Reportedly, Harley Quinn season 3 hinges on ongoing budget negotiations. The raunchy animated comedy first premiered on DC Universe last fall and became a hit with audiences and critics. The first season was such a success that DC Universe was quick to greenlight a season 2; it officially premiered in April and came to an end in June. Harley Quinn stars Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory) as a Harley fresh off her breakup with the Joker. Harley seeks to make a name for herself within Gotham's criminal underworld, but her journey is predictably filled with complications. Much like season 1, season 2 seemingly was a success for DC Universe, but things have stalled in the months since the finale.
Harley Quinn season 3 seemed like a guarantee, but so far there hasn't been a renewal. In recent weeks, several people have spoken up in favor of an additional season, from executive producer Patrick Schumacker to Harley's latest big screen director James Gunn. This past weekend marked the second part of DC FanDome, and as the day largely focused on television shows, it seemed like Harley Quinn would get its big renewal announcement during its panel. However, that proved to not be the case.
Now, at least, fans have a better idea of what's going on behind the scenes. In THR's announcement that newly minted HBO Max series Doom Patrol has been renewed for its own season 3, it's reported that Harley Quinn's renewal hinges on a new budget for the show. Negotiations have also been stalled by various executive shakeups, as previous HBO Max heads Bob Greenblatt and Kevin Reilly were replaced by Casey Bloys.
While this isn't completely comforting news, it might come as a relief to fans to know that Harley Quinn hasn't been pushed out just yet. It seems like the series is angling for a larger budget this time around, but it remains to be seen if HBO Max (which is turning into the new home for DC Universe shows) is willing to meet those numbers. However, as Harley Quinn has been a sizable success so far, it would be quite the misstep on HBO Max's part if they didn't opt to bring the brash anti-heroine back for another season.
Fans are especially hopeful for a Harley Quinn season 3 because it will finally explore the romantic relationship between Harley and Poison Ivy. Season 2 concluded with the two running off together after reaffirming their love, and audiences are quite eager to see what happens to them next. It remains to be seen if Harley Quinn's negotiations will continue for much longer, but if the two parties can work out the finances, she might be back for another go-round.
Source: THR