Even before Big Little Lies swept the Emmy awards with 8 wins, including all five it was nominated for on the main telecast, the acclaimed HBO limited series had been gaining steam toward a second installment. It now seems like the limited series could be even closer to a second season than we once thought.
The main obstacle had been the lack of source material as author Liane Moriarty had written the Big Little Lies novel, which the series was based on, as a one-off. That has changed. Moriarty, who had acknowledged that she had been approached by HBO and the producers about a second season, has written a short novella that picks up the story and envisions what happens next with the main characters. David E. Kelley, who adapted Big Little Lies, is looking at the material, mulling a possible take, and everyone is very encouraged.
The actors have not been formally approached yet for a second season but that may happen soon. (Their deals were for the original limited series only but hammering out new pacts is not expected to be a problem as cast members have expressed their desire to come back.) Stars Nicole Kidman, who won an Emmy for Big Little Lies, and Reese Witherspoon, executive produce the series. The core cast includes two other newly-minted Emmy winners, Laura Dern and Alexander Skarsgård.
HBO programming president, Casey Bloys, had this to say about season 2:
“I think a second installment, before tonight and after tonight, still depends on Reese, Nicole, David, Laura and everybody being excited about the story. The producers are all talking, they seem very excited. I haven’t seen anything yet but I’m hopeful because they are so excited”.
Big Little Lies became a water cooler series during its run and was a hit with viewers and critics alike. Season 2 discussion, among fans, began before the limited series ended its run and now it’s all about coming up with the right story to entice the core players back and they seem more than willing to return if the right story is there.