The question on many viewers’ minds is clear: will Waiting for the Out return for a second season? Following the release of its compelling six-episode first season on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, fans are eager for more of this thoughtful prison drama. As of today, the BBC has not announced a renewal for Season 2. However, new comments from the show’s writer provide strong hope and a clear path forward for the story.
The Writer’s Direct Comments on Season 2
Writer Dennis Kelly, known for his work on Matilda: The Musical and Utopia, has spoken directly about the potential for more episodes. He confirmed that the idea of future seasons was part of the initial conversation when creating the show.
Kelly stated his clear personal interest in continuing the story: “I’d love to do it. I’d love to do it again”. He laid out the factors needed for a second season to move forward, emphasizing that it depends on viewer reception and the willingness of key collaborators to return. “If people like it, if there’s an appetite for it, if Andy [West] wants to again, if Josh [Finan] wants to do it again, I’d love to”, Kelly said. He expressed a deep connection to the characters, adding, “I feel like I could write tons for them”.
Source Material and Story Potential for a New Season
A significant point of discussion is the show’s source material. Waiting for the Out is based on Andy West’s memoir, The Life Inside, which chronicles his real experiences teaching philosophy in prison. The first season adapted much of this personal narrative. Kelly acknowledged that “Andy’s story, I think we’ve probably exhausted”.
However, he was quick to point out that this does not close the door on a new season. The memoir contains a wealth of unused material that could form the basis of new episodes. “There’s loads of prison scenes in that book that we haven’t even touched on, there’s a ton of them”, Kelly explained. He noted that any continuation would be a collaborative effort to build new storylines, potentially expanding on the philosophical discussions and the lives of the other inmates introduced in the first season.
What Could Season 2 Be About?
While no official plot exists, the ending of Season 1 and the available source material suggest natural directions for the story. The series could delve deeper into the backgrounds and futures of the prisoners in Dan’s philosophy class, characters who were pivotal to his journey. Dan’s own struggle with the fear of inheriting a family legacy of crime reached a point of management but not necessarily a full conclusion, leaving room for further personal exploration.
The show’s central theme—using philosophy to examine freedom, guilt, and identity within the walls of a prison—provides a strong foundation for new stories, even beyond the specific events of West’s memoir.
The Cast Expected to Return
Should the BBC give a green light, the central cast would likely return. Josh Finan would reprise his lead role as Dan, the philosophy teacher grappling with his family’s past. Other key family members expected to return include:
- Gerard Kearns as Dan’s Father
- Stephen Wight as his brother, Lee
- Phil Daniels as Uncle Frank
- Samantha Spiro as Dan’s Mum
Many of the actors portraying inmates, such as Alex Ferns (Keith) and Francis Lovehall (Dris), could also return, given their roles in the prison classroom setting. One character not expected back is Josef Altin’s Greg, whose story concluded definitively in the first season.
Current Release and Streaming Details
For new viewers or those wanting to rewatch, all six episodes of Waiting for the Out Season 1 are available to stream right now. The series launched on Saturday, January 3, 2026, with all episodes dropping on BBC iPlayer at 6am. The first episode also aired on BBC One that same evening at 9:30pm.
The show has been met with critical acclaim, described as “sensational” and “totally magnificent” by reviewers. This positive reception is a crucial factor that the BBC will consider when deciding on the show’s future.
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When Could Waiting for the Out Season 2 Release?
As the series has not been officially renewed, there is no release date or production timeline for a second season. Speculation suggests that if a renewal decision is made soon, the turnaround for a show of this nature could potentially see new episodes arrive in 2027. No trailer for Season 2 exists, as production has not begun.
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