Blood and Water is a popular Netflix original teen drama series that takes place at an elite private school in Cape Town, South Africa. The show follows the story of Puleng Khumalo, a 16-year-old girl who transfers to the school in search of her sister who was abducted at birth. Blood and Water premiered its first season on Netflix in May 2020 and returned for a second season in September 2021. The show’s gripping storyline and talented young cast have earned it a dedicated fanbase who are eagerly awaiting news of a potential third season.
Will there be a season 3 of Blood and Water?
Netflix has not yet officially renewed Blood and Water for season 3 or announced any plans for a third installment of the teen drama. However, the show’s cast and crew remain hopeful that they will get to continue Puleng’s story in a new season. Series director Nosipho Dumisa has said in interviews that they have plans for Blood and Water to run for at least 3 or 4 seasons. The second season ended on a cliffhanger that set up several storylines that could be explored in a potential season 3. So while Netflix has not confirmed a third season yet, there are good chances the show could return based on fan demand, cast enthusiasm, and the narrative groundwork laid at the end of season 2.
What could season 3 be about?
Blood and Water left fans with lots of unanswered questions at the end of season 2 that provide plenty of storyline possibilities for a potential third season. Here are some of the major plot points that could be addressed in season 3:
The identity of Puleng’s father
One of the biggest mysteries carried over from season 1 is who Puleng’s biological father really is. The season 2 finale revealed that the man she thought was her father, Leeroy, is not actually related to her. So the question still remains, who is Puleng’s real dad? Season 3 could see Puleng hunting for answers about her paternity.
Fikile’s kidnapping
The season 2 cliffhanger centers around Puleng’s sister Fikile being kidnapped under mysterious circumstances. Season 3 would likely focus on finding out who took Fikile and why. The mystery seems connected to Fikile’s wealthysports star boyfriend and his controlling mother.
Puleng and Wade’s relationship
After some ups and downs, season 2 ended with Puleng and Wade seeming to reconcile and get back together. But given their tumultuous history, it’s unlikely things will be smooth sailing for the couple next season. Season 3 could see them facing new challenges and growing pains in their romance.
Kwanele’s paternity scandal
One of the biggest scandals of season 2 was Kwanele getting his girlfriend pregnant and the fallout that ensued. With Wendy determined to keep the baby, season 3 will likely show Kwanele dealing with impending fatherhood while still in high school and trying to get his elite swimming career on track.
Reece’s mental health
Reece spent most of season 2 secretly struggling with his mental health in the aftermath of his breakup with Puleng. He finally opened up about his depression at the end of the season. Season 3 could explore Reece’s journey to healing and overcoming his internal battles.
What challenges could season 3 face?
While there are definitely many interesting story avenues for Blood and Water to explore in a potential third season, the show could face some challenges moving forward:
Netflix cancellations
One of the biggest hurdles facing any Netflix renewal right now is the streamer’s recent trend of swiftly cancelling shows after 2 or 3 seasons. With rising costs and declining subscriptions, Netflix seems to be tightening its belt and cutting longer running originals. So Blood and Water would need to prove itself as a must-keep show to avoid cancellation.
Cast availability
As a teen drama, one limitation for Blood and Water is that its young cast members are quickly growing up and taking on new projects. The more time passes, the harder it could be to get the full ensemble together again. Netflix would need to renew soon to lock in the cast before they potentially book other commitments.
Maintaining interest
While season 1 and 2 were hits, there is also a chance fans could begin losing interest in Blood and Water if season 3 feels repetitive or dragged out. To sustain popularity, the show would need fresh storylines and high dramatic stakes to keep viewers engaged.
Why do fans want to see a season 3?
Blood and Water has developed an invested fanbase who are really enthusiastic about seeing the show come back for another season. Here are some of the main reasons fans are hopeful for season 3:
Cliffhanger ending
The number one reason fans are eager for more is that season 2 ended on a major cliffhanger with Fikile’s kidnapping. Viewers really want closure on that storyline and answers about who took Fikile and why.
