The Hunting Wives season 2 could happen after stunning Netflix ratings debut

It's been quite the summer of unexpected hit series on Netflix. The mystery thriller series Untamed was originally intended to be a limited series, but due to its overwhelming viewership numbers, the streamer already ordered a second season. Hot on its trails, The Hunting Wives has become the next binge-watch sensation on the streaming service that's leaving us wanting more.

Based on the book of the same name by May Cobb and starring fan-favorites Brittany Snow and Malin Akerman among many other familiar faces, The Hunting Wives was originally intended to air on Starz. However, Netflix swooped in to save the series and become its streaming home for one year in the United States. After its premiere on July 21, the series became an overnight success.

For the first time, The Hunting Wives became the No. 1 show on the Netflix top 10 most popular shows ranking in the United States as of July 30, overtaking Untamed. Before hitting the peak, the series posted some very impressive viewership numbers for its first week of availability. The show attracted 5.2 million views, which is 34.6 million hours viewed. That's amazing!

Considering The Hunting Wives is only available to watch on Netflix in the United States, its first week viewership numbers are basically huge. Netflix originals that have a global reach have debuted to similar or even smaller numbers. It really puts into perspective how popular the show is to debut at No. 3 when it's available in just one country. Imagine if the show went global.

The Hunting Wives season 2 isn't confirmed yet

Naturally, viewers want to known whether Margo and Sophie's face-off will continue in a potential second season. While The Hunting Wives season 2 hasn't been renewed as of this writing, the stars are definitely on board! Akerman shared in an interview with Decider that she was nervous for the show to premiere on Netflix because of her hopes of returning for season 2.

"I love everybody that I got to work with and it would be a dream come true to go again. So my nerves are around the fact that I just want and wish for everyone to love it so much that we get another season," Akerman said.

Snow echoed Akerman's sentiments about hoping for a second season in an interview with Collider. The actress mentioned that the shocking season 1 ending, which ended with a literal cliffhanger for her character Sophie.

"I think the end is really interesting and I know that we would deal with it in season 2. There are a lot of questions that didn’t get answered because [showrunner] Rebecca [Cutter] wants to answer them in the next season if we get one," Snow explained

Even though Akerman, Snow, and their showrunner are all hoping to return to Maple Brook, Texas, the realities of The Hunting Wives season 2 could be a bit complicated. Yes, Netflix acquired the series from Lionsgate (for one year!) after the company's split from Starz. But the streamer didn't completely buy the rights to the show. They're currently temporary. You'll also notice The Hunting Wives doesn't have the "Netflix original" branding.

But it's entirely possible that due to the show's success, coming up with a future solution would be beneficial for both Netflix and Lionsgate. The streamer would more than likely have to and want to secure the show as an official original in the event of a season 2 renewal. It wouldn't be the first time Netflix bought a television show from a different company, and this probably wouldn't even be the most complicated time either (that honor probably belongs to Lucifer or Manifest).

The Hunting Wives season 2 is definitely in contention after the series made one heck of an impression on the platform, and there are surely conversations happening behind the scenes about bringing it back for more. However, an announcement of a season 2 renewal could take some time, maybe upwards of a few weeks or months. For now, keep your fingers crossed and stay tuned for more updates on the show's fate!

Watch The Hunting Wives on Netflix.

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