Will there be a Sherwood season 3? Latest news and speculation

Will there be a Sherwood season 3? Latest news and speculation

As a devoted fan of Sherwood, I eagerly anticipate the potential return of this captivating series. The intricate web of characters and their compelling stories have left me yearning for more, especially after the cliffhangers that were left unresolved at the end of season 2.


As we eagerly anticipate the return of Sherwood in its second season, there’s no doubt that enthusiasts of this popular BBC series will soon find themselves pondering whether and when a possible third season might make an appearance on our TV screens.

Despite ending cleanly in its first season, it’s clear now that James Graham, the series creator and writer, might have struck a successful formula with this series.

Incorporating fresh characters and narratives against the picturesque setting of Nottinghamshire, Graham paved the way for an extraordinary collection of potential television series.

This season focuses on the Sparrows, with two families finding themselves intertwined with them, unearthing old conflicts. Alongside familiar faces such as David Morrissey, Lorraine Ashbourne, and Lesley Manville, the fresh cast includes Monica Dolan, David Harewood, and Sharlene Whyte.

However, let’s find out if there’s another season of Sherwood! Here’s what we currently know, but be cautious as the following information contains significant spoilers from season 2.

Will there be a Sherwood season 3?

Will there be a Sherwood season 3? Latest news and speculation

As of now, Sherwood has not yet been renewed for a third season.

Typically, one might expect that the BBC would evaluate the audience response and ratings for the recently released second season. Additionally, it’s likely they’d consider if show creator James Graham has planned a hypothetical third season.

He went on: “Therefore, these discussions lack any clear image in my mind of what they could become. You’re correct, the prospect that excites me most if we carry on is simply the liberty I possess as an author to bid farewell to characters – which would be quite sad – or to resurrect characters I’ve previously said goodbye to in this series, but I’ve thought of fresh ideas for them.

It seems as if there are no set guidelines for this model; we’ve more or less established it on our own, either accidentally or intentionally. There’s an endless supply of narratives emerging from the Red Wall, and it continues to captivate our collective imagination, leaving us wondering about the people who inhabit these places that were once familiar to us: Who are they? What drives them? As time goes by, I hope you’ll continue to follow along and see what unfolds.

Regarding the types of stories he might delve into for a possible third season, Graham added: “I believe it’s important to underscore that the world isn’t solely about pain, discord, and trauma; it’s also filled with optimism and inspiring individuals who work tirelessly at the community level.

He expressed that he wants us to progress towards a fresh destination and a promising future for the communities, wherever that may lead,” Graham humorously added, “but there might still need to be some sort of obstacle or challenge along the way.

When could a potential Sherwood season 3 be released?

Regarding a possible third season of Sherwood, it’s worth noting that there has been approximately a two-year gap between each season up to now. Season 1 debuted in June 2022, followed by the premiere of season 2 in August 2024. Given this pattern, we might anticipate another release around the same timeframe.

Based on past seasons, it’s possible that Season 3 might be released around the year 2026.

But since Graham is busy adapting his successful West End play “Dear England” for a BBC series, there might be unavoidable delays in the writing and production process.

Who could star in a potential Sherwood season 3?

Will there be a Sherwood season 3? Latest news and speculation

Given that season 2 of Sherwood brought back some well-known characters, it’s reasonable to expect that, should season 3 be approved, we might see more recurring appearances from these familiar faces.

Full season 2 spoilers ahead …

Currently, it appears that David Morrissey’s character Ian St Clair is taking center stage since we’ve seen him as a police officer in the first season and then leading the Violence Intervention Team for the local council in the second season. Given his prominent role in both seasons, there’s a strong likelihood that he’ll reappear if there’s a possibility of a third season.

As Ian and Julie (Lesley Manville) seem to be getting closer, it’s plausible that Manville might take on her role again, but given that Lesley Manville is set to appear in Ryan Murphy’s Grotesquerie and a Margaret Thatcher biopic, we’ll have to wait and see if her schedule permits.

In the second episode of season 2, the characters played by Sharlene Whyte, David Harewood, and Philip Jackson (Micky Sparrow) met their untimely demise. Sadly, these characters are no longer part of the series.

In my humble opinion as a movie critic, Monica Dolan’s character Ann Branson met a tragic end, seemingly vanished without a trace – unless the intriguing Sherwood plot throws us a curveball. Her husband, Roy (Stephen Dillane), was convicted for the heinous murders of Pam and Denis, leading one to believe we won’t see him again. However, given the formidable influence of the Branson family, could there be scenes depicting Roy maneuvering through life behind bars?

Despite Ryan (Oliver Huntingdon) being moved to a distant prison, it might seem like the end of his and Stephie’s (Bethany Asher) tale. However, with the season 1 antagonist Scott Rowley (Adam Hugill) mysteriously reappearing in season 2 while imprisoned, there’s a chance we could witness more of Ryan, contingent upon the plot of season 3.

In discussions about potential new characters for season 3, the Warner family, known for their wealth, have been a significant focus due to their involvement in the argument surrounding the resumption of coal mining operations.

As a cinephile, I can’t help but ponder about the character arc of Samuel (Robert Emms) in the series, who surprisingly shifted his stance towards the end of the season. Yet, it appears that Franklin (Robert Lindsay), our protagonist, seems steadfast on their initial plan. What makes this intriguing is the revelation that Franklin was the second ‘spy cop’ sent to the region long ago and, moreover, he is Rachel (Christine Bottomley)’s biological father. This suggests a deeper layer to Franklin’s character, one that remains shrouded in mystery and may unfold further as the story progresses.

The Sherwood cast we’d expect to see return for season 3 are as follows.

  • David Morrissey as Ian St Clair 
  • Lesley Manville as Julie Jackson
  • Lorraine Ashbourne as Daphne Sparrow
  • Bill Jones as Ronan Sparrow
  • Perry Fitzpatrick as Rory Sparrow
  • Christine Bottomley as Rachel Crossley
  • Michael Balogun as Harry Summers

What could a potential Sherwood season 3 be about?

Will there be a Sherwood season 3? Latest news and speculation

For a potential third season, we might anticipate it delving deeper into tales from the Red Wall communities, which Graham has previously explored. We can also assume that the storyline will remain within Nottinghamshire and address contemporary concerns, keeping the series relevant.

From the first season, we delved into topics such as deindustrialization and the underlying strife of the ’80s miner’s strikes. Conversely, the second season examined the breakdown of established systems, local governance issues, gang violence, and contemporary mining practices. There’s still a wealth of intriguing aspects to delve deeper into!

As a film enthusiast, I’m intrigued by the delicate balancing act Keir Starmer finds himself in for the next couple of years. It’ll be fascinating to observe its real-life implications. In season 2, my on-screen partnership with Lesley Manville developed into something unique and captivating, which I truly enjoyed exploring. However, it’s ultimately James’ decision, much like Sally Wainwright or Jack Thorne, they’re all incredibly busy.

Sherwood seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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2024-09-12 12:04