“Big Little Lies” Season 3 Is Officially in the Works at HBO

What We Know So Far

After years of speculation, Big Little Lies is officially moving forward with a third season. HBO has tapped Francesca Sloane (known for Mr. & Mrs. Smith) to write the first episode and executive produce. She joins series creator David E. Kelley and returning leads Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman.

Cast & Creators Returning

Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman are confirmed to be returning — both as lead actors and executive producers. While it’s expected that the rest of the main cast (such as Laura Dern, Zoë Kravitz, Shailene Woodley) are interested in coming back, no final cast list has been officially released yet. Details are still being worked out.

New Leadership & Writing Direction

Francesca Sloane will be taking the reins for Season 3’s kickoff. She joins as executive producer and is set to write the premiere episode. Her deal with HBO spans two years. The original author, Liane Moriarty, is also working on a follow-up novel that will feed into the story.

Challenges & What’s Different

One major factor in the show's delay has been scheduling conflicts among its high-profile cast. Also, with the passing of season one’s director Jean-Marc Vallée in 2021, the creative team is navigating how to move forward without his direct involvement.

Possible Themes & Plot Directions

While plot details are still under wraps, early indications suggest the story will pick up with many of the original characters, possibly with a time jump. The children of the Monterey Five are expected to be older, and their evolving lives may bring new dynamics. There’s also talk that the sequel novel by Moriarty will shape the season’s direction.

Why Fans Are Excited

• The show has won major awards: its first season took home multiple Emmys and Golden Globes.
• The cast, particularly Shailene Woodley, has publicly expressed enthusiasm.
• Viewers are eager to see how the unresolved threads from Season 2 will be addressed — especially around Bonnie’s confession and the consequences for all characters.