Apple TV has ordered a second season of the mystery-thriller drama Imperfect Women. This renewal turns the project from a limited series into an ongoing show. The second season shifts the narrative focus to Kerry Washington, who will reprise her role as Eleanor. Moving past the original book, the new episodes feature an original storyline in a new setting.
From Limited Series to Ongoing Drama
The first season of Imperfect Women ended five months ago to global acclaim. Based on Araminta Hall’s 2020 novel, the first season followed a decades-long friendship between Eleanor (Washington), Mary (Elisabeth Moss), and Nancy (Kate Mara) that fell apart after Nancy’s murder. While Season 1 explored the trio’s secrets, Season 2 charts a fresh path for Eleanor.
Matt Cherniss, head of programming at Apple TV, discussed the show’s expansion. “After a wildly entertaining first season, driven by the performances of Kerry, Lizzie and Kate, we jumped at the opportunity to expand the world of Imperfect Women through Kerry’s fan favorite character of Eleanor,” Cherniss said. “Annie and Justin’s thrilling new story felt like an exciting and natural next chapter.”
A New Creative Direction and Setting
Because Araminta Hall’s book does not have a sequel, the team is writing an original story for the second season. Series creator Annie Weisman returns as showrunner, joined by co-showrunner Justin Hillian, whose credits include Showtime’s The Chi and FX’s Snowfall.
The new season moves the drama away from Los Angeles to Martha’s Vineyard. According to Apple TV’s official logline, Eleanor will find that the island hides deep secrets and scandals that threaten her past.
Cast Returns and Behind-the-Scenes Updates
Because the story focuses on Eleanor, the cast will change. Elisabeth Moss, whose company Love & Squalor Pictures optioned the novel, will not return as Mary. However, Moss remains an executive producer with Lindsey McManus.
Joel Kinnaman, who played Nancy’s widower Robert in Season 1, is not scheduled to return. Viewers can expect to see Eleanor’s family members again, with Leslie Odom Jr. returning as her brother, Donovan, and Sheryl Lee Ralph returning as their mother, Constance.
Kerry Washington shared her thoughts on returning to the role. “We were thrilled to see how deeply these women and their stories resonated with audiences around the world, and I’m so excited to step back into Eleanor’s shoes,” Washington said. “She’s intelligent and strong, but she also finds herself navigating complicated and sometimes messy situations. We at Simpson Street along with our incredible partners at Apple and Love & Squalor Pictures can’t wait to explore a fresh chapter for her.”
Production and Streaming Details
Imperfect Women is co-produced by 20th Television and Apple Studios. The second season is created, co-showrun, and executive produced by Annie Weisman and Justin Hillian. Other executive producers include Kerry Washington and Pilar Savone for Simpson Street, Lindsey McManus and Elisabeth Moss for Love & Squalor Pictures, and author Araminta Hall.
Apple TV has not yet announced production timelines, filming dates, or a premiere window for Season 2. Season 1 is currently available to stream globally on Apple TV.
