HBO Just Renewed 'Big Little Lies' for a Second Season

Photo courtesy HBO

It's official: Big Little Lies is getting a second season.

HBO on Friday finally renewed the hugely popular limited series, while also confirming the director is changing this time around. While creator David E. Kelley has signed on to return and write and produce, Andrea Arnold (Transparent, American Honey) will be directing the seven-episode season, taking over from Jean-Marc Vallée, who directed the first season.

Not surprisingly, both Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon will be returning to star as well as executive produce the new episodes. The first season was not only a critical favorite but a big ratings winner.

"It gives us the opportunity to delve deeper into the lives of these intriguing and intricate Monterey families and bring more of their stories back to the audience who embraced and championed them,” Witherspoon said in a statement today. “I’m beyond excited to be working with talented and acclaimed director Andrea Arnold who will be at the helm. Andrea’s unique storytelling style will be a welcome addition to the filmmaking team.”

For her part, Kidman said: “This is inspired by the overwhelming response by audiences around the world  … What a journey this has been. I’m so grateful to have this opportunity to keep exploring these female characters and make this series with my friends.”

Back in September, Big Little Lies cleaned up at the Emmy Awards, winning Outstanding Limited Series as well as a number of other trophies.