Fans of NBC’s thrilling crime drama The Hunting Party can’t wait to dive back into the high-stakes world of escaped serial killers and elite investigators. After a gripping first season that left everyone on the edge of their seats, anticipation for Season 2 is at an all-time high. Here’s a detailed look at everything known so far about The Hunting Party Season 2, including release date speculation, cast and plot details.
The Hunting Party Season 2 Potential Release Date
NBC confirmed the show’s renewal during the 2025 NBCUniversal Upfronts on May 12, giving fans plenty to celebrate. At first, there were whispers of a late 2025 return, but it looks like we’ll have to wait just a bit longer. Season 2 is now expected to drop in early 2026.
What caused the delay? For one, production is moving from Vancouver to New York City, which naturally shakes up the timeline. If filming kicks off by mid-2025 and follows a similar schedule to Season 1 (which shot from June to November 2024 before premiering in January), fans can probably expect a return around January or February 2026. NBC is reportedly keeping the same Thursday 10 PM slot, right after Law & Order: SVU.
The Hunting Party Season 2 Expected Cast
The core cast of The Hunting Party brought depth and chemistry to the Inmate Recovery Task Force in Season 1, and most are expected to return to tackle the next chapter of this intense drama. Here’s who’s likely to be back:
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Melissa Roxburgh as Rebecca “Bex” Henderson: The former FBI profiler remains the heart of the series, navigating the mysteries of “The Pit” and her own complex past. Bex’s journey is far from over, and Roxburgh’s performance is a cornerstone of the show.
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Nick Wechsler as Oliver Odell: Bex’s ex-partner and lover, whose fate was left hanging in the Season 1 finale. Did Oliver die in Bex’s arms? Executive producer JJ Bailey teased that answers will come in Season 2, so Wechsler’s return seems likely.
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Patrick Sabongui as Ryan Hassani: The CIA agent grappling with personal loss—his wife’s death—adds emotional weight to the team. His hidden motives could spark new conflicts.
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Josh McKenzie as Shane Florence: The ex-army guard’s shocking discovery about his mother, Colonel Lazarus (Kari Matchett), sets up a major arc for Season 2. Shane’s internal struggle will be a focal point.
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Sara Garcia as Jennifer Morales: The Army Intelligence officer’s tech skills and loyalty make her indispensable to the team.
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Kyra Leroux in a recurring role: Details about her character are still under wraps, but her presence adds intrigue.
Season 1 also featured weekly guest stars, and Season 2 is expected to continue this trend, introducing new serial killers and supporting characters to keep the “killer-of-the-week” format fresh. Kari Matchett’s Colonel Lazarus, revealed as a “graduated” former inmate, is likely to play a larger role, especially in Shane’s storyline.
The Hunting Party Season 2 Potential Plot
The Hunting Party Season 2 promises to blend its signature “killer-of-the-week” procedural style with deeper exploration of the overarching mystery surrounding “The Pit,” the top-secret prison that housed the nation’s most dangerous serial killers. The Season 1 finale left fans with burning questions, and the showrunners have dropped some exciting hints about what’s next.
Resolving the Season 1 Cliffhangers
The biggest question mark hangs over Oliver Odell’s fate. After a dramatic moment in the Season 1 finale, fans are desperate to know whether he survived. Executive producer JJ Bailey told TV Insider, “You have to wait until Season 2 to get the answer,” suggesting a resolution early in the new season. Another key plot point is whether the Inmate Recovery Task Force will stay together. Bailey noted that the Season 2 premiere will focus on how the team convinces Bex to keep the group intact, setting the stage for their next mission.
Shane’s Family Secrets
Shane Florence’s discovery that his mother is Colonel Lazarus, a former inmate now in a position of power, changes everything. Executive producer Jake Coburn teased that Shane’s struggle with this revelation will be central, as he grapples with her past and her current role. This personal conflict will likely intersect with the team’s broader investigation into The Pit’s purpose and the conspiracy behind the explosion that set the killers free.
A Bigger, Bolder Season
With an expanded episode order, Season 2 has room to explore more standalone cases while weaving in the serialized conspiracy. The move to New York City for filming could introduce urban settings for the team’s pursuits, contrasting with Season 1’s rural Wyoming backdrop. Expect high-stakes chases, psychological tension, and twists that challenge the team’s trust in each other and the system they serve.
