on May 20, 2025, right after the Season 3 finale, expect a release around late 2026 or early 2027. The show’s dual timelines and big cast mean production takes time. Check Paramount+ or Showtime for updates, as new episodes usually stream before hitting cable.
Cast News: Who’s Back in Yellowjackets Season 4?
The Yellowjackets ensemble is a powerhouse, mixing heavy hitters and fresh faces to bring the 1996 wilderness and 2021 adult timelines to life. No official Season 4 cast list is out, but based on the Season 3 finale, here’s who’s likely returning:
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Melanie Lynskey and Sophie Nélisse as adult and teen Shauna: Shauna’s Antler Queen reign in the wild and her crumbling present-day life make her a sure bet. Lynskey’s all-in, saying she’d stick with the show forever.
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Christina Ricci and Samantha Hanratty as adult and teen Misty: Misty’s sneaky antics and her role in hiding the plane’s transponder lock her in. Her vibe with Walter’s still a mystery.
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Tawny Cypress and Jasmin Savoy Brown as adult and teen Taissa: Tai’s battling her sleepwalking and political drama, plus her spark with Van, keeping her front and center.
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Sophie Thatcher as teen Natalie: With adult Natalie gone since Season 2, Thatcher’s teen Natalie carries the wilderness arc, especially after her radio call in Season 3.
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Courtney Eaton as teen Lottie: Adult Lottie’s exit in Season 3 means Eaton’s teen version will drive the 1996 spiritual chaos.
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Liv Hewson as teen Van: Adult Van’s gone, but Hewson’s teen Van stays key, navigating her bond with Taissa.
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Nia Sondaya as teen Akilah, Jenna Burgess as teen Melissa, Sarah Desjardins as Callie, Warren Kole as Jeff, and Elijah Wood as Walter should also return, depending on the story’s twists.
Season 3 killed off big names like Lottie, Van, Coach Ben, and Mari (the “pit girl”). But with the show’s love for flashbacks and hallucinations, don’t count out seeing Simone Kessell, Lauren Ambrose, Steven Krueger, or Alexa Barajas in some trippy way. Hilary Swank and Joel McHale, new in Season 3, might stick around, with Swank’s bloody mystery character possibly becoming a regular.
Plot Details: What’s Coming Next in Yellowjackets Season 4
The Season 3 finale, “Full Circle,” dropped major bombs. Spoiler alert for those behind! In 1996, Shauna cemented her Antler Queen status, leading a hunt that revealed Mari as the “pit girl” from the show’s start. Natalie’s climb with the fixed satellite phone and transponder got a response—“Yes, I can hear you”—hinting rescue’s near. In 2021, Callie accidentally took out Lottie, sending her and Jeff on the run, while Tai and Misty seem to be turning on Shauna, brewing some serious tension.
Season 4 will likely dig into the fallout. Showrunners Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson, and Jonathan Lisco plan for five seasons, so this won’t be the end. A big focus might be the rescue, after 19 months in the wild. Lyle’s teased a third timeline—late ‘90s, post-rescue—showing how the girls reintegrate after their brutal survival stint. Think messy readjustments, fractured bonds, and fallout from their darker deeds.
In the wilderness, Shauna’s Antler Queen arc could get uglier. Nélisse hinted her character’s power trip might make her “pretty unstoppable,” spelling trouble for the group. The spooky “wilderness spirit” driving their rituals will probably get weirder, with mysteries like Javi’s fate, Crystal’s end, and Coach Ben’s cabin fire role still unresolved.
In the present, Shauna’s in deep, with Tai and Misty maybe plotting against her. Walter’s shady plans could stir the pot, especially if he clashes with Misty. The showrunners promise answers to old puzzles, like the Season 1 “Wish You Were Here” postcards, while tossing in new curveballs to keep fans guessing.
