Cruel Summer ended up as the most-watched television series ever for Freeform.
The show was an interesting mystery that took place over the same day in three consecutive summers.
A popular girl Kate, disappeared without a trace in the first summer. The second year, a new girl, Jeanette, took her place as the new popular girl in town, but her life was shaken up when Kate returned following her abduction and said Jeanette knew what happened to her.
The third summer tied it all together when Jeanette sued Kate for slander, and it turned out there was more to the abduction than expected.
The show enraptured viewers and they will get more as Cruel Summer is returning for a second season.
Here is everything we know so far about Cruel Summer Season 2.
This article provides everything that is known about Cruel Summer Season 2 and all related news. As such, this article will be updated over time with news, rumors, and analysis. Meanwhile, let’s dig down into what is known so far.
Is there going to be a Season 2 of Cruel Summer?
Deadline reported that Freeform renewed Cruel Summer for a Season 2 ahead of the Season 1 finale, which answered several questions concerning the cast of characters.
“I think what has really resonated with audiences is that there’s a very clear, strong mystery, but a mystery that’s told from the point of view of two characters that people can really relate to,” Freeform President Tara Duncan told Deadline.
“That central conceit of ‘is the grass always greener on the other side?’ and that perspective of ‘who do you believe Jeanette or Kate?’ and that the story should shift depending on whose shoes you stand in, I just think is one that is really relatable for this audience,” she continued.
“The idea of an unraveling mystery that’s told week over week is one that the audience has obviously responded to,” she added.
Release date latest: When does Cruel Summer Season 2 come out?
There is no word on when Cruel Summer Season 2 will hit Freeform.
There is also no word on if Kate and Jeanette will be back or if it will be a brand-new story based on a similar mystery and setup, similar to how The Sinner played out.
“We are so proud of this show and the incredible cast and crew who brought so much hard work and grit to every single scene. This wouldn’t have been possible without them and our mastermind showrunner, Tia Napolitano,” said executive producers Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple of Iron Ocean Productions.
“To be picked up for a second season is a dream and we have so many ideas for where we can take this next. We are excited to get to work with our brilliant team of creatives on this project,” they added.
“To the audiences who have been tuning into this show week in and week out, thank you. This is all for you!” They exclaimed.
We will update this article with news on when Freeform announces the official return date for Cruel Summer.
Cruel Summer Season 2 cast updates
There is no word on who will appear in Cruel Summer Season 2. There could be a brand-new cast and story for the second season.
The first season starred Olivia Holt as Kate, the girl who disappeared without a trace, and Chiara Aurelia as Jeanette, the girl who replaced her as the popular girl in town.
Cruel Summer Season 1 also starred Michael Landes, Froy Gutierrez, Harley Quinn Smith, Allius Barnes, Blake Lee, and Brooklyn Sudano.
Cruel Summer Season 2 spoilers
The first season of Cruel Summer asked fans to take a side. Who was telling the truth? Kate, the girl abducted for a year, or Jeanette, the girl who took her place as the popular girl in town.
Kate claimed Jeanette knew where her abductor held her at and told no one so she could take her place.
Jeanette sued Kate, saying that was a lie and that Kate ruined her life just to get her old life back.
Before the season finale, viewers learned Kate had left on her own and moved in with her assistant principal, and it wasn’t until she decided to leave that he abducted her.
Then, in the Cruel Summer Season 1 finale, the truth was complicated.
Both girls were telling the truth.
Kate thought she saw Jeanette, and that the girl knew where she was when she was at Martin’s (Blake Lee) house. However, she did see someone, but it wasn’t Jeanette. It was Kate’s friend, Mallory (Harley Quinn Smith).
There was also the fact that Martin was going to kill himself in front of Kate, but she got the gun and shot him.
After this, Kate finally told the world she was wrong about Jeanette. Then Jeanette forgave Kate on live TV and all was forgiven.
“I don’t know what’s in store for the future for Kate, but I think it’s misguided that she thinks she’s the bad guy because if there’s anything to take away from Cruel Summer it’s there are really very few pure villains or pure victims,” Cruel Summer’s showrunner Tia Napolitano said.
“The world is much more grey and much less black and white,” she continued. “I think what Kate’s doing was taking accountability for her actions, which is a very mature, very therapized thing to do.”
Then there was the final twist. Jeanette went to Martin’s house a second time, heard Kate calling for help, and did nothing to save her. Jeanette was as guilty as Kate thought, but at a different time.
“I think that’s a deep motivator for her to try to beg, borrow, steal to get popularity, which is what she thinks is happiness,” Napolitano said. “All of that is misguided and twisted, but I think that’s some of the psychology going on in her head.”
Freeform has yet to announce when Cruel Summer Season 2 will premiere.