If you’re anything like the rest of us, you probably spent the final minutes of the second season screaming at your TV. Honestly, how could they leave it there? After all the "will they, won't they" tension, Jackie Howard finally dropped the L-bomb, and it wasn't to the guy we expected—or at least, it wasn't to the guy she was actually dating.
The drama is basically at a boiling point. Everyone wants to know who does Jackie end up with in season 3, but the answer is a little more complicated than just picking a name out of a hat. Since season 3 hasn't officially dropped yet (it's expected to hit Netflix sometime in 2026), we have to look at the wreckage left behind in Silver Falls to figure out where her heart is actually landing.
The Season 2 Finale Explosion
Basically, the season 2 finale, "Showdowns and Sparkles," blew up the entire dynamic. Jackie had been in this weird, secret relationship with Alex. He’s the "safe" choice, right? He’s sweet, he’s stable, and he’s obsessed with her. But while she was telling Alex she loved him, she was also secretly helping Cole with his college applications.
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The real kicker happened at the town fair. Jackie finally confronted Cole about why he’d been acting like a total jerk, and the truth came out: he saw her and Alex together. He confessed his love, and Jackie—instead of running away like she did in season 1—actually stood her ground. She told Cole she loves him too.
Then, of course, Alex overheard the whole thing.
Talk about a disaster. Before they could even process the betrayal, a literal ambulance arrived because George (the Walter patriarch) had a massive health scare. So, as of right now, Jackie is technically "ending up" in a state of total emotional limbo.
Why Cole is Winning the Long Game
Most fans are betting on Cole for season 3. Why? Because the chemistry is just... different. While Alex feels like a high school sweetheart, Cole feels like the "soulmate" arc the writers have been building since day one. In the books by Ali Novak, which the show is based on, the trajectory leans heavily toward Cole.
The Book Spoilers (Sort of)
In the source material, Jackie and Alex have an amicable breakup. They realize they’re better as friends, especially since Alex was kind of using her to get back at Cole early on. In the second book, My Life with the Walter Boys: Part 2, Jackie and Cole actually decide to be together.
But wait. The show has already strayed pretty far from the books. For one, the show added a whole lot more drama with the secret relationship between Jackie and Alex. In the books, things are a bit more straightforward. The show version of Jackie is much more torn, and the addition of a new character for season 3—Eliot, Uncle Richard’s sophisticated intern from New York—might throw a wrench in everything.
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The "Alex" Problem
Look, Alex is great, but he’s currently the "scorned" party. He overheard his girlfriend confessing her love to his brother. You can't really come back from that with a simple "I'm sorry."
Predictions for season 3 suggest Alex might finally find his own path. There’s been a lot of chemistry between him and Kiley, his best friend. Honestly, many of us are rooting for them to finally realize they belong together so Jackie can stop being the wedge between the brothers.
What’s Actually Happening in Season 3?
We know production wrapped in late 2025. Showrunner Melanie Halsall has hinted that the fallout from the finale is going to affect the entire family, not just the trio.
- Release Date: Likely early-to-mid 2026.
- The Plot: Dealing with George’s health crisis and the immediate "Who loves who?" confrontation.
- New Faces: Expect Eliot to make Jackie question if she even belongs in Colorado at all.
It’s possible Jackie doesn't "end up" with anyone for a while. She’s taking on the Student Body Vice President role and trying to navigate her own future. Sometimes the best ending for a teen drama lead is choosing herself, at least for a few episodes.
The "New York" Factor
Remember, Jackie is a Manhattan girl at heart. Season 3 is rumored to bring back more of her "old life." If she ends up choosing New York over Silver Falls, she might not end up with either Walter boy. That would be a bold move, but with her Uncle Richard still in the picture and a new intern lurking around, the city is calling.
So, who does Jackie end up with in season 3? If we’re betting on the "endgame," it’s Cole. He’s the one she admitted she couldn't stay away from. He’s the one she’s "out of control" around. In the world of TV romance, that’s code for "The One."
Actionable Tips for Fans:
- Rewatch Season 2, Episode 10: Pay attention to Cole’s SAT score reveal. It proves he was changing for her long before the confession.
- Follow the Cast: Nikki Rodriguez and Noah LaLonde often drop BTS hints on Instagram that give away who is filming more scenes together.
- Read the Second Book: If you can't wait until 2026, grab a copy of Ali Novak's sequel. Just keep in mind the show might take a wild detour.
The wait is going to be long, but the payoff for the Jackie-Cole-Alex triangle is finally going to happen. Keep your eyes on Netflix for that 2026 premiere date.