OWN has announced that acclaimed family drama Queen Sugar has been renewed for a third season, which will premiere in 2018. There’s no word yet as to season three’s episode count, but considering the success of the show and the desire of OWN to further its relationship with creator Ava DuVernay, a 16-episode split season like season two seems likely.
“I’m so proud of Ava and her ability as a filmmaker to challenge the status quo and push for inclusiveness on screen and behind the camera,” said Oprah Winfrey, CEO of OWN and Harpo. “I love, love, love the work we have been able to create so far. I am looking forward to developing many more meaningful projects together.”
Averaging 2.4 million viewers L+3, Queen Sugar was part of OWN’s push into high-end scripted television following a multitude of series from Tyler Perry. Along with Greenleaf, the series has garnered significant buzz for OWN and made the network a destination for black content creators. With Perry taking an exclusive deal with Viacom, OWN has been restocking its cupboards by signing DuVernay and Will Packer (Straight Outta Compton) to first-look deals and picking up a series from Mara Brock and Salim Akil (Girlfriends).
The story of a Louisiana family forced to come together after the death of their patriarch, Queen Sugar stars Rutina Wesley (True Blood), Dawn-Lyen Gardner (Luke Cage), Kofi Siriboe (Awkward), Bianca Lawson (Teen Wolf), Tina Lifford (South Central), Dondre Whitfield (Mistresses), and Omar Dorsey (The Blind Side).
Queen Sugar airs tonight at 10:00 on OWN. You can check out a preview of tonight’s episode here.
