🎬 Big Little Lies: Season 3 (2026) — The Return to Monterey

Movie

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, Zoë Kravitz
Genre: Drama / Mystery / Psychological Thriller

📰 What We Know So Far

Big Little Lies Season 3 is officially in development at HBO. Francesca Sloane (co-creator of Mr. & Mrs. Smith) has been brought on board to write the first episode and serve as executive producer, joining original creator David E. Kelley.
The show is expected to be based on a new sequel novel by Liane Moriarty, which is due in 2026. This sequel will feature a time jump: the children of the “Monterey Five” are now teenagers.
All the original core cast members have publicly expressed interest in returning, including Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley, and Zoë Kravitz. However, as of now, no official contracts have been finalized.
The show’s creator, David E. Kelley, has said that while everybody is very committed to making Season 3, things like actor scheduling, writing, and adapting the new book are still in progress. There is no confirmed release date yet.

🎯 What Fans Are Expecting

Given everything we know, here are what fans are hoping for in Season 3:

Strong Continuity + New Tension:
The moral ambiguity, secrets, lies, relationships, love and betrayal — all hallmarks of the previous seasons — are expected to return, but with more layers. With time having passed in the story, the dynamics are likely to be more complex, especially parenting teenagers, and how past tragedies continue to shape the characters’ lives.
Bonnie’s Storyline:
Many believe Bonnie (Zoë Kravitz) will be central. At the end of Season 2, there were loose ends around Perry’s death and Bonnie’s role. Fans are especially curious how they’ll explore guilt, redemption, confession, and consequences.
The Arrival of Meryl Streep’s Mary Louise:
Mary Louise (Meryl Streep) was introduced in Season 2 as Celeste’s mother-in-law. Her presence added a new emotional axis, and many expect her to return in a more expanded role, especially given where the characters are now. Visuals & Tone:
Monterey’s scenery, the sense of wealth, privilege mixed with underlying darkness — that contrast is part of the magic of Big Little Lies. Fans want emotional drama, suspense, strong dialogue, and that feeling of unraveling lies.
Release Timing & Format:
With the new book expected sometime in 2026, many expect that the season might follow close behind, although possibly later in 2026 or even 2027. Expectations are that HBO / Max will drop a full trailer once casting and writing are more finalized.

🔍 Challenges & What Could Delay / Limit the Season

Scheduling difficulties: The cast are major actors with busy calendars, which has in past been a hurdle. Getting everyone back together is complicated.
Dependence on the Book: It seems that the story for Season 3 will be closely tied to (or adapted from) Moriarty’s sequel novel. Until that book is finished, there are creative limitations.
Director’s Void: The original director Jean-Marc Vallée passed away in 2021, which was a large creative loss for the show. Replacing him means finding someone who can match the tone and visual poetry.

🌟 Final Thoughts & Expectations

Big Little Lies: Season 3 (2026) has the potential to be one of the most anticipated television returns in recent years. With the original stars likely returning, new plotlines tied to Moriarty’s upcoming novel, teenage children, and unresolved emotional tensions, it promises both a familiar feel and fresh drama.

If done well, Season 3 could balance nostalgia and growth: drama that acknowledges the past, but doesn’t get stuck there. Viewers are likely to see grown characters, matured conflicts, and consequences that resonate.

Until then, fans will be watching for announcements: when filming starts, the cast list, promo materials, and first teaser trailers. The wait won’t feel short, but the promise of something meaningful is there.