The Prime Video horror series Them has scared up its sophomore season, but will the series be renewed for season 3? Debuting in 2021, the politically-charged anthology series first told the story of a Black family who moves into an all-white suburb in Los Angeles and then followed in season 2 with the tale of a supernatural serial killer in the 1990s. Though both seasons have been tinged with the usual chills and thrills, they have also explored deeper themes like systemic racism.
Despite being divisive because of its subject matter, the first season of Them was considered one of Prime Video’s best shows of 2021 and it was popular enough to earn a second season. The show’s ability to morph and change from season to season is perhaps its best asset, and it’s following in the footsteps of predecessors like American Horror Story which tells a new tale of terror each season. However, unlike the aforementioned series, Them is not a guaranteed success, and the divisive nature of the first season may come back to haunt the show as it seeks a season 3 renewal.
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The future of Them after season 2 is far from certain, and the show’s protracted timeline probably isn’t helping with viewer retention. Season 1 debuted in 2021, and it took three years for the follow-up to finally premiere on Prime Video in 2024. On the other hand, the anthology nature of the series means the brand-new story in season 2 could be enough to entice viewers even if they didn’t like season 1. Viewership numbers are the ultimate deciding factor for any show’s renewal, and positive critical reception can only go so far.
Them was never actually renewed for season 2 because the show was given an initial two-season order from Prime Video back in 2021. This means that the show has never had to stand on its merits in terms of viewership, and the season 2 off-season will be the first time Them has been on the proverbial bubble. However, the structure of the show means that the third season doesn’t need to be rushed out and Prime Video can take its time when renewing.
The seasons of Them so far include:
Like a lot of the best horror shows from recent years, Them is a true anthology in that it not only tells a brand-new story each season, but has a largely original cast as well. If the show is picked up again, that trend will likely continue, and the ensemble of Them season 3 could be made up of newcomers to the series. The only exception to that trend is Deborah Ayorinde who appeared in both seasons thus far, albeit as different characters. Them could emulate American Horror Story and begin reusing certain actors from season to season.
Nothing is certain about the story of Them season 3, but it will likely jump to a new time period and introduce all-new characters. Despite these disparate elements, themes have remained consistent from season to season, including racial tension and systemic racism in major institutions. The third outing could move closer to the modern day and tell a compelling horror story about 21st-century issues, or it could do the opposite and explore some other historical moment of high tension.
Whichever the creators eventually choose, the story itself will probably be a mix of mystery, suspense, and real-world issues that are all bookended by supernatural terror. Seasons 1 and 2 both offered threats to the main characters that were based in reality and those from the otherworldly. Them season 3 will need to keep that trend going because therein lies the true frightening power of the show.