Netflix just dropped their 2026 preview slate. It’s packed. We’ve got One Piece, Outer Banks, even a new Pride and Prejudice adaptation. But one name was glaringly absent from the list.
Wednesday. Honestly, it’s a bit of a gut punch for fans who were hoping Jenna Ortega would be back on our screens by next Christmas. If you were looking for a Wednesday season 3 release date in 2026, I have some bad news. It isn’t happening.
The Reality of the Wednesday Season 3 Release Date
Let’s look at the cold hard facts. Netflix officially unveiled its 2026 lineup on January 7, 2026, and Wednesday wasn't there. Since Season 2 only wrapped up its two-part release in September 2025, a 2026 return was always a bit of a pipe dream.
Production is the big bottleneck here.
Luis Guzmán, our Gomez Addams, recently let it slip during a live Q&A that filming for the third chapter doesn't even start until February 16, 2026. They are headed back to Ireland—specifically Dublin and Wicklow—to get the cameras rolling.
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If you track the history of this show, the math is pretty simple.
- Season 1: Filmed for 6 months, released 8 months later.
- Season 2: Filmed for 7 months, released 8 months later.
Hunter Doohan, who plays Tyler, mentioned on the Inside of You podcast that they usually shoot for seven to eight months. If they start in February 2026 and wrap in the fall, we are looking at a massive post-production phase. That basically guarantees a mid-2027 release window. Think May or June 2027 if we’re lucky, or possibly another fall release to keep that spooky aesthetic.
What’s Taking So Long?
You might be wondering why a show this big moves at a snail’s pace. Basically, it’s a "too many cooks" situation, but in a good way. Jenna Ortega isn't just the lead anymore; she’s a producer. She has a massive say in the scripts now, and she’s been vocal about wanting the show to lean harder into horror and less into teenage romance.
Then there’s the Tim Burton factor.
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Burton isn't just a name on the credits. He’s hands-on. Creating that specific, gothic Nevermore atmosphere takes time. They aren't just filming in a studio; they’re using the Powerscourt Estate in Ireland and building massive, intricate sets.
Also, look at the cast's schedules. Jenna is one of the busiest humans in Hollywood. Between Beetlejuice sequels and other film projects, finding a six-month block where everyone is free is like solving a Rubik’s cube in the dark.
The "Briarcliff" Secret
Here’s a fun detail: Season 3 is currently being developed under the working title "Briarcliff." If you’re a deep-cut Addams Family nerd, that name should ring a bell. Briarcliff Manor is the home of the Tee & Charles Addams Foundation. It’s where the legacy of the original cartoonist lives. Using this codename suggests that showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar are digging even deeper into the source material this time around.
Expect more family. Season 2 already gave us Joanna Lumley as Grandmama and Lady Gaga in a guest role. Season 3 is confirmed to introduce Eva Green as Ophelia Frump, Morticia’s sister. If you thought Wednesday had a complicated relationship with her mom, just wait until her aunt shows up.
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Why the Delay is Actually a Win
I know, waiting until 2027 sounds "horrid," as Wednesday herself might say. But let’s be real—rushed CGI and half-baked scripts are the death of good TV.
By pushing the Wednesday season 3 release date back, Netflix is giving the team room to breathe. We saw the "sophomore slump" hit plenty of other shows, but Wednesday Season 2 actually managed to hold its own with 119 million views. They want to keep that momentum, not kill it with a mediocre third outing.
Plus, we have the Uncle Fester spinoff to look forward to. Fred Armisen’s version of the character was such a hit that Netflix is "noodling" (their words, not mine) a standalone series.
What You Can Do Now
- Rewatch the Season 2 Finale: Specifically the scenes with the "Kansas City Scalper." There are clues there about Wednesday's glitching psychic powers that will definitely pay off in Season 3.
- Follow the Cast in Ireland: Production begins February 16, 2026. Keep an eye on Dublin-based social media; that’s where the first leaks usually pop up.
- Ignore the "2026" Rumors: If you see a TikTok claiming the show drops this October, it’s fake. Stick to the production schedules.
The wait is long, but for a show that's essentially carrying the gothic-fantasy torch for Netflix now that Stranger Things has wrapped, it’s worth the patience. We’re heading back to Nevermore—eventually.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on official production listings in Ireland under the name Briarcliff S3 Productions for the most accurate filming updates.