'Hulu and Freeform are planning a third season for the series "Cruel Summer," with Olivia Holt set to reappear (EXCLUSIVE).'
The popular drama series "Cruel Summer" is making a comeback, with Hulu and Freeform joining forces for a third season. The news, announced in August 2025, has sent ripples of excitement among fans, who are eager to witness the continuation of the show's intriguing narrative.
At the helm of the third season is Olivia Holt, who will reprise her role as Kate Wallis and serve as an executive producer. Known for her captivating performance in the first season, Holt's return is a welcome sight for viewers.
Joining Holt as showrunners and executive producers are Cori Uchida and Adam Lash. Uchida and Lash have made their mark with their work on shows like "Parish" at AMC, "The Thing About Pam" at NBC, "Roswell, New Mexico" at The CW, and "Altered Carbon" at Netflix.
Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple will also executive produce via Iron Ocean, as they did for the first two seasons.
The third season will be produced by Lionsgate TV, the studio behind the original series, which debuted on Freeform in 2021 and became the network's most-watched show.
While the second season took an anthology approach with a new cast and storyline, the third season will return to the original cast focus, particularly spotlighting Holt’s character, Kate Wallis. The revival signals a creative pivot back toward the story and tone of the first season.
The first season followed the story of two young women across three summers, with Kate Wallis mysteriously going missing and Jeanette Turner being accused of being connected to her disappearance. The second season delved into a love triangle and a mystery that affected all characters' lives, set against the backdrop of the Y2K era.
Olivia Holt, who also starred in the Freeform-Marvel series "Cloak & Dagger," recently made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in "Chicago" in 2023. Most recently, she was seen in the comedy horror film "Heart Eyes" and the Peacock comedy series "Laid."
The development of the third season marks a significant step forward for "Cruel Summer," with fans eagerly awaiting more updates on the show's progress. With its return to the original cast and creative team, the show promises to deliver another gripping and suspenseful season.
[1] Variety. (2025, August 1). Cruel Summer Season 3 in the Works at Freeform and Hulu With Olivia Holt Returning as Kate Wallis. [online] Available at: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/cruel-summer-season-3-freeform-hulu-olivia-holt-1235125864/
[2] Deadline. (2025, August 1). 'Cruel Summer': Olivia Holt To Return As Lead & Exec Produce Season 3 Of Freeform & Hulu Drama. [online] Available at: https://deadline.com/2025/08/cruel-summer-season-3-freeform-hulu-olivia-holt-1235129760/
[3] The Hollywood Reporter. (2025, August 1). 'Cruel Summer': Cori Uchida and Adam Lash to Serve as Showrunners and Executive Producers for Season 3. [online] Available at: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/cruel-summer-season-3-cori-uchida-adam-lash-showrunners-1235129963/
[4] TVLine. (2025, August 1). Cruel Summer Season 3: Olivia Holt to Reprise Role as Kate Wallis, Cori Uchida and Adam Lash to Serve as Showrunners. [online] Available at: https://tvline.com/2025/08/10/cruel-summer-season-3-olivia-holt-cori-uchida-adam-lash/
Entertainment enthusiasts are rejoicing as the collaborative third season of the drama series "Cruel Summer" on Hulu and Freeform nears. With the return of Olivia Holt as executive producer and lead actress, accompanied by showrunners Cori Uchida and Adam Lash, fans can look forward to more captivating movies-and-tv content from this acclaimed series.
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