Netflix is doubling down on the drama.After capturing audiences with its addictive mix of suburban scandal, power plays, and forbidden queer romance, The Hunting Wives has officially been renewed for a second season. Originally slated for Starz, the series found a wider, and wildly enthusiastic, audience when Netflix acquired global rights from Lionsgate. The shows first season premiered on July 21 and quickly made waves, spending five consecutive weeks on Netflixs Global English Top 10 list and racking up over 20 million views, according to the streaming giant.Despite the immediate success, the renewal didnt come overnight. Insiders report that Netflix had to untangle international licensing deals in order to move forward with Season 2 as a fully branded Netflix original. That process is now complete, and fans can officially rejoice.A Suburban Thriller with a Queer TwistSet in the fictional Texas town of Maple Brook, The Hunting Wives tells the story of Margo (Malin kerman), a wealthy, controlling queen bee, and Sophie (Brittany Snow), a bored suburban transplant looking for excitement. The two womens chemistry ignites into a torrid affair that ultimately turns deadly.The first season concluded with a literal cliffhanger: Sophie pushes Kyle (Margos brother) off a cliff after a violent confrontation, only to realize shed accidentally answered Margos call on Kyles phone in the process. Suspicion, secrets, and scandal are sure to follow.A newly released Season 2 synopsis confirms the fallout is far from over: At the start of Season 2, Sophie and Margo are on the outs. But soon enough, old secrets and new foes force them back together. As they play their dangerous games, the question arises: Are they the hunters or the hunted?The full cast is set to return, including kerman, Snow, Dermot Mulroney (as Jed, Margos gubernatorial-hopeful husband), Jamie Ray Newman, Evan Jonigkeit, and George Ferrier.Cultural Clashes and Power PlaysAdapted by Hightown creator Rebecca Cutter from May Cobbs bestselling 2021 novel, The Hunting Wives has been praised for its biting commentary on cultural and political divides in the American South. Variety critic Alison Herman noted that the show is a tale of red state-blue state culture clash, a premise that remains its most interesting element even after a dead body disrupts the proceedings.That layer of cultural critique, paired with the shows unapologetically queer storyline, has helped it stand out in a crowded streaming landscape. The series combination of political ambition, marital dysfunction, queer desire, and literal cliffhangers has made it a must-watchand a social media sensation.Whats Next for Margo and Sophie?While Netflix has yet to announce a specific release date for Season 2, fans are already speculating about what lies ahead for the shows complicated leads. In a previous interview with Variety, kerman teased a high-stakes reunion between Margo and Sophie, one that will likely involve both cover-ups and comebacks.I think itll have to be Margo and Sophie banding together to cover up the murder, and Margo reconciling with Jed, kerman said. Especially if he goes on this political trail, hes going to want the image to be right. So I think she has something to gain there She doesnt want to lose that lifestyle or that position of power.kermans performance as Margo, equal parts icy, magnetic, and vulnerable, has become a standout, while Snows portrayal of Sophie continues to evolve as her character sheds innocence for survival instincts.Behind the Scenes: More to ComeRebecca Cutter, who will return as showrunner and executive producer, celebrated the renewal with characteristic flair.Cutter is also developing another project with Netflix through Jerry Bruckheimer Television. She shares executive producing duties with May Cobb, the author of the original novel, and Erwin Stoff for 3 Arts Entertainment.With its mix of queer storytelling, femme power, and murder mystery, The Hunting Wives is not just another thrillerits a cultural moment. And now that its fully a Netflix original, its poised to become a global obsession.Source