'Best HBO series ever made' finally gets update on new season after six-year delay

HBO has finally confirmed the third season of Big Little Lies is moving forward with a writer attached to pen the first episode.

The critically acclaimed and smash-hit drama is based on the book of the same name by Liane Moriarty and follows the build-up and fallout to a devastating murder at a school that rocks a tight-knit community in Monterey, California.

Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Laura Dern portray three wealthy parents whose lives are challenged by the arrival of Jane Chapman (played by Shailene Woodley), a single mother to a volatile young boy who starts to cause trouble at the same school.

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Filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallée directed the first seven-episode season, which aired in 2017, though he sadly died in 2021. British director Andrea Arnold helmed the second season, premiering in 2019.

Six years later, Deadline has now confirmed the third season of Big Little Lies is finally moving forward.

Mr and Mrs Smith co-creator and showrunner Francesca Sloane has been tapped to write the first episode after signing a two-year overall deal with HBO.

Her signing on comes as the Prime Video series, which starred Donald Glover and Maya Erskine in its first season, has been delayed indefinitely.

A cast has not been confirmed, though Witherspoon and Kidman are expected to return as they’re back as executive producers along with series creator David E Kelley.

Anticipation for the series will undoubtedly be through the roof as the drama will be returning well over half a decade since the last outing, which notably added three-time Oscar-winner Meryl Streep to the main cast.

One fan described it as “possibly the most perfect show I have ever seen on TV or in the movies” in their five-star Google review.

They continued: “Strong female characters- flaws and all- are exquisitely brought to life by all the actors.

“Meryl Streep in Season 2 was the perfect foil and made an excellent series even better! I want a season three but take your time-we don’t want just a potboiler out there! Thank you for such quality work!”

Another viewer was equally impressed, writing: “Best HBO mini series. It truly is hard to put into words how good this series is.

“The ladies are so talented and the storylines are true to life. WOW the performances by Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern and Alexander Skarsgard blew me away.

“Many aspects and lives entangled in so much drama and the unknown. It is truly a must see! For both seasons.”

And a final fan declared: “This is hands down one of the most complex and enthralling series I've ever watched with a fabulous sound track to back up the powerhouse female lead cast.

“It’s relatable, cleverly written and the acting is world class. Both series are equally engaging. This is a must watch!”

There’s still plenty of time before the third season of Big Little Lies hits screens, so take this as a sign to dive into this addictively messy drama if you haven’t already.

Big Little Lies is available to stream on Sky Atlantic and NOW, or you can rent or buy it on Prime Video and Apple TV.