What the ‘Big Little Lies’ creator reveals about the start of Season 3

Season 3 buzz heats up

Big Little Lies is moving forward, with season 3 officially in development at HBO. David E. Kelley said at SXSW that the project is still in its early stages and that the idea is beginning to take shape.

Recent reports also indicate the series is on track to begin filming in fall 2026. While no premiere date has been announced, the return remains active and publicly confirmed.

The creator confirms it’s coming

David E. Kelley shared that the third season is officially in development. He said the concept is “just starting to percolate,” and the creative team is enthusiastic about exploring new storylines with the original cast.

The series will continue the story of the Monterey Five. Kelley assured fans that production is on track and that this next chapter will bring new character developments, dramatic twists, and emotional moments that audiences have been waiting to see.

Filming is expected this fall

Kelley revealed that shooting for the third season is planned for the fall. This timeline gives writers and directors time to polish scripts and ensure every storyline lives up to the series’ reputation.

Starting production in the fall also allows the cast and crew to prepare fully. Fans can anticipate that a combination of careful planning and top-tier performances will make the new season visually and emotionally engaging.

Origins of the series

Big Little Lies premiered on HBO in 2017 and quickly became a hit. The show combined mystery, drama, and humor while exploring the complex lives of five women in Monterey, California.

The second season followed in 2019 and maintained the series’ popularity. The coastal setting, intertwined relationships, and suspenseful storylines captured viewers’ attention, making the show a standout drama that continues to generate interest today.

The stellar cast returns

The core ensemble of Big Little Lies includes Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley, and Zoë Kravitz, with Meryl Streep joining in season 2. Their performances helped turn the series into one of HBO’s most acclaimed recent dramas..

The combination of talent and chemistry among the cast ensured that character dynamics felt real, emotional, and engaging for audiences worldwide, creating a loyal fan base.

Fun fact: Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon was born on March 22, 1976, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Betty Witherspoon, a registered nurse & John Draper Witherspoon, a military surgeon. 

Adapted from a bestselling novel

Big Little Lies is based on Liane Moriarty’s bestselling 2014 novel, which provided the foundation for the HBO adaptation’s mystery, humor, and emotional tension.

The television version relocated the story to Monterey, California, while expanding the characters and continuing beyond the first book in season 2. Kelley and the writers developed additional storylines to give viewers a richer experience while staying true to the tone and themes of the original novel.

Fun fact: Liane Moriarty was born on November 15, 1966, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. She is a writer and producer, known for Big Little Lies (2017), Nine Perfect Strangers (2021), and The Husband’s Secret.

Award-winning drama

Over its run, Big Little Lies won eight Emmy Awards and four Golden Globes. The show’s awards reflected its quality writing, acting, and production, cementing its status as a top-tier HBO series.

Critics praised the series for its storytelling and character development. The recognition helped attract new viewers and reinforced the impact of the show’s themes, including friendship, family, and personal growth, in a meaningful and relatable way.

The next season evolves

Season 3 is expected to draw from Liane Moriarty’s upcoming sequel novel Big Little Truths, which revisits the Monterey women after a major time jump. The new story follows Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Renata, and Bonnie as their lives have changed over more than a decade.

The next chapter centers on how time, family pressures, and unresolved secrets continue to shape their relationships. It also expands the story by placing the women’s now-teenage children closer to the center of the drama.

Children now teenagers

The characters’ children have grown up since the last season. This change introduces new challenges, including parenting teenagers and dealing with their evolving personalities and choices.

These developments provide opportunities for tension and growth within the story. Parents and children navigating these new dynamics will create both dramatic and heartfelt moments, adding richness to the overall narrative and character arcs.

Kelley’s other projects

While work continues on Big Little Lies season 3, David E. Kelley has also been promoting Margo’s Got Money Troubles. The series opened the 2026 SXSW Film & TV Festival and premieres globally on Apple TV+ on April 15, 2026.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles stars Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nick Offerman, and Nicole Kidman. The show follows Margo, a recent college dropout and aspiring writer, as she struggles to support herself and her baby.

A story about choices

The new Apple TV series focuses on Margo, a college student whose life changes after an unexpected pregnancy. She searches for ways to support herself, making challenging and unconventional decisions.

The show explores themes of responsibility, growth, and resilience. Kelley drew inspiration from the novel and emphasized authentic character experiences, similar to his approach with Big Little Lies, ensuring viewers connect emotionally with the story.

Why characters matter

Character-driven storytelling has long been a hallmark of David E. Kelley’s television work. That focus is evident in series such as Big Little Lies and Margo’s Got Money Troubles, both of which center heavily on personal relationships and emotional conflict.

Big Little Lies built its reputation through a strong ensemble and sharply drawn characters. Margo’s Got Money Troubles similarly leans on a cast led by Elle Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer to tell an intimate, character-focused story.

Curious how strong storytelling translates to real-life connections? Take a look at Michelle Pfeiffer sharing the mindset that’s kept her marriage strong for 32 years.

Fans are still waiting

Since the first season premiered, excitement has remained high. Fans are eager to see the Monterey Five return and learn how their lives have changed over the years.

With production expected to start this fall, anticipation continues to build. The combination of a talented cast, engaging storylines, and Kelley’s storytelling expertise promises a season that could match or exceed the high expectations of long-time viewers.

Excited for the Monterey Five’s return? Check out 15 must-see projects produced by Reese Witherspoon that are streaming now.

The Monterey Five are back. What are you most excited to see in the new season? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to give this post a like!

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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