Hulu's beloved crime caper The Artful Dodger has officially kicked off production on its third and final season. The cast has reunited in Sydney, Australia, as confirmed by a behind-the-scenes video circulating on social media, signaling that the end is near for the fan-favorite period drama.
Created by James McNamara, David Maher, and David Taylor, the series has quietly become one of the most acclaimed shows on streaming, boasting a near-perfect 96% critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Set in 1850s colonial Australia, it serves as a clever pseudo-sequel to Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, following the grown-up Artful Dodger—now a skilled surgeon named Dr. Jack Dawkins—as he navigates crime, medicine, and matters of the heart.
What to expect from the final season
While plot details remain under wraps, Season 3 will pick up after the dramatic Season 2 finale, "Change of Heart." That episode saw Jack and Lady Belle Fox reunite at the Port Victory docks after Jack chose not to flee and rejoin the Royal Navy. Meanwhile, Fagin was presumed dead after Jack injected him—a ruse that allowed the wily criminal to escape authorities and avoid facing consequences for his crimes.
Thomas Brodie-Sangster returns as the titular surgeon, with David Thewlis back as Norbert Fagin and Maia Mitchell reprising her role as Lady Belle Fox. Their on-screen chemistry and the show's sharp writing have made it a standout among period dramas. If you're a fan of intricate crime stories, you might also enjoy this British crime duo or this underrated BritBox gem.
A timeline of the series
The Artful Dodger first premiered on November 29, 2023, and quickly garnered a dedicated following. A second season was ordered in November 2024 and premiered on February 10, 2026. The third and final season was officially greenlit last month, though a premiere date has yet to be announced. With filming now underway, fans can expect the concluding chapter to arrive sometime in the near future.
The show's unique blend of medical drama, heist antics, and Dickensian intrigue has earned it a special place in the hearts of viewers. As the series prepares to bow out, it's worth revisiting the first two seasons to catch all the foreshadowing and character development. For those who appreciate smart, character-driven crime shows, this hidden gem might also be up your alley.
Behind the scenes
The recent behind-the-scenes clip shows the cast and crew back in Sydney, where the series has filmed since its inception. The location plays a vital role in the show's atmosphere, doubling as the rough-and-tumble colonial town of Port Victory. Production is expected to continue over the coming months, with post-production to follow.
While we wait for more details, fans can speculate about how Jack, Belle, and Fagin's stories will conclude. Will Jack finally find redemption? Will Fagin's luck run out? And what new challenges will Belle face as she pursues her own ambitions? All will be revealed when The Artful Dodger returns for its final season on Hulu.
