Will ‘The Responder’ Return for Season 3? Scoop on Where Finale Leaves Chris
Preview
Chris Carson (Martin Freeman) is trying to be better—on and off the job—in The Responder Season 2. But as we see in the first two episodes already streaming on BritBox (two more drop on July 18 and 25), that’s not so easy.
He wants a day job to get off the night shift and therefore be able to spend more time with his daughter, but it’s not in the cards. (He lies to his ex and says he already got it. She, of course, finds out the truth.) He may have a way to get that, but it means doing something shady for Debs (Amaka Okafor), which only results in him and Rachel (Adelayo Adedayo) becoming entangled in quite the mess and owing the wrong person money; they have to pick up drugs for Jodie (Faye McKeever) for money. So things can only go up for Chris from here … right?
TV Insider spoke with Freeman and writer Tony Schumacher about Chris’ journey this season, and their comments about the end of it make it sound like that might actually be the case.
“I think [Season 2] leaves Chris in a position where he feels like he’s got hope,” Schumacher teased. “I hate it when characters set out to learn something about themselves, but I genuinely believe that Chris has learned something about himself in a way, which gives him hope. In fact, I think Chris and Rachel are both in that situation. I think they both feel more at ease with themselves at the end of the show.”
Added Freeman, “He’s made a decision that he was not expecting to make. I don’t think the audience is expecting [it] either.”
Will there be another season after this one? Freeman and Schumacher haven’t ruled it out, but they haven’t said definitively yes, either.
“I think we both deserve a little bit of a rest,” admitted the writer. “I think me and Martin both deserve a little bit of a rest, but listen, we’ve become great friends over this period and we talk about Chris and we talk about Responder a lot. So who knows? You just don’t know.”
Freeman agreed and said he’s going to see how fans respond to this season. If it’s well-received, then the hope is they do. “I know me and Tony are both immensely proud of it and I’m proud of the work that everybody has done, but I want to do it again if and when it’s right to do it again,” he said.
And if there is a Season 3, Freeman knows what he wants to see: Schumacher make a cameo. “You write yourself that,” he told him.
But the writer disagreed. “I think if that happened, there definitely wouldn’t be a Season 4. I think we could write off Season 4. I’m briefly in the show,” he pointed out. “You hear my voice in Seasons 1 and 2.” He’s not worried about coming up with story if the show continues. “There’s a lots of things. Society’s changing so much and so fast, and I’m fascinated with the way the world’s turning, and so if we did it again, I don’t think we’d ever be short of topics to deal with.”
What do you think of The Responder? Do you want to see it continue beyond the second season? Let us know in the comments section, below.
The Responder, Thursdays, BritBox
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Conversation29 Comments
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Comments are closed on this story.
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S
I think this series is incredibly well cast, written and directed. We’ve just (minutes ago) finished watching season 2 and I already miss it.
8
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R
Sad to say but just finished Season 2 of The Responder. It was gripping, intense, sad and sometimes even funny! Loved it and all the characters. So well acted and written it seemed real! Please bring on Season 3 when you can. Don’t wait too long though!!
9 2
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R
I only watched season 1 just before season 2 came out in Australia. Blown away, cannot express strongly enough the incredible job everyone has done on The Responder, the whole cast is brilliant! I'd love to see a third season but know it might be challenging to bring Chris and Rachel back so if the story needs to move sideways toward other characters, new or known, then so be it. The writing, cinematography, direction, casting and total production carries it all the way. Keep going if you can. Thanks for pulling me in!!
7
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R
Just finished Season 2, it is brilliant. At times on edge of my seat, crying then laughing. Great show! Season 3 would be great. I’ll be looking for it!
5
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R
Definitely WANT season 3. Season 2 got off to a slow start but quickly picked up and I was gripped, finale was moving. I’m so glad that Chris found hope and his Dad. Enjoy writing the next season!! Congratulations and good luck!
3
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G
Hoping for a third season. Great acting ❤️
2
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B
Fantastic series, incredible acting. Hoping for more seasons
2
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G
Just finished season 2 in Canada. It’s such an incredibly good show and even though at the end of season 2, it seems all wrapped up, I would dearly love to see a season 3.
1
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R
IR IR Season 3 please! I absolutely loved this show. The characters are complex, interesting and witty. The humanity shines through and demonstrates that all is not black and white, and there are situations that are truly gray. So sad to finish Season 2. I binge watched and then regretted that I hadn't slowed down to enjoy and savor every moment more. Some of the situations were so poignant and real. Just loved this show and it's brilliant cast.
1
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P
Love the Responder! Great story lines.
1
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O
I love this show. Even at its bleakest it never becomes cynical and the humanity of its characters continues to shine through. I love that no character is just a fuck-up, antagonist or goon, but real people with complex personalities and back stories.
1
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R
Great show, both Seasons 1 & 2. Every episode is a punch to the gut. The characters are so real and so screwed up. Love it! Bring on Season 3. Would love to see deeper development of Franny character.
1
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R
Great show, both Seasons 1 & 2. Every episode is a punch to the guy. The characters are so screwed up. Love it!
1
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R
I love this show and these characters. I’d like to see them actually succeed in becoming “a good Bobby”. And go out on top
1
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G
YES, YES, YES! Please bring The Responder back for a third season. Every episode brings you to your knees with gripping drama and reality. The writing is great and the whole cast are great. Martin Freeman is superb at bringing Chris to the brink and yet you see him as a very real person. As a born and bred Scouser (who now lives in the U.S.), Martin's Liverpudlian accent is outstanding - I see so much of my brother's accents and mannerisms in Martin's portrayal of Chris - and if I didn't know better, I would swear Martin was born and raised in my beloved hometown! I am watching the show on BritBox. Diane (former resident of Kenny - Kensington).
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E
Make a full length feature film of The Responder,i think it will be amazing
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E
Yes i want to see season 3 of The Responder or they could make it into a full length feature film,i enjoyed watching Season 1 &2,they were absolutely outstanding,please bring it back!
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G
Love the show! Hope for its continuous programming.
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G
Yes a great show please bring season 3 soon
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O
Nine hundred, ten hundred, eleven hundred. Not an error
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D
This was one of the finest shows I've ever been this captivated by. Please let us follow these wonderful characters a little farther down their road.
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R
Loved the show. Would like to see more of it. Maybe have him coaxed back on the force and in a better position.
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O
Season 3 - yes please!
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P
Loved it! Really hope for a Season 3! Excellent acting and great storyline! Need more of it!
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G
Loved it! Great show, wonderful cast and an outstanding performances by all. There is typically at least one crap actor in a show but not this one! PLEASE GIVE US SEASON THREE. Thank you all for your hard work. We appreciate you.
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G
Totally brilliant (if a little far-fetched), and I really hope we get to see at least 2 more seasons.
From a retired police officer
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C
Grateful Chris didn't pop an aneurysm while we were watching his hijinks. Martin as well.
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C
Season 3 & 4 are a must, so are Season 5, 6, 7, and 8. Then you'll have time to think about it. 😎
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O
Fantastic! Please have a Season 3!!
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