‘Cruel Summer’ Season 3 in Development With Olivia Holt Returning

Olivia Holt to Star in and Executive Produce Third Season of “Cruel Summer” at Hulu and Freeform

Maybe it’s not such a cruel summer after all. Variety has learned exclusively from sources that a third season of “Cruel Summer” is currently in development at Hulu and Freeform.

Olivia Holt is set to star in and executive produce the new season, reprising her role as Kate Wallis from Season 1. Cori Uchida and Adam Lash have joined as showrunners and executive producers, with Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple returning as executive producers via Iron Ocean. Lionsgate TV will produce the series.

Reps for Disney declined to comment on the news of the third season.

“Cruel Summer” originally created by Bert V. Royal, premiered on Freeform in 2021 and quickly became the network’s most-watched show. While Season 2 took a different approach with a new cast and storyline, Season 3 will bring back Olivia Holt and continue the story of Kate Wallis.

The first season of “Cruel Summer” followed the intertwined lives of popular Kate Wallis (Holt) and nerdy Jeanette Turner (Chiara Aurelia) across three summers, focusing on Kate’s mysterious disappearance and the accusations against Jeanette.

Season 2 of the series explored the dynamics of teenage friendships in the Y2K era, with Sadie Stanley, Griffin Gluck, and Eloise Payet in leading roles. The new season twisted and turned through timelines to uncover the impact of a mysterious event on their lives.

Olivia Holt, known for her roles in “Cloak & Dagger” and “Chicago” on Broadway, will bring her talent back to “Cruel Summer” for the third season. Showrunners Cori Uchida and Adam Lash, with experience on shows like “Roswell, New Mexico” and “Altered Carbon,” will lead the creative direction of the upcoming season.

With the return of Olivia Holt and the addition of new showrunners, fans can expect a fresh take on the beloved series as it continues to captivate audiences on Hulu and Freeform.

Stay tuned for more updates on the third season of “Cruel Summer” as production gets underway.