Lifetime has renewed “UnReal” for Season 3, the cable network announced Thursday, just days ahead of the show’s Season 2 premiere on June 6. Season 3 will consist of 10 episodes, scheduled to air in 2017.
“‘UnReal’ is that rare series that redefines a network. It not only reflects culture, but pushes culture forward by creating television’s first female antihero,” said Liz Gateley, Executive Vice President and Head of Programming for Lifetime.
“The overwhelming fan and critical reaction set the bar incredibly high, but the writers and executive producing team, coupled with the outstanding performances by Shiri Appleby and Constance Zimmer, have taken the second season to even greater creative heights. We are thrilled about the new ground we will break with season three while continuing our work with the incredible A+E Studios as we together build Lifetime’s Fempire.”
The series has already earned a Peabody award, a Critics’ Choice Award for Constance Zimmer’s supporting role, and was named one of AFI’s Television Programs of the Year. Season 1 of the drama averaged 3.7 million views per episode across all platforms.
The series stars Shiri Appleby and Constance Zimmer as producers Rachel Goldberg and Quinn King, and gives a fictitious behind-the-scenes glimpse into the chaos surrounding the production of a dating competition program, “Everlasting.”
Returning as series regulars for Season 2 are Craig Bierko as “Everlasting’s” creator, Chet, who is on a quest to reclaim his full power on set; Josh Kelly as Jeremy, Rachel’s ex-boyfriend and “Everlasting’s” director of photography; and Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman as Jay, a field producer whose ambitions run far beyond the show. “Everlasting’s” new suitor Darius Hill, an All-American football star, will be played by B.J. Britt — one of Variety‘s 10 TV Stars to Watch this year.
“UnReal” is produced by A+E Studios. The show is co-created by Marti Noxon and Sarah Gertrude Shapiro, who also executive produce along with Carol Barbee, Robert M. Sertner, Sally DeSipio, Stacy Rukeyser, Peter O’Fallon and Adam Kane. Season 2 of “UnReal” includes features four female directors including Shapiro, Appleby in her directorial debut, Janice Cooke and Nzingha Stewart.
