His Dark Materials has been officially renewed for a third and final season at HBO and BBC One. Produced by Bad Wolf and New Line Productions, His Dark Materials is a fantasy TV-show based on the novel series of the same name by Philip Pullman. The show is set in a multi-world reality, where all humans are accompanied by animalistic associates called dæmons, which are the manifestations of their souls. The first season of the show premiered on  November 3, 2019, on BBC One, and the next day on HBO. Even before its premiere, the show was renewed for a second season, which debuted in November 2020.

During season 2, His Dark Materials focused on its starry-eyed but courageous protagonist Lyra (Dafne Keen). She embarked on a journey across the strange and mysterious 'city in the sky' Cittàgazze. Lyra is initially devastated by her best friend Roger's death (Lewin Lloyd), but then she comes across a young boy named Will (Amir Wilson) who helps Lyra overcome her traumas. Lyra and Will soon discover that their destinies are tied together, but as they set out to search for Will's father, they are interrupted by a war that starts to brew around them. Ruth Wilson's Mrs. Coulter, meanwhile, makes every desperate attempt to bring Lyra back home.

Related: His Dark Materials: Why Daemons Can’t Touch Other People

BBC has now confirmed that His Dark Materials will return for season 3 to continue Lyra's story. But the season will also be the last for the series. The final season is loosely based on The Amber Spyglass, the third novel in Pullman's fantasy trilogy. Most of the series' main cast, including Keen, Amir, and Ruth Wilson, and James McAvoy (Lord Asriel), will return for season 3, which is once again being helmed by EPs Jane Tranter and Dan McCulloch. Ben Irving, BBC Drama Commissioning Editor, Wales, recently addressed the renewal of His Dark Materials. Irving was delighted that the drama had been a co-viewing hit with families.

" It’s been a joy to see how His Dark Materials has brought British TV audiences of all ages together on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Fans of Phillip Pullman’s incredible books, and newcomers alike, have been enthralled by adventuring with Lyra and Will through multiple worlds. We are thrilled that they will be able to continue their journey in the third series of this beautifully realized drama. Our thanks to our partners at HBO and the dedicated creative team at Bad Wolf for making a landmark series that will continue to be watched and enjoyed on the BBC for years to come. "

His Dark Materials season 2 ending post credits

It is unclear if the ongoing pandemic prompted HBO to end His Dark Materials, but the UK's coronavirus outbreak has undeniably impacted the show. Season 2, for instance, consisted of seven episodes instead of the regular eight due to the Covid-19 induced production shutdown. And Tranter also mentioned that while the crew was already working on six of the eight scripts for season 3, the process had significantly slowed down due to social distancing protocols. For now, the production on season 3 is due to begin in Cardiff, Wales, in 2021, but given the fluidity of the pandemic, delays can be expected.

Creatively, season 3 is the perfect opportunity for His Dark Materials to end on a high note. The Amber Spyglass is arguably the richest of all three of Pullman's books, and even the showrunners had trouble streamlining the book's narrative into a single season. Tranter had earlier planned to split the book into two seasons. But she ultimately decided that it would be too much of a drag and chose to stick with one. In season 3, viewers can expect His Dark Materials to depict high-octane drama and surreal imaginative fiction that honors Pullman's literary masterpiece's legacy.

Next: What To Expect From His Dark Materials Season 3

Source: BBC