Locke and Key is a popular Netflix original series based on the comic book series of the same name by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez. The show follows the Locke family as they move into their ancestral home, Keyhouse, after the murder of their father. At Keyhouse, they discover magical keys that give them various powers and abilities. They also have to deal with demonic forces trying to steal the keys.
Locke and Key premiered its first season on Netflix in February 2020. A second season followed in October 2021. As fans eagerly await news of season 3, the big question is – will it be the final season? Let’s take a look at what we know so far.
Has Locke and Key been renewed for season 3?
Yes! In December 2021, over a month after season 2 premiered, Netflix announced that Locke and Key had been renewed for a third and final season. This upcoming season 3 will be the end of the Netflix series.
Why is season 3 going to be the last season?
When Netflix renewed the show for season 3, they also announced that it would be the final season. So it seems the decision to end with season 3 was made by the show’s creators.
In an interview, co-showrunner Meredith Averill said they always viewed Locke and Key as having a three season arc. She said the writers wanted to end the story on their own terms and “go out big”.
Another reason is likely cost. Locke and Key is an expensive series to produce due to its heavy use of CGI and fantasy elements. Ending at season 3 may have been a budgetary decision by Netflix.
When will season 3 be released?
Netflix has not announced an official release date for Locke and Key season 3 yet. However, there are some clues we can look at:
- Season 1 released in February 2020
- Season 2 released in October 2021
- That was a gap of 1 year and 8 months between seasons
If season 3 follows a similar timeline, we could expect it in mid-late 2022. However filming delays related to Covid-19 could push the release to early 2023.
What will happen in season 3?
No plot details for season 3 have been revealed yet. But the season 2 finale set up some major storylines that will likely play out:
- The Locke family finally defeated Dodge, only to have her revive in the body of Ellie Whedon.
- Gideon is still determined to get the Omega key and free the demons.
- Eden discovered the identity key, which can open portals to other dimensions.
Season 3 will likely show the Locke siblings dealing with a revived Dodge and fighting to stop Gideon from getting the Omega key. The identity key may also come into play and allow them to explore other worlds and dimensions.
Will the Netflix series follow the comic ending?
The Netflix show has not followed the comics exactly. But some key story beats have been adapted.
In the comics, after defeating Dodge the kids use the Omega key to erase magic from the world. This results in the demon keys being destroyed and all memory of magic being wiped out.
The show may opt for a similar ending, having the Lockes use the Omega key to erase magic. This would wrap up their adventures neatly. However, given the inclusion of the identity key, the show could also go for a completely different ending.
How are the cast and creators feeling about the end?
The cast and creators have expressed bittersweet emotions about the show ending with season 3. Here are some of their thoughts:
Carlton Cuse (Co-showrunner)
“While I’m sad the series is coming to an end, I feel immense pride in what we’re creating with this final chapter. This has been an extraordinary journey from start to finish.”
Meredith Averill (Co-showrunner)
“Ending Locke & Key after our third season is bittersweet, but it’s a decision made on our own creative terms, and we plan to go out with a bang!”
Connor Jessup (Tyler Locke)
“I feel heartbroken but also grateful. Heartbroken because I’m not ready to say goodbye… but grateful that we’re ending things how and when we want to. Getting that luxury in TV is rare.”
Should viewers be sad to see the end of Locke and Key?
It’s understandable that fans will be disappointed not to get more seasons of Locke and Key. The show has built up an invested fanbase who’ve fallen in love with the characters and world.
However, ending at season 3 is likely the right creative move. The showrunners clearly want to wrap up the main storylines properly, rather than risk dragging things out unnecessarily. Three seasons is a respectable run for a fantasy series like this.
Fans should take comfort that they’ll get a proper ending to this chapter of the story. And who knows, maybe one day Netflix or another network will decide to revisit the world of Locke & Key again down the line.
Conclusion
It’s now confirmed that the upcoming third season of Locke and Key will be the final one on Netflix. The show’s creators felt three seasons was the right amount to tell the story and want to end on a high note. We can expect season 3 likely in late 2022 or early 2023.
Major storylines will have to wrap up in season 3, like the defeat of Dodge/Ellie, stopping Gideon, and potentially using the Omega key. It remains to be seen if they’ll follow the comic ending or do something completely new.
While it’s sad to say goodbye, an ending planned in advance is better than a cancellation cliffhanger. Let’s hope the Locke family can go out with a magical and epic final adventure in season 3!