Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Mare of Easttown season 1.

Will HBO Max release Mare of Easttown season 2? Starring Kate Winslet in the title role, the show follows the ups and downs of a blue-collar Pennsylvania detective. Mare of Easttown was originally intended to be a limited series, however its popularity suggests that new episodes could eventually be produced.

Created and written by Brad Ingelsby, Mare of Easttown revolves around the murder of teenager Erin McMenamin (Cailee Spaeny). When the title character begins her investigation, severals of her friends and acquaintances become suspects. Mare teams up with a local county detective named Colin Zabel (Evan Peters), and then another tragedy complicates the McMenamin murder case and alters the course of the narrative.

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In Mare of Easttown's final episodes, Winslet's character seeks clarity about her investigation, and peace of mind in general. She contemplates a romance with author Richard Ryan (Guy Pearce) but struggles to deal with the suicide of her son. Fortunately, Mare learns how to resolve some of her mental health issues by communicating with her daughter Siobhan (Angourie Rice), mother Helen Fahey (Jean Smart), and best friend Lori Ross (Julianne Nicholson). While much of the story is wrapped-up, there are places a Mare of Easttown season 2 could go.

Mare Of Easttown Season 2 Renewal

Mare of Easttown on HBO Max

A popular show like Mare of Easttown would typically be renewed before the series finale. In this case, however, the show was always intended to be a limited series, per the director Craig Zobel (via Insider). Networks usually assess streaming numbers for multiple weeks after a season finale before making renewal/cancellation decisions, but that likely won't happen with Ingelby's series. According to Zobel, he's willing to direct Mare of Easttown season 2 under the right circumstances:

"I think that if enough fans are excited about it, I certainly am fascinated by Mare Sheehan, and it would be good if we could see her more..."

Mare Of Easttown Season 2 Story Details

Julianne Nicholson as Lori Ross and Kate Winslet as Mare Sheehan in Mare of Easttown on HBO Max

Mare of Easttown season 1 resolves all of the primary conflict and doesn't necessarily leave viewers wondering about the protagonist's future. Winslet's character discovers that Lori's son, Ryan (Cameron Mann), killed Erin McMenamin because of an affair she had with his father, John (Joe Tippett). Mare is initially angry that Lori deceived her but ultimately consoles her best friend, which in turn allows the detective to deal with her own personal issues. In the final moments, Mare returns to the attic where her son committed suicide, which implies that she's finally ready to confront her emotional trauma. Mare of Easttown season 2 would presumably explore Mare's attempts to develop a relationship with Richard Ryan, all the while re-pairing fractured relationships with people from her community. For that to happen, Winslet's Mare of Easttown character may actually need to leave her hometown to begin a new chapter somewhere else, possibly in Lewiston, Maine -- the location of Richard's new gig at Bates College.

Mare Of Easttown Season 2 Cast

Mare and Richard slow dancing at Frank's wedding

Mare of Easttown season 2 would theoretically star Winslet alongside Pearce as Richard Ryan, with the former expressing interest in returning. In a primary subplot, Rice would likely reprise her role as Siobhan, who has left for college and will likely be seeking the ideal romantic partner. Beyond that, it's unclear if any of the season 1 cast members would return. If Mare of Easttown season 2 keeps the same setting, then several of the main players would probably reprise their roles, including Smart as Helen, Nicholson as Lori, and David Denman as Frank Sheehan.

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Mare Of Easttown Season 2 Release Date

Kate Winslet as Mare Sheehan in Mare of Easttown on HBO Max

If Mare of Easttown season 2 does happen, it likely won't release for two to three years. Ingelby and company will theoretically take some time to consider a series continuation, and then reach out to the cast members to see if they're interested in reprising their roles. As of now, it's plausible that Mare of Easttown season 2 could premiere in April 2023, or certainly before if all parties involved want to capitalize upon the cultural momentum. But like Mare, the series will probably move at its own pace.

More: Mare of Easttown Ending & Real Killer Identity Explained