AceShowbiz - Fox has officially renewed Murder in a Small Town for a third season, announcing the exciting return of the acclaimed crime procedural. Alongside this renewal, the network revealed that Peter Gallagher, known for his role in The O.C., will join the cast as a new series regular.

Based on the novels by L.R. Wright, Murder in a Small Town centers on Karl Alberg (Rossif Sutherland), a former metropolitan police officer who relocates to the peaceful town of Gibsons. Karl’s new role as police chief brings him face-to-face with the town’s ongoing murder mysteries, while he also develops a romantic relationship with local librarian Cassandra Lee (Kristin Kreuk).

For the upcoming Season 3, Gallagher will portray Rod Finlayson, a complex character described as charismatic, fiercely independent, and capable yet somewhat unreliable. His arrival at the Gibsons marina aboard his cherished boat is expected to stir significant changes and challenges that Karl and Cassandra will have to navigate.

Season 2 ended with a pivotal moment in the Karl and Cassandra storyline. Karl proposed marriage, initially phrasing it as a hypothetical question: “Could you see yourself marrying me?” When he clarified his intent with a straightforward proposal, Cassandra’s reaction was ambiguous, leaving fans eager to learn her true response. Executive producer Ian Weir has since assured TVLine that breaking up the couple in Season 3 is out of the question, promising viewers that this central relationship will remain intact as the story progresses.

Deadline was the first to break the news regarding the renewal and casting update. This announcement positions Murder in a Small Town as a key returning series for Fox’s 2026-27 lineup.

Alongside Murder in a Small Town, Fox’s upcoming scripted programming slate features a range of returning favorites including American Dad! (Seasons 21-23), Animal Control (Season 5), Best Medicine (Season 2), Bob’s Burgers (Seasons 17-19), Doc (Season 3), Family Guy (Seasons 25-27), Grimsburg (Season 3), Krapopolis (Seasons 4-5), Memory of a Killer (Season 2), The Simpsons (Seasons 38-40), and Universal Basic Guys (Season 3).

However, not all shows will return. Fox canceled the Denis Leary-led military comedy Going Dutch after two seasons, as well as the adult animated series The Great North, which concluded after five seasons.

New series joining Fox’s roster include a revival of the iconic lifeguard drama Baywatch, featuring Stephen Amell, and The Interrogator, a spy drama created by and starring Stephen Fry.

Fans are encouraged to share their excitement and thoughts about returning to Gibsons for more mysteries by commenting on the renewal news. Meanwhile, TVLine’s Renewal Scorecard has been updated to reflect all these developments.