Peacock’s Based on a True Story hooked viewers with its twisted blend of dark comedy and true-crime obsession in its first two seasons, and with Season 3 confirmed as of early 2025, anticipation is spiking. Starring Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina as Ava and Nathan Bartlett, the series thrives on its wild premise and biting satire. Here’s everything we know so far about Season 3 as of March 19, 2025, from release timelines to plot possibilities.
What Could Be the Release Date?
Season 2 of Based on a True Story premiered on November 21, 2024, following Season 1’s June 2023 debut. Peacock announced Season 3 in January 2025, with production reportedly kicking off in mid-2025. Given the show’s roughly 8-10 month production cycle—factoring in filming, post-production, and its compact eight-episode format—a late 2025 release seems plausible, possibly November 2025 to mirror Season 2’s slot. Posts on X from March 18, 2025, suggest fans expect a Thanksgiving-adjacent drop, aligning with the show’s knack for cozy-season binge appeal. While Peacock hasn’t locked in a date, insider buzz from outlets like Deadline hints at a Q4 2025 target, capitalizing on the series’ growing cult following.
Cast
Returning Cast (Expected Based on Seasons 1 & 2):
- Kaley Cuoco as Ava Bartlett: The true-crime-obsessed realtor turned amateur sleuth.
- Chris Messina as Nathan Bartlett: Ava’s husband, a washed-up tennis coach tangled in murder and mayhem.
- Tom Bateman as Matt Pierce: The charming serial killer whose dynamic with the Bartletts drives the chaos.
- Liana Liberato as Tory Bartlett: Nathan’s sister, caught up in the family’s schemes.
- Natalia Dyer as Chloe Lake: The Season 2 wildcard whose fate hangs in the balance.
Supporting Players:
Expect recurring faces like Aaron Staton (Simon, Ava’s ex) and Priscilla Quintana (Ruby, Tory’s friend) to pop up, depending on Season 3’s direction.
Not Returning:
No confirmed exits as of March 2025, though Season 2’s bloody cliffhanger—Chloe’s apparent death at Matt’s hands—leaves Dyer’s return in doubt. Flashbacks could keep her in play.
What to Expect in Plot?
Season 2 ended with a bang: Ava and Nathan, now parents, framed Chloe for their crimes, only for Matt to stab her in their home as their podcast soared in popularity. Season 3 will likely pick up with the fallout—can the Bartletts maintain their cover as Matt’s unpredictability escalates? Creator Craig Rosenberg has teased pushing the satire further, possibly exploring Ava’s postpartum struggles alongside a new murder mystery. X chatter from March 17, 2025, floats ideas like a rival podcaster digging into the Bartletts’ secrets or a copycat killer inspired by their show. Matt’s role could shift—ally, foe, or both—while Tory might take a darker turn after Season 2’s betrayals. Expect more absurdity, gore, and domestic dysfunction, all wrapped in the show’s signature wink at true-crime culture.
Will ‘Based on a True Story’ Return for Season 3?
As of March 19, 2025, Based on a True Story Season 3—announced by Peacock in January—remains a hot topic, though updates are scarce. Season 2’s cliffhanger, with Matt Pierce killing Chloe Lake in the Bartletts’ home, has fans on Reddit demanding more. Here’s what the team behind the show is saying:
Where It Stands:
Peacock announced Season 3 in January 2025, but hasn’t shared more by March. Season 2’s November 2024 finale—Matt stabbing Chloe in the Bartletts’ home—left fans on Reddit begging for answers, keeping renewal hopes high.
Producer’s Take:
Michael Costigan, a producer, told The Direct, “There’s a lot more to do.” His enthusiasm suggests he’s keen to dive back into the Bartletts’ chaotic world.
Cast’s View:
Sara Paxton, who played Paige in Season 2, spoke to IMDb about her role. “I loved the camaraderie on set,” she said, adding, “I hope to return for a third season” to explore Paige further.
Executive Producer’s Vision:
Annie Weisman, Season 2’s executive producer, told Screen Rant that murder is “an addiction” and reforming a killer is complex. She hinted, “There’s more to explore in future seasons,” teasing big ideas ahead.
What’s Next:
No final word from Peacock yet, but with the team’s passion and that cliffhanger, Season 3 feels close. Stay tuned for updates
Fan Theories
Fans on X and Reddit are spinning wild Season 3 scenarios. A top theory suggests Chloe survived, faking her death to expose Ava and Nathan. Others predict a time jump, with their kid unwittingly roped into the lies, or a new killer targeting podcasters—meta even for this show. Posts from March 19, 2025, pitch a Matt-Ava romance twist (yikes), while some hope for a John Stamos cameo, nodding to Cuoco’s Flight Attendant ties. The fandom’s unhinged energy matches the series’ vibe perfectly.
Previous Seasons IMDb
- Season 1: 7.2/10 (as of mid-2023)
- Season 2: 7.4/10 (early 2025 ratings)
Season 2’s slight IMDb bump reflects its sharper edge, with critics on Rotten Tomatoes praising its 88% fresh rating for escalating stakes without losing humor. Season 3’s score awaits its debut, but expectations are sky-high.
Where to Watch
As of March 19, 2025, Seasons 1 and 2 stream on Peacock with a subscription (ad-supported plans available). Season 3 will land there too, likely in November 2025, accessible globally where Peacock operates—U.S., UK, Ireland, and beyond. Check Peacock’s app or site for updates as the premiere nears. No alternate platforms are in the mix yet.
