Netflix’s Russian Doll has not released a new season in over three years, but its co-creator and star, Natasha Lyonne, says the story is far from over. Lyonne recently gave an update on the acclaimed series, sharing her unique vision for its future and the practical realities of getting it made.
While there is no official green light from Netflix for a third season, Lyonne confirmed she is actively working on a script. She described the project as “incoming” and “in process,” noting she gets to it between other work deadlines. Her vision for a new installment is bold, drawing direct inspiration from the unconventional revival of a classic television mystery.
The “Twin Peaks” Model for a Future Season
Lyonne’s specific plan for Russian Doll involves looking at another series known for its surreal storytelling. She stated she is determined to approach a new season in the style of director David Lynch and his series Twin Peaks.
“I’m determined to do it [David] Lynch-style – Fire Walk With Me and then Twin Peaks: The Return. I’m determined to follow that model,” Lyonne said.
This model refers to Twin Peaks releasing a prequel film, Fire Walk with Me, after its initial cancellation, followed by a surprise new season, The Return, which aired 25 years later on a different network. This suggests Lyonne is open to various formats—such as a movie or a new batch of episodes—and is prepared for a potentially long gap before the story continues.
No Clear Timeline, But Scriptwork Has Begun
A major point from Lyonne’s update is that fans should not expect a new season soon. She was clear that she does not know when she will formally pitch her ideas to Netflix.
When discussing a potential timeline, Lyonne gave a wide range of possibilities, humorously adding that she would need to figure out how to preserve her own consciousness to see it through.
“But I don’t know if that will be in two years, 10 or 20, or 35 — if I can upload my consciousness into the cloud while retaining my own data dignity and not having a hive mind, that would be ideal,” she explained.
Despite the unclear schedule, she confirmed the work is underway, with a script currently sitting “on my desktop” in its “final draft” stage.
Why the Long Wait? Lyonne’s Other Projects and Priorities
The extended delay for Russian Doll is partly due to Lyonne’s busy schedule with other high-profile projects. Her series Poker Face, which she led and produced for Peacock, recently ended after two seasons. Lyonne was not shocked by the cancellation, noting she and creator Rian Johnson designed the Season 2 finale, titled “The End of the Road,” to function as a potential series conclusion.
Her focus has now shifted toward directing feature films. She has announced her feature directorial debut, Bambo, and is also working on an AI-hybrid film titled Uncanny Valley. Lyonne has been public about her goal to direct a movie before taking on another major television commitment.
“For me, baby’s gotta direct some movies. I’ve been talking about it long enough,” she stated, explaining her shift in focus.
The Story So Far and Ideas for Season 3
Russian Doll first premiered on Netflix in 2019. The first season followed Nadia Vulvokov, a New York City game developer stuck in a time loop, dying repeatedly on her 36th birthday. She eventually discovered another person, Alan, stuck in his own loop, and they worked together to break the cycle.
Season 2, which arrived in April 2022, changed the formula. Nadia and Alan discovered a time-travel portal on the New York City subway, allowing them to inhabit the bodies of their ancestors in different eras, like 1980s New York and World War II-era Budapest. The season dealt heavily with themes of intergenerational trauma, history, and family.
In a past interview, Lyonne hinted that if Season 1 was about the present and Season 2 was about the past, a third season could naturally explore the future. She and her co-star Charlie Barnett have also tossed around playful ideas, with Barnett speculating about storylines involving purgatory, different planes of existence, or even aliens.
Lyonne herself has joked about a desire to see Nadia return with robotic enhancements, once telling Entertainment Weekly, “I would love nothing more than to have a half-silver face with a red eye and in season 3 just be walking around with my robot neck and stuff”.
Also Read:
The Current Status: Not Canceled, But on Hold
As of now, Netflix has not canceled Russian Doll, but the show is in a state of indefinite hold. The show’s other co-creator, Leslye Headland, has also expressed optimism about continuing the story, noting that scheduling with the busy cast and creators is the primary challenge.
The series continues to be highly rated, holding a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Its first season earned 14 Emmy nominations, including nods for Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actress for Lyonne. This critical success provides a strong foundation for a future return.
The final word for now comes from Lyonne’s own philosophical take on the series. She has said that “philosophically, Russian Doll is something that I’ll never be done with”. While audiences may have to wait years to see Nadia’s next chapter, the door to her strange, time-bending world is still open.
Also Read: Bridgerton Season 4 Releases New Look at Penelope and Colin’s Married Life
