Olivia Holt to Star in Third Season of “Cruel Summer” on 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 has been confirmed to star in and executive produce the upcoming season, reprising her role as Kate Wallis from Season 1. Joining her as showrunners and executive producers are Cori Uchida and Adam Lash. Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple will once again executive produce through Iron Ocean, with Lionsgate TV serving as the studio.
Reps for Disney declined to comment on the news of the third season.
“Cruel Summer” originally created by Bert V. Royal, debuted on Freeform in 2021 and became the network’s most-watched show. After a successful first season, the show was renewed for a second season but took an anthology approach with a new cast, storyline, and showrunner. Despite some challenges, the show was canceled by Freeform in 2023.
The first season of “Cruel Summer” followed the intertwined stories of Kate Wallis (Holt) and Jeanette Turner (Chiara Aurelia) over three summers, with Kate going missing and Jeanette being accused. Season 2 explored the dynamics of a teenage friendship set against the Y2K era.
Olivia Holt, known for her roles in “Cloak & Dagger” and “Chicago” on Broadway, will return to lead the cast for the third season. Cori Uchida and Adam Lash, who have worked on various TV shows, will bring their expertise as showrunners.
Stay tuned for more updates on the highly-anticipated third season of “Cruel Summer” coming to Hulu and Freeform.
