Big Little Lies Season 3 Starts Production with One-Day Shoot to Secure California Tax Credit

HBO's Emmy-winning drama Big Little Lies has quietly begun production on its highly anticipated third season, but with a twist: a single day of filming featuring Merrin Dungey was completed to meet California tax credit requirements. The strategic move allows the network to retain financial incentives while it continues to coordinate the busy schedules of stars Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, and Zoë Kravitz. Dungey, who played Detective Adrienne Quinlan in season two, is the first cast member confirmed to return, suggesting her character may play a larger role in the new episodes. Based on Liane Moriarty's novel, the series has been a critical and commercial powerhouse, and fans have waited years for a follow-up after the Monterey Five's secret was seemingly put to rest. With principal photography expected to ramp up later this year, the one-day shoot signals that HBO is committed to delivering the next chapter—even if it takes careful scheduling to reunite its A-list ensemble. The Monterey Five will be back, but the road to season three is being paved one day at a time.