Big Little Lies Season 3 Confirmed with Time Jump

The hit HBO drama is returning with a new chapter exploring the challenges of raising teenagers.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 4:51am

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After years of speculation, a third season of the acclaimed HBO drama Big Little Lies is officially in development. The new season will feature a significant time jump, with the children of the original characters now teenagers. Francesca Sloane, known for her work on Mr. & Mrs. Smith, has been tapped to write the first episode and serve as an executive producer. The story will be based on a sequel novel by Liane Moriarty, titled Big Little Truths, which is set to be released in August 2026.

Why it matters

The time jump allows the show to explore new themes and challenges, such as the complexities of parenting teenagers and the secrets that continue to simmer beneath the surface of Monterey's affluent community. The return of the core cast and creative team, including Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman as executive producers, signals a commitment to maintaining the show's signature style and quality.

The details

Francesca Sloane, known for her work as showrunner and executive producer of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, has been tapped to write the first episode of Big Little Lies Season 3. Reese Witherspoon, a star and executive producer of the original series, confirmed that the writing process is underway. The new season will be based on Liane Moriarty's sequel novel, Big Little Truths, which is scheduled for release on August 25, 2026.

  • Big Little Lies Season 3 is currently in development.
  • Liane Moriarty's sequel novel, Big Little Truths, is scheduled for release on August 25, 2026.

The players

Francesca Sloane

A writer and producer known for her work on the series Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Sloane has been signed to an exclusive two-year deal with HBO to write the first episode of Big Little Lies Season 3 and serve as an executive producer.

Reese Witherspoon

A star and executive producer of the original Big Little Lies series, Witherspoon has confirmed that the writing process for Season 3 is underway.

Nicole Kidman

An executive producer of the original Big Little Lies series, Kidman is expected to return for the third season.

David E. Kelley

The creator of the original Big Little Lies series, Kelley will be involved in the development of the third season.

Liane Moriarty

The author of the original Big Little Lies novel, Moriarty has written a sequel titled Big Little Truths, which will serve as the basis for the third season of the TV series.

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What they’re saying

“The upcoming season will be based on the sequel to Liane Moriarty's original novel, titled Big Little Truths, which will be released on August 25, 2026.”

— Reese Witherspoon, Star and Executive Producer

“As a mother of a teenager, there are 'a lot of big little lies' to explore in this new phase of life.”

— Reese Witherspoon, Star and Executive Producer

What’s next

An official air date for Big Little Lies Season 3 has not yet been announced, but with the sequel novel scheduled for release in August 2026, a late 2026 or 2027 release is possible.

The takeaway

The return of Big Little Lies for a third season, with a significant time jump and the involvement of the original creative team, signals a commitment to exploring new challenges and complexities in the lives of the show's beloved characters. Fans can look forward to a fresh and compelling narrative that delves into the secrets and struggles of raising teenagers in Monterey's affluent community.