The hit psychological drama Cruel Summer is officially moving forward with its third season, according to a new report. Hulu and Freeform are in discussions to bring back the series, with Olivia Holt set to reprise her role as Kate Wallis — a character central to the show’s acclaimed first season. This marks a notable revival after the series was canceled in 2023.
Michelle Purple and Jessica Biel will return as executive producers through their Iron Ocean banner, ensuring continuity in the show’s creative vision. Cori Uchida and Adam Lash will serve as both executive producers and showrunners for the upcoming installment, while Lionsgate Television remains the production studio.
The first season of Cruel Summer told the gripping story of Kate Wallis’ mysterious disappearance over the course of three separate summers, following accusations leveled against Jeanette Turner, played by Chiara Aurelia. The drama unfolded across multiple timelines, blending suspense and emotional intensity.
Season 1 also featured a talented ensemble cast, including Froy Gutierrez, Michael Landes, Allius Barnes, Blake Lee, Harley Quinn Smith, and Brooklyn Sudano. Its success led to Season 2 taking on an anthology format, shifting the focus to a Y2K-era storyline involving three characters — Megan (Sadie Stanley), Luke (Griffin Gluck), and Isabella (Lexi Underwood). However, the second season did not achieve the same level of critical or audience acclaim.
Since her initial performance in Cruel Summer, Olivia Holt has starred in the romantic film Heart Eyes, appeared in the Peacock comedy series Laid, and made her Broadway debut in Chicago in 2023.
With the return of Holt as Kate Wallis and the original executive production team back on board, fans can expect Season 3 to capture the intrigue and layered storytelling that made the first season a breakout hit.
