Fans of Big Little Lies have been eagerly awaiting news about a potential third season since the gripping Season 2 finale aired in 2019. The HBO series, known for its stellar cast, intricate storytelling, and breathtaking Monterey backdrop, has kept viewers hooked with its mix of drama, mystery, and complex female friendships. With recent updates from stars like Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon, the buzz around Season 3 is stronger than ever. Here’s everything we know so far about Big Little Lies Season 3.
Big Little Lies Season 3 Potential Release Date
No official release date yet, but we are piecing together the clues. Nicole dropped a hint in April 2024 at the American Film Institute’s Gala, saying, “It’s not this year, but next year.” That points to a 2026 premiere, which makes sense if you look at Season 2’s timeline—filming started in March 2018, and it hit screens in June 2019, about 15 months later.
The big holdup? Liane Moriarty’s still working on the book that’ll shape Season 3. In October 2024, Reese told E! News, “We’re just waiting on Liane to finish it—she’s almost there.” HBO’s Francesca Orsi said in March 2025 that Liane’s got 150 pages done, and they’ll kick things into high gear once the manuscript’s complete. Liane’s been busy with her 2024 novel Here One Moment, so I’m guessing she’ll wrap up the Big Little Lies book by mid-2025. If filming starts late 2025 or early 2026, we could be binge-watching by summer or fall 2026. Fingers crossed!
Big Little Lies Season 3 Expected Cast
The Monterey Five are the heart of the show, and it sounds like they’re all eager to return. Here’s who we expect to see, though nothing’s locked in yet:
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Nicole Kidman as Celeste, the grieving widow with a fierce spirit.
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Reese Witherspoon as Madeline, the fiery mom with a knack for drama.
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Shailene Woodley as Jane, who’s rebuilding her life after trauma.
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Zoë Kravitz as Bonnie, whose Season 2 confession could shake things up.
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Laura Dern as Renata, the powerhouse who doesn’t mess around.
Zoë told ELLE in March 2025, “I’d be thrilled to get back with everyone—it’s such a fun group.” Shailene got fans excited in a December 2023 Harper’s Bazaar chat, hinting at how the kids in the show are now teens, which could bring fresh stories. Laura and Reese have also said they’re game, with Reese joking to Vanity Fair years ago, “Let’s do this!”
Other familiar faces likely to pop up include:
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Adam Scott as Ed, Madeline’s steady husband.
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Kathryn Newton as Abigail, Madeline’s daughter, who told The Hollywood Reporter in February 2024, “I’m ready—just call me!”
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Iain Armitage as Ziggy, Jane’s son, now a teenager.
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James Tupper as Nathan, Bonnie’s husband.
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Jeffrey Nordling as Gordon, Renata’s ex.
Big Little Lies Season 3 Potential Plot
The Season 2 finale left us hanging—Bonnie texted the group, ready to confess to pushing Perry down the stairs, and the Monterey Five walked into the police station together. Season 3 will likely pick up there, diving into what happens when their secret comes out. Will Bonnie face legal trouble? How will Celeste cope, knowing Perry’s death ties back to her abusive marriage?
The story will come from Liane Moriarty’s new book, which catches up with the characters years later. Reese mentioned in October 2024 that the kids, like Ziggy and Abigail, are now teens, opening up new drama. Shailene told Harper’s Bazaar, “Those kids aren’t little anymore—that’s what makes Season 3 so exciting.” I’m picturing teenage rebellion, family secrets, and maybe some new faces stirring things up in Monterey.
