Freeform Renews "Cruel Summer" for Second Season

Ahead of tonight’s highly anticipated season finale of Cruel Summer, Freeform has announced the series has been picked up for a second season.

What’s Happening:

Freeform isn’t done with Cruel Summer just yet. With one episode left in the time jumping, psychological thriller, the network surprised fans this afternoon announcing the series has been renewed for a second season.
Cruel Summer is the network’s most-watched series ever and is the first scripted series to debut under Freeform President Tara Duncan.
In addition to its impressive cable performance, the series also did well on Hulu and was the most-watched next-day season one title from a linear channel in its first seven weeks to date.
It was also a big hit with Bekah who praised the series stating, “I’m confident in saying Cruel Summer is one of the best shows [Freeform’s] produced.”
The season finale, “Hostile Witness,” airs tonight (Tuesday, June 15th) at 10 pm EDT/PDT on Freeform. Additionally, fans can catch the final episode streaming next day on Hulu.

What They’re Saying:

Freeform President Tara Duncan: “Renewing Cruel Summer for a season two was an easy decision. It’s the biggest series debut in Freeform’s history, and the audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. Jessica, Michelle and Tia did a phenomenal job telling an addictive story that’s tapped into the cultural zeitgeist. I’m excited to see where they take the series next.”
Showrunner Tia Napolitano: “Collaborating with Iron Ocean, our dedicated crew, charismatic cast, and our partners at Freeform and eOne have been the best first showrunning experience I could ask for. I am beyond grateful and excited by the amazing fan response to our show! Continuing to bottle Cruel Summer magic for a season two is an absolute dream come true.”
Producers Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple: “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. 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, in addition to our partners at Freeform and eOne, including Jackie Sacerio, who brought the project to us. To the audiences who have been tuning into this show week in and week out, THANK YOU!!! This is all for you!”

About the Series:

“Cruel Summer is a psychological thriller that follows two young women: Kate Wallis, the popular girl with a charmed life who one day goes missing, and Jeanette Turner, the nerdy wannabe who is accused of being connected to Kate’s disappearance. All signs point to Jeanette’s guilt, but is Kate really who she seems to be? Set over three summers and told through shifting points of view, the series challenges perception and follows how one girl can go from being a sweet outlier to the most despised person in America.”

The series stars:

The season one finale of Cruel Summer airs tonight at 10pm ET/Pt on Freeform.