The second season of the Argentine prison drama In the Mud (originally titled En el barro) just landed on Netflix on February 13, 2026, and fans are already asking the same question that followed the first season’s cliffhangers: will there be a Season 3?
The series, a spinoff of the acclaimed Argentine show El Marginal, returned with eight new episodes that dive back into the chaos of La Quebrada women’s prison. With new characters, shifting power dynamics, and plenty of unresolved tension, viewers are hungry for more. But Netflix has not yet given the green light for another season .
Here is a breakdown of where things stand right now with In the Mud Season 3, what factors will determine its fate, and what fans can realistically expect.
Netflix Has Not Renewed ‘In the Mud’ for Season 3 Yet
As of now, Netflix has made no official announcement regarding the renewal or cancellation of In the Mud. The show is in what the industry calls an “open status,” meaning its future is still being decided behind the scenes .
There are no updates about script writing, casting calls, production schedules, or filming locations for a potential third season. The lack of these typical pre-production signs confirms that Season 3 has not entered development .
The timing is actually very normal. Since Season 2 premiered on February 13, 2026, Netflix is currently in its standard evaluation window. Streaming platforms typically wait three to six weeks after a season’s release to analyze performance data before making renewal announcements .
Netflix looks at multiple data points during this period:
- Total viewing hours across all global markets
- Completion rates (how many subscribers watch until the final episode)
- Subscriber retention impact
- Cost versus performance analysis
The streaming giant needs time to determine whether In the Mud delivers enough value to justify the production costs for another season.
Why ‘In the Mud’ Has Strong Chances for Renewal
Despite the lack of official confirmation, several factors work in the show’s favor. The first season of In the Mud earned a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, setting high expectations for the follow-up . The series quickly became Argentina’s most-watched show in the second half of 2025, proving its strong regional appeal .
The show also benefits from being connected to El Marginal, a proven franchise with an existing fan base. Spinoffs often perform well because they bring in viewers who loved the original series while attracting new audiences .
Season 2 added major casting firepower by bringing in Eugenia “La China” Suárez as a co-lead. She plays Nicole, a new inmate who becomes entangled with the prison’s fearsome new boss, Gringa Casares, played by Verónica Llinás. The casting of well-known Argentine actors typically signals Netflix’s investment in a show and can boost viewership numbers .
The Story Leaves Room for More Episodes
The narrative structure of In the Mud definitely allows for continuation. Season 2 introduces multiple new characters and storylines while leaving several arcs unfinished .
The season brings back Gladys Guerra (Ana Garibaldi), who ends up back in prison after a robbery goes wrong. The prison is now ruled by Gringa, while La Zurda (Lorena Vega) continues running her own operations. The conflict between these power centers creates ongoing tension .
One major plot involves Gladys using inmates to kidnap a race car driver from a mafia family, then hiding the hostage inside La Quebrada itself. This risky plan sets up potential consequences that could easily carry into another season .
New characters like Helena (Julieta Ortega), a schoolteacher arrested for a relationship with a student, and the corrupt prison warden Beatriz (Inés Estévez) add layers to the story that remain unexplored by season’s end .
However, leftover storylines alone do not guarantee renewal. Many shows leave threads dangling but never return. The decision ultimately comes down to numbers, not creative potential .
What Could Prevent ‘In the Mud’ Season 3
Several industry factors could work against the show’s return. Production costs are a major consideration, especially for a series that requires extended location shooting, a large ensemble cast, and heavy production design to recreate the prison setting .
Netflix has become increasingly selective about renewals in recent years. The platform constantly adjusts its content catalog to balance genres, regions, and demographics. Even popular shows sometimes end if they do not fit the company’s broader strategy .
The show’s intense content could also limit its global reach. Reviews describe In the Mud as “blunt and raw,” featuring prison gang wars, s*xual assault, human trafficking, and abuse of power . One critic noted the series “doesn’t hold back and is certainly one of the more gory shows you’ll see on Netflix” . This graphic content may restrict the audience in some markets.
How Fans Can Show Support
While Netflix does not publicly release detailed viewing statistics, audience engagement does play a role in renewal decisions. Fans who want to see In the Mud Season 3 can take simple steps to boost the show’s chances:
- Watch Season 2 all the way through (completion rates matter)
- Recommend the show to others
- Discuss the series on social media platforms
- Keep the show in Netflix’s trending rankings
Viewer interest is one factor among many, but it can positively influence how Netflix evaluates a show’s performance .
When Could Season 3 Possibly Release?
Since Netflix has not renewed In the Mud, there is no release timeline whatsoever. Any dates circulating online are pure speculation .
If Netflix were to order another season sometime in 2026, production would likely begin later in the year. Based on typical streaming industry patterns, a new season would probably arrive 12 to 18 months after renewal. That means if renewed soon, the earliest Season 3 could premiere would be mid-to-late 2027 .
This estimate follows general production trends and is not specific to In the Mud. The actual timeline would depend on cast availability, script development, filming schedules, and post-production work.
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The Bottom Line on ‘In the Mud’ Season 3
The situation is straightforward. In the Mud Season 2 premiered on February 13, 2026. Netflix has not renewed or canceled the show. No production work has begun on a third season. The streaming service is currently evaluating performance metrics .
The show has strong elements working in its favor: excellent critical reception for Season 1, strong regional ratings in Argentina, a built-in fan base from El Marginal, and a cast that includes major Argentine stars . The story also leaves room for continuation .
However, the final decision rests on whether Netflix determines the viewership numbers justify the production costs. Fans will need to wait for the streaming giant to complete its data analysis and make an official announcement.
Until that announcement comes, the only fact is that In the Mud Season 3 remains unconfirmed but also not impossible. The coming weeks will be crucial as Netflix monitors how global audiences respond to the new episodes.
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