The high-stakes thriller Red Eye left audiences in suspense once again after its second season concluded. The series, following detective Hana Li through intense international conspiracies, has not yet been given an official renewal for a third season by ITV. However, strong behind-the-scenes signals and the show’s past success make a return seem highly likely, with a potential premiere in 2027.
Creator Peter A. Dowling has openly discussed his vision for the show as a trilogy, a strong hint that a concluding chapter is in the works. Executive producer Julie Gardner confirmed that early discussions and planning for a third season are already happening behind the scenes.
Peter A. Dowling, the show’s creator, stated: “I’m as excited as anyone to see what trouble Hana, Delaney, and Jess will find themselves in next. And in true movie form, we have to aim for Red Eye to be a trilogy.”
This framework suggests that a potential Season 3 would aim to bring overarching storylines to a close, rather than just being another standalone case.
The Current Status of Renewal
As of early January 2026, ITV has not announced whether Red Eye will be renewed for a third season or canceled. This period of evaluation is standard for networks. ITV is expected to review key performance metrics from the recently concluded second season before making a final decision. These metrics include initial viewership numbers, audience retention, and, importantly, how many viewers completed the entire season on ITVX.
The show has a strong track record to support its case for renewal. The first season was a major hit for ITV in 2024. Its premiere was watched by over 8 million viewers across all devices, and the series eventually racked up an impressive 29.3 million streams on ITVX, ranking it as one of the channel’s top dramas of the year. While official figures for Season 2 are still coming in, its high-profile New Year’s Day premiere and the star power of Martin Compston joining the cast have kept it in the public eye.
What Story Could Season 3 Tell?
While no official plot exists, the production team has shared early thoughts. The story would likely continue to revolve around the core trio: Hana Li, her journalist sister Jess Li, and MI5 chief Madeline Delaney. A key unresolved thread from the Season 2 finale is Delaney’s job offer to Hana. Although Hana initially turned down the position at MI5, Delaney left the offer open, suggesting Hana could take on a new role as an intelligence operative in a future season.
Executive producer Julie Gardner indicated that Season 3 would again use a “lockbox location,” a confined space where the main characters are trapped under pressure. Season 1 was set almost entirely on a transcontinental flight, while Season 2 unfolded within a locked-down US Embassy. This formula of high-pressure, contained crises is expected to continue, possibly with another aerial element tied to the show’s title.
Which Cast Members Are Expected to Return?
If a third season gets the green light, fans can expect key cast members to return. Lead star Jing Lusi, who plays DS Hana Li, has expressed her enthusiasm for continuing the story.
Jing Lusi said, “Yes, absolutely – I love the heightened world of Red Eye,” when asked about returning for another season.
Lesley Sharp as MI5’s Madeline Delaney and Jemma Moore as Jess Li are also considered central to the continuing plot. The show’s structure of introducing a new co-star for Hana each season may continue. Martin Compston’s character, Clay Brody, survived Season 2, leaving the door open for a return, though possibly in a different capacity.
There is also fan speculation about the return of Richard Armitage as Dr. Matthew Nolan. Armitage made a surprise return in Season 2, proving that past characters can be woven back into the narrative. This has led to hopes that both Armitage and Compston could appear together in a potential third season.
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When Could Red Eye Season 3 Premiere?
Based on the production cycle of previous seasons, industry analysts suggest a realistic premiere window for a hypothetical Season 3 would be 2027. Season 2 was confirmed in September 2024 and began airing in January 2026, an approximately 16-month turnaround.
If ITV grants a renewal in the coming months, filming could potentially begin in the summer of 2026 to meet a 2027 release date. For now, both seasons of Red Eye are available to stream in full on ITVX.
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