The talented young cast
Blood and Water features an incredibly charismatic cast of up-and-coming South African actors. Fans have grown attached to stars like Ama Qamata, Khosi Ngema, Gail Mabalane and Thabang Molaba and want to continue seeing more of their journeys on the show.
Representation
The show provides a rare glimpse into the lives of black teens in South Africa. For many fans, Blood and Water is unique, relatable representation they are not used to seeing on screen. More seasons would mean more opportunity for representation.
Compelling storylines
Beyond just the cliffhanger, fans are invested in all of the characters’ stories – Puleng finding her father, Reece’s mental health journey, Wendy’s pregnancy, etc. Viewers are eager to keep following these complex teen storylines.
Amapiano soundtrack
The show highlights youth music and dance culture in South Africa, especially amapiano. Fans love the incorporation of the popular amapiano music and dance style throughout the show.
Will the main cast return for season 3?
No official cast announcements have been made regarding Blood and Water season 3 as a renewal is still pending. However, it seems very likely that the main players would return if Netflix grants a third installment. Here is the core cast fans would hope to see back:
Ama Qamata as Puleng
The show’s central heroine, Puleng Khumalo, is played by up-and-coming South African actress Ama Qamata. As the star and heartbeat of Blood and Water, it’s impossible to imagine a season 3 without Ama Qamata reprising her breakout role as Puleng.
Khosi Ngema as Fikile
Khosi Ngema portrays Puleng’s long-lost sister Fikile Bhele, who was kidnapped at birth. As Fikile’s kidnapping is the season 2 cliffhanger driving the need for a new season, fans will certainly want to see Khosi Ngema back as Fikile.
Gail Mabalane as Thandeka
Gail Mabalane stars as Thandeka Khumalo, Puleng and Fikile’s mother. Thandeka plays a crucial supporting role and provides emotional grounding for Puleng. It would be disappointing not to have Gail Mabalane return as matriarch Thandeka.
Thabang Molaba as Karabo
Thabang Molaba portrays Karabo “KB” Molapo, Puleng’s confidant and fashionista friend. Their touching friendship provides both humor and heart throughout the show. Fans would surely expect to see Thabang Molaba reprise his role as KB in a potential third season.
Arno Greeff as Wade Daniels
Arno Greeff plays Wade Daniels, Puleng’s troubled love interest and a swimming star. Their tumultuous romance is a key dynamic, making Arno Greeff’s presence integral to a season 3 as Wade.
The rest of the sprawling ensemble cast would also hopefully return, like Dillon Windvogel as Puleng’s friend Zama, Natasha Thahane as Wendy, Cindy Mahlangu as Siya, Mekaila Mathys as Tahira, Dillon Windvogel as Zama, and more.
When could season 3 potentially be released?
It’s difficult to predict an exact release timeframe for Blood and Water season 3 as Netflix has not yet greenlit a third season. However, looking at the production timeline for the first two seasons provides an estimate:
- Season 1 was released May 2020
- Season 2 was released September 2021 (16 months after season 1)
If season 3 follows a similar schedule, filming would likely take place in early-mid 2022 for a late 2022 or early 2023 release. However, factors like cast availability, Covid delays and Netflix’s demands could potentially push the timeline later. Realistically, as long as the show is renewed in the near future, fans could expect Blood and Water season 3 sometime in 2023 or 2024.
Conclusion
Blood and Water’s devoted fanbase are eagerly waiting on edge to see if their beloved teen drama will score a season 3 renewal on Netflix. While the streamer has yet to announce an official decision, the cast and creators remain optimistic that Puleng’s story will continue. Season 2 ended on a major cliffhanger that left multiple compelling storylines wide open for exploration in a potential third season. Although Netflix cancellations pose a concern, Blood and Water has carved out a niche with its talented young cast,南非representation and dramatic, addictive storytelling. Fans are crossing their fingers that they’ll get to spend more time with Puleng, Fikile, Wade and the rest of the Parkhurst elite again soon. Hopefully Netflix will reward their loyalty with a season 3 renewal notice in coming months.
