Channel 4 and AMC confirmed today that the Kudos produced, critically acclaimed series Humans has been re-commissioned for a third series.

With writers Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley on board, Kudos will begin filming eight brand new episodes in Autumn 2017 with key cast set to return.

The second series of Humans aired last year to widespread critical acclaim, being described as “Irresistible” (The Observer) “sci-fi with heart and soul” and “full of winning characters, smart ideas, head-spinning moments and pitch-perfect performances” (The Daily Telegraph). The series has recently launched on AMC to excellent notices in the US “its domestic drama merged with a sci-fi thriller… makes it more emotionally effective.” (The New York Times)

Achieving a consolidated audience of 3.4m viewers to its launch episode Humans S2 was Channel 4’s highest rating returning drama launch since Homeland S2 in 2012 (3.5m). The series averaged a consolidated audience of 2.2m / 8.0% share – up +16% for share and up +20% for volume compared with the broadcasters’ 9pm slot average. It was also the No. 1 drama on C4 last year for 16-34 year old viewers.

Maintaining this success across key demographics, Humans exceeded Channel 4’s slot average for 16-34 year olds (+65%), and ABC1 Adults (+24%).

On AMC the series stands as a top five cable drama launch among adults 25-54 in the USA. So far, season one has averaged 2.0 million viewers and 1.0 million adults 25-54 through its first four episodes in live+3 ratings.

Set in a parallel present, the series explores what happens when the line between human and machine becomes blurred. The final episode of series two left viewers on a thrilling cliff-hanger.

Beth Willis, Head of Drama at Channel 4 said; “I can’t wait to see what the extraordinarily talented Sam and Jon do next with this show – no doubt it will be as insightful, surprising and addictive as ever. It’s a privilege to work with them, Kudos, AMC and our superb cast once again.”

Diederick Santer, CEO of Kudos and Executive Producer Derek Wax said: “We are delighted to be working with Channel 4 and AMC once again on this compelling series. The world that Sam and Jon have so vividly created is set to unfold and reveal itself in even more meaningful, exciting and complex ways and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for our cast of incredible characters.”

Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley said: “We’re thrilled to be continuing this story! The Humans audience will know that the end of series 2 changed everything. We can’t wait to bring this new world to life – along with the best cast in TV, our amazing partners at Kudos and two fantastically supportive broadcasters in Channel 4 and AMC.”

Joel Stillerman, President of Original Programming and Development for AMC said; “‘Humans’ provides a thrilling look at the evolution of technology and its effect on society. The critical response to season two celebrates the creative vision, dynamic story-telling and compelling portrayals shared by the writers, producers and actors. We are pleased to continue our collaboration with Channel 4 and Kudos and look forward to season three.”

Humans is written by Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley (Humans S1, Spooks: The Greater Good), and based on the award-winning Swedish sci-fi drama “Real Humans” created by Lars Lundstrom and produced by SVT and Matador Film.

The new season is Executive Produced by Derek Wax, Emma Kingsman-Lloyd, Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley for Kudos in association with Wild Mercury Productions, Lars Lundstrom and Henrik Widman for Matador Films, and is produced by Vicki Delow for Kudos. The third season was commissioned for Channel 4 by Beth Willis and Simon Maxwell; and Joel Stillerman and Kristin Jones for AMC.