We really are in the era of the period drama. Obviously, Bridgerton took over our lives, but we're also patiently awaiting adaptations of Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice. Filling the gap for now is Channel 5's The Hardacres, which landed earlier this month with season two. But will there be a third season of the show? Here's what we know so far, from potential plot to the cast and more.
Set in 1980s Yorkshire, season two follows Mary and Sam's rise from poverty to privilege, as they embrace the wealth and opportunity that has come their way. With Sam expanding the family business and Mary championing the dock workers' education, their children's futures are uncertain. Will Joe be Sam's successor? Who will be Liza's match? And where will Harry's education go? There's also the arrival of Lady Imelda Hansen, who has a damaging secret agenda, which could threaten everything the family have worked for.
Has The Hardacres season 3 been confirmed?
So far, there's been no official confirmation of a third season of The Hardacres, but that doesn't mean it won't happen. The second season was only confirmed by Channel 5 in July 2025, after the first series aired in October 2024. It seems the platform like to wait and see how successful a show is before it confirmed its renewal.
Based on this pattern, we likely have to wait until at least the end of 2026 to hear any news of new episodes, and in the meantime, hope people are streaming on My5.
Who would star in The Hardacres season 3?
It wouldn't be The Hardacres without the titular named family, so we likely can expect to see:
- Liam McMahon as Sam Hardacre
- Claire Cooper as Mary Hardacre
- Julie Graham as Ma
- Adam Little as Joe Hardacre
- Shannon Lavelle as Liza Hardacre
- Zak Ford-Williams as Harry Hardacre
- Holly Sturton as Lady Adella Fitzherbert
- Cathy Belton as Lady Emma Fitzherbert
- Owen Roe as Lord George Fitzherbert
- Michele Dotrice as Lady Imelda Hansen
- Ingrid Craigie as Mrs Dryden
- Siobhan O'Kelly as Lena
- Sarah Agha as Betsy
- Taheen Modak as Saunders
- Niall McNamee as Edward Blackwood
- Edward Mitchell as Arthur Lewis
Season two also saw the arrival of Lady Imelda Hansen, played by Michele Dotrice, a 77-year-old actress from Lincolnshire. So here's to hoping season three would also include new characters.
The Hardacres season 3 release date speculation
As mentioned, season 3 hasn't been confirmed yet so it's hard to know for sure, but we can speculate based on the release of previous seasons.
Season one came out in October 2024, while season two dropped in May 2026. Following this pattern, there's almost exactly a year and a half between series - so fingers crossed we can expect more episodes in October or November 2027.
The Hardacres is now streaming on 5.
