HBO’s 7-part crime thriller series Mare of Easttown is a masterpiece, with one of TV’s best casts
A strong ensemble in Easttown
Released on HBO on April 18, 2021, Mare of Easttown centers on Marianne “Mare” Sheehan, played by Kate Winslet. She investigates a murder and a disappearance in the Pennsylvania town of Easttown.
The series combines established actors, including Guy Pearce, Jean Smart, Evan Peters and Julianne Nicholson, with younger performers Cailee Spaeny and Angourie Rice. That mix gives the crime story a broad ensemble rather than relying on a single star.
Emmy wins and rising careers
Since the show premiered, Rice has led the musical version of Mean Girls and joined Apple TV’s The Last Thing He Told Me. Spaeny has appeared in projects including Priscilla, Alien: Romulus, Wake Up Dead Man and Beef.
A second season remains uncertain
HBO has not formally renewed Mare of Easttown, despite years of audience interest in a continuation. Winslet told Deadline in January that there was a strong chance season two would shoot in 2027.
Another connection has emerged through Task. Deadline reported that Nicholson will reprise her role as Lori Ross in Task’s second season, placing the two HBO crime thrillers created by Brad Ingelsby in a shared universe.
Key points
- Mare of Easttown premiered on HBO on April 18, 2021.
- Winslet, Peters and Nicholson each won an Emmy for the series.
- HBO has not formally renewed the show, though Winslet cited a strong chance of filming in 2027.
- Nicholson will return as Lori Ross in Task season two, linking the shows.