The second season of Fox’s crime drama Murder in a Small Town came to a thrilling end on December 2, 2025, leaving viewers with a major romantic cliffhanger. As fans wait for Chief Karl Alberg’s next move, the big question is whether the show will return for a third season. Fox has not yet officially renewed the series. However, the show’s creative team is ready with new stories, and the final episode’s events have set the stage for more drama in the small town of Gibsons.
The Latest Renewal Status and Show Performance
As of early December 2025, there is no official word on Murder in a Small Town Season 3. The network typically reviews viewership data after a season ends before making a decision. The show is a co-production between Fox in the United States and Global in Canada, which means both networks must agree to produce more episodes. This dual-network arrangement can sometimes cause delays in renewal announcements.
The numbers offer hope for fans wanting more. Season 2 averaged 2.2 million viewers per episode, an 11% increase from Season 1’s average of 1.97 million. A show that grows its audience often has a good chance of continuing. The series is also one of Fox’s few remaining scripted dramas and has received positive reviews from critics. It holds a strong 76% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. These factors suggest the network sees value in the program.
Season 2 Finale Sets Up Major Future Stories
Titled “Nightshade,” the Season 2 finale delivered on its promise of high stakes. The episode focused on the police investigating the death of a man found at the bottom of his staircase, a case that connected to other mysterious deaths. Despite Chief Karl Alberg’s warnings, librarian-turned-interim mayor Cassandra Lee dove deep into the investigation, teaming up with Karl’s daughter, Holly.
The most talked-about moment, however, was personal. After a dangerous confrontation where Cassandra’s life was at risk, a scared and emotional Karl proposed marriage. The episode ended before viewers heard Cassandra’s answer, creating the season’s central cliffhanger. Showrunner Ian Weir explained Karl’s mindset, stating, “Karl has known from the first date with Cassandra way back in Episode 1. He’s known that she is the one”.
Ian Weir said: “Once the question is out of your mouth, there’s no taking it back. And if the other person looks to you and says, ‘You must be crazy,’ where do you go from there? But by the time we get to the finale, Karl’s willing to take that huge step”.
This unresolved proposal is the first of several storylines a potential third season would need to address.
What the Producers Plan for Season 3
Although not yet greenlit, the producers and writers have clear ideas for where the characters could go next. A central theme would be building a family and the complexities that come with it. Executive producer Jeff Wachtel noted that Karl gets a “second crack” at building a family after past mistakes and would need to embrace a more thoughtful side of himself.
A significant part of Season 3 would likely explore Karl’s troubled past with his father. In Season 2, Cassandra gave Karl a painting of his mother that included his father, bringing long-buried feelings to the surface. The finale revealed that Karl now knows his father’s whereabouts, setting up a potential meeting.
Jeff Wachtel teased: “A lot of Season 3, knock on wood, should we be fortunate to get there, is going to be about that… We’ve really laid a lot of that framework of that abandonment that Karl felt from his dad”.
For Cassandra, Season 3 would challenge her difficulty with commitment. Her hidden past in Sacramento, including the recent arrival of an old acquaintance named Warren, could create new tensions. Furthermore, the finale hinted that Cassandra’s mother, Helen, might be facing a serious health crisis, adding another layer of personal drama.
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Expected Cast for a New Season
If renewed, viewers can expect the core cast to return. This includes Rossif Sutherland as Police Chief Karl Alberg and Kristin Kreuk as Cassandra Lee. Other key players likely to come back are Dakota Guppy as Karl’s daughter Holly, Aaron Douglas as Sergeant Sid Sokolowski, and Bethany Brown as Corporal Layla Jackson.
The status of some supporting characters remains uncertain. It is unclear if Savonna Spracklin will return as Officer Isabella, as her character expressed interest in law school. Showrunner Ian Weir has also expressed interest in bringing back Marcia Gay Harden as the former Mayor Christy Holman, if possible. Other familiar faces like Teryl Rothery (Helen), Cassandra Sawtell (Steph), and Joshua Close (Todd) could also appear.
New characters would likely be introduced, especially as Karl’s police force expands its jurisdiction. There is also the strong possibility of seeing Birkett Turton reprise his role as Warren, Cassandra’s stalker from Sacramento.
When Could Season 3 Premiere?
There is no production schedule for a season that hasn’t been ordered. However, looking at the show’s past timeline provides a clue. Season 1 ended in late 2024 and was renewed in January 2025. If Fox follows a similar pattern and renews the show in early 2026, filming could begin later in the year. In a best-case scenario, Murder in a Small Town Season 3 could potentially premiere in late 2026 or early 2027.
The show’s team is prepared to move quickly. Ian Weir confirmed that the writers have already discussed potential storylines. “If there were to be a third season order, I think we could hit the ground running,” Weir said. “We’d have a pretty good idea of the terrain we want to explore”.
For now, all episodes of the first two seasons are available for streaming on Hulu in the United States. Fans will have to wait for an official announcement from Fox and Global, hoping that the mysteries and relationships of Gibsons will continue to unfold.
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