Days before the drama's second season premiere on June 6, Lifetime has ordered a third season of its critically acclaimed original drama series UnREAL with a 10-episode order, it was announced today by Liz Gateley, Executive Vice President and Head of Programming, Lifetime. The third season will debut in 2017.
UnREAL gives a fictitious behind-the-scenes glimpse into the chaos surrounding the production of a dating competition program, Everlasting. Having already tackled relevant matters of gender politics, the series, starring Shiri Appleby and Constance Zimmer as producers Rachel Goldberg and Quinn King, will stir up drama in Season 2 when Everlasting casts its first-ever African American suitor.
Returning as series regulars are Craig Bierko as Everlasting's creator, Chet, who is on a quest to reclaim his full power on set; Josh Kelly as Jeremy, Rachel's ex-boyfriend and Everlasting's director of photography; and Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman as Jay, a field producer whose ambitions run far beyond the show. Everlasting's new suitor Darius Hill, an All-American football star, will be played by B.J. Britt.
Marti Noxon and Sarah Gertrude Shapiro created the drama. They executive produce with Carol Barbee, Robert M. Sertner, Sally DeSipio, Stacy Rukeyser, Peter O'Fallon and Adam Kane. A+E Studios produces. In following the mission of Lifetime's Broad Focus initiative, this season also features four female directors including Shapiro, Appleby (making her directorial debut), Janice Cooke and Nzingha Stewart.
Gateley said about the renewal, "UnREAL is that rare series that redefines a network. It not only reflects culture, but pushes culture forward by creating television's first female antihero. The overwhelming fan and critical reaction set the bar incredibly high, but the writers and executive producing team, coupled with the outstanding performances by Shiri Appleby and Constance Zimmer, have taken the second season to even greater creative heights. We are thrilled about the new ground we will break with season three while continuing our work with the incredible A+E Studios as we together build Lifetime's Fempire."
UnREAL has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations to date including a Peabody, an AFI honor as a Television Program of the Year, and a Critics' Choice Award for Constance Zimmer's performance.
