There will be no Mindhunter Season 3! Netflix’s Mindhunter, a psychological crime thriller television series, was canceled after two seasons in 2023. The show was based on the 1995 book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker.
The TV series revolved around two FBI agents and a psychologist who teamed up to study the minds of serial killers. They aimed to understand their behavior and psychology in order to solve mysterious crimes. The series showcased the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit and featured real-life serial killers. The series could have explored the early days of the BSU and highlighted more infamous murderers, but it never made it past two seasons.
Fans of Mindhunter were left disappointed and puzzled by Netflix’s decision to cancel the show, as it had gained immense positive reviews afterward. The series garnered a dedicated following and critical acclaim for its gripping storytelling and intense character development. Many viewers eagerly anticipated the next chapter in the story of Holden Ford, Bill Tench, and Wendy Carr as they delved deeper into the minds of some of the most notorious criminals in history.
Initially set for five seasons, the show was put on “indefinite hold” due to a high budget and unsatisfactory viewership, as reported by Netflix in January 2020. Netflix released the cast from their contracts, allowing them to pursue other jobs.
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Mindhunter Season 3: What the Cast and Crew Are Saying
Jonathan Groff, who played Agent Smith in The Matrix 4, discussed the future of Mindhunter in a THR interview, comparing the decision to put the show on hold to the Chicago Bulls’ 1997–1998 rebuilding strategy.
He further added:
“The minute he says he wants to do another one, I’ll be there in a second. But I trust his vision and instincts, so I leave it always in his hands, as ever.”
Holt McCallany, a vocal supporter of the show, expressed optimism about its future. In a May 2021 KFC Radio podcast interview, he said he would say “yes immediately” if the opportunity arose, but it was up to David Fincher.
In a 2020 interview with GoldDerby, he expressed hope for another season and Bill Tench’s and Holden Ford’s return.
Back in January 2024, Holt McCallany stated in an interview with Awards Daily that Fincher was considering approaching Netflix for Mindhunter’s return. His exact statements were:
“I’ve heard David’s thoughts about it. I’m not saying it’s going to come back, but what I am saying is that if it comes back, I’m coming back with it. You can take that to the bank, but it’ll depend on what David wants to do.”
During the interview, he mentioned the unlikelihood of Mindhunter returning due to the passage of time.
Erik Messerschmidt, the cinematographer of Mindhunter, discussed the possibility of a third season with the Radio Times, saying,
“If my phone rang and David said, ‘We’re going to go back and do the third season of Mindhunter,’ I would be thrilled, of course.
That is a creative chapter in my life that I really feel like I’m quite content that we made it,” he said. “I’m certainly proud of the work. I know the crew and the cast are, and it was certainly special and a life-changing experience for me individually.
But, you know, I don’t know. I’m a fan of it, too, so…”
In conclusion, Netflix has canceled Mindhunter Season 3; there is still hope for its return among the cast and crew. David Fincher, the show’s executive producer, has expressed interest in continuing the series if given the opportunity, which is a promising sign. However, fans will have to wait and see if Mindhunter will make a comeback on Netflix since the show is one of the most expensive series based on an actual crime book.
Stay tuned for updates on the fate of the upcoming season.
