The Night Manager Season 3: What Happens After Roper’s Shocking Return?

Fans of The Night Manager are still reeling after season 2 delivered one major surprise after another — especially the reveal that arms dealer Richard Roper is very much alive and still pulling strings.

Season 2 ended with Roper (played by Hugh Laurie) once again outsmarting his enemies. Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston) tried everything to bring him down, but the mission cost him dearly. Pine was left isolated, cut off from allies — including Roper’s illegitimate son Teddy Dos Santos (Diego Calva). In the end, Roper escaped back to the U.K., leaving devastation behind and proving just how ruthless he still is.

So what’s next?

Seasons 2 and 3 Were Always Connected

The BBC and Prime Video confirmed back in April 2024 that The Night Manager would continue with both a second and third season. According to Hiddleston, the two seasons were designed as one long, 12-episode story.

“We’re working on it now,” Hiddleston has said in recent interviews, explaining that season 3 is in active development. He also teased that the journey isn’t over yet — and that the ending will be worth the wait.

What Will Season 3 Be About?

There’s no official plot summary yet, but season 3 will pick up directly where season 2 left off. That means unfinished business between Pine and Roper — and likely even higher stakes.

Writer David Farr says the core of the show will remain the same:

• A tense spy thriller

• A deeply emotional story about family and loyalty

• A political drama about power, morality, and arms dealing

Farr has promised surprises and says fans shouldn’t expect the most obvious path forward.

Who’s Returning — and Who Isn’t

Tom Hiddleston is expected to return as Jonathan Pine, and Hugh Laurie is also likely back as Roper. Other familiar faces who may reappear include Noah Jupe, Alistair Petrie, Douglas Hodge, and Hayley Squire.

One notable absence, however, will be Olivia Colman. Her character Angela Burr was killed in the season 2 finale. Farr explained that the decision came from wanting to give Colman’s character a powerful ending rather than a reduced role in season 3.

That said, Farr has hinted that Angela’s legacy could live on — especially if Night Owls member Sally returns.

Roper’s Sons Will Matter

Season 2 ended with Roper reuniting with his biological son Danny (Noah Jupe), and Farr has teased that Danny’s story is far from finished. His relationship with Roper could play a major role in what comes next.

When Will Season 3 Be Released?

There’s no release date yet, but the creators say fans won’t have to wait another decade.

Director Banks-Davies recently confirmed there’s real urgency this time. The team wants to move faster — without sacrificing quality.

For now, all episodes of The Night Manager are available to stream on Prime Video. And if season 2 proved anything, it’s this: the game between Pine and Roper is far from over.