MGM+ original series Billy the Kid has delighted fans with a second season, which premiered on October 15, 2023, and speculation is already turning to whether or not we will see a Season 3 of the popular Western.
The show follows the life of the historical character, from his roots in Ireland to becoming the legendary Cowboy in America. The first season covered Billy’s early life, beginning in 1871, and introducing viewers to a young Billy McCarty and his family as they have to leave New York and try to start a new life in the West, facing the dangers of that journey as they go.
By the start of Season 2, the Lincoln County War is on the way and Billy has joined Englishman John Tunstall in his commercial battle with Lawrence Murphy. Tom Blyth is in good form as the titular lead, Billy the Kid, and clearly seems to be having a great time with the character.
Other members of the ensemble cast include Daniel Webber, Eileen O’Higgins, Dakota Daulby, and Ryan Kennedy.
Will there be a Billy the Kid Season 3 on MGM+?
Official Renewal Status: TBC
At the time of writing, there is no official confirmation of a third season of the show.
Season 1 dropped in April of 2022, and there was a wait for fans hoping for a second season, but the news was announced in January 2023 that Season 2 had begun production, and a relatively quick turnaround saw the show start streaming its second season in October 2023.
With most of the season still to air, it could be early 2024 before we get news of a third season, and if things go to plan, it could be late 2024 or early 2025 before it arrives.
However, as ever it will all depend on the performance of the second season.
Figures such as watch time will be carefully looked at and the company behind the show will have to assess whether or not to green-light more adventures for Billy and his supporting cast.
What could Billy the Kid Season 3 be about?
However, as far as the narrative goes, it does look as if the showrunners are expecting a third season, and there is still plenty of scope for more stories of Billy the Kid. So, although pure speculation, there may be a third season planned already that is just waiting for official confirmation.
The shape of Season 3, if it were to happen, will depend on how much of the Lincoln County War Season 2 depicts. The main thrust of the conflict began after a very significant death which hasn’t been depicted in the show yet — it seems likely that this will happen close to the end of the second season, leaving a potential third to deal with the fallout.
It may be worth noting that the real-life Billy the Kid died at a very young age, he was only twenty-one, so if the show does continue, they may have to take some creative license with the facts and work around his untimely death.
However, a successful TV show will never really allow facts to interfere with a good premise, so if the show continues to be a success, there will always be a way to keep that story running, and when the ratings do start to fall, you can expect a very dramatic conclusion to the story.
