The latest update on Tom Ellis’s highly anticipated return to the small screen confirms that the former *Lucifer* star is locked in for the third season of the Hulu drama *Tell Me Lies*, a show that has captivated audiences with its unflinching look at a toxic relationship. As of December 13, 2025, the news is official, but Ellis himself has been dropping major hints that Season 3 will not only be the darkest installment yet but could also mark the series’ dramatic conclusion, promising fans a shocking payoff for the emotional manipulation and deceit that has defined the show.
The buzz surrounding Ellis’s character, Oliver, is immense, especially given the actor's personal connection to the series—his wife, Meaghan Oppenheimer, serves as the show’s creator and showrunner. This deep dive into the corrosive relationship between Lucy Albright (Grace Van Patten) and Stephen DeMarco (Jackson White) is set to escalate, with Oliver’s "quietly sociopathic" presence confirmed to be a major catalyst for the final, devastating twists. Fans are desperate to know the fate of the central couple, and Ellis’s return signals that the series is ready to tell the ultimate, complicated truth.
Tom Ellis: Full Biography and Career Profile
Thomas John Ellis is a Welsh actor who has successfully transitioned from British sitcom star to a global television phenomenon, most notably as the charming and devilish title character in the hit series *Lucifer*. His career profile is a testament to his versatility, moving effortlessly between comedy, fantasy, and now, intense psychological drama.
- Full Name: Thomas John Ellis
- Born: November 17, 1978
- Birthplace: Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales, United Kingdom
- Key Roles Before *Tell Me Lies*:
- Lucifer Morningstar in *Lucifer* (2016–2021)
- Gary Preston in the BBC One sitcom *Miranda* (2009–2015)
- Dr. William Rush in *Rush* (2014)
- King Cenred in *Merlin* (2010)
- Current Role: Oliver in *Tell Me Lies* (Season 2–present)
- Spouse: Meaghan Oppenheimer (married 2019), a screenwriter and showrunner.
- Upcoming Projects: *Players* (2024), *The Thursday Murder Club*, *Washington Black*, and the CBS series *CIA* (2026).
Ellis’s decision to join the cast of *Tell Me Lies* for Season 2, following the massive success of *Lucifer*, marked a significant shift in his career toward darker, more nuanced roles. He has embraced the challenge of playing a character who is far removed from the charismatic Devil, instead portraying a figure of subtle, insidious malice.
The Shocking Return: Why Tom Ellis’s Oliver is the Dark Heart of *Tell Me Lies* Season 3
The renewal of *Tell Me Lies* for a third season in December was major news for fans of the Hulu series, which is based on the 2018 novel of the same name by author Carola Lovering. The even bigger headline, however, was the confirmation from Tom Ellis himself that he would be reprising his role as Oliver, a character whose introduction in Season 2 immediately complicated the already volatile dynamics of the show.
Lie #1: The Illusion of a Clean Break
When Oliver was first introduced, he was presented as Bree’s (Catherine Missal) seemingly stable, if slightly older, husband. However, Ellis has described Oliver as "quietly sociopathic," a stark contrast to the overt charm of Lucifer Morningstar. His presence represents the long-term, damaging consequences of the toxic relationships explored in the show. In Season 3, his return shatters any illusion that Bree, or anyone connected to him, can simply move on. Oliver is not a character who fades into the background; he is a looming threat, a physical manifestation of the emotional manipulation that Lucy and Stephen have perfected.
Lie #2: The Hope for a Happy Ending
The core of *Tell Me Lies* is the destructive, on-again, off-again relationship between Lucy Albright and Stephen DeMarco. The series thrives on the tension of their emotional warfare. Ellis has teased that Season 3 will be the "darkest" installment yet. This suggests that the narrative will dive deeper into the abyss of their codependency, potentially leading to a devastating climax. Oliver, being a character who embodies duplicity and control, is perfectly positioned to be the catalyst that forces Lucy and Stephen to confront the ugly truth of their dynamic, removing any lingering hope for a conventional, happy conclusion.
Lie #3: The Idea That Oliver is a Minor Character
While Oliver was introduced in Season 2, he is far from a minor player. The character has a direct, disruptive impact on the main cast, particularly Bree, and his professional role as "Professor Oliver" adds a layer of predatory power dynamics to the college setting. His reappearance in Season 3 is crucial for the series’ thematic exploration of the long-tail effects of trauma and deceit. The show is not just about the college years; it’s about how those formative, toxic relationships shape adult life, and Oliver is the key to unlocking that future timeline. His relationship with Bree and his connection to the wider social circle ensures he will be a central figure in the escalating drama.
Lie #4: The Release Date is Imminent
While the renewal for *Tell Me Lies* Season 3 has been confirmed, an exact release date has not yet been announced. This uncertainty allows the anticipation to build, but it's a "lie" of omission to suggest the release is just around the corner. Fans are eagerly monitoring updates on production schedules and filming, especially since the show's intense, dramatic nature demands a high level of performance from the ensemble cast, including Grace Van Patten and Jackson White. Tom Ellis’s confirmation of his return is the strongest signal that the show is moving forward, but the wait for the "darkest" season will likely extend well into 2026.
Lie #5: That Season 3 Won't Be the End
One of the most compelling pieces of insider information comes directly from Tom Ellis, who has hinted that Season 3 could be the final season of *Tell Me Lies*. This aligns with the structure of the source novel by Carola Lovering, which builds toward a definitive, and often heartbreaking, conclusion. Ending the series after Season 3 would allow the creative team, led by Meaghan Oppenheimer, to deliver a focused, high-stakes finale that avoids unnecessary stretching of the plot. The potential finality of the season raises the stakes, suggesting that the "lies" will finally unravel, leading to a definitive, and possibly devastating, truth for Lucy, Stephen, Oliver, and the entire ensemble.
Beyond the Lies: Tom Ellis’s Next Major Projects After Hulu
Tom Ellis is clearly not slowing down after his commitments to *Tell Me Lies* Season 3. His upcoming slate of projects confirms his status as one of Hollywood's most in-demand actors, with a diverse range of roles that will further distance him from his iconic portrayal of the Devil in *Lucifer*.
The Thursday Murder Club Adaptation
One of his most high-profile upcoming roles is in the film adaptation of Richard Osman’s bestselling novel, *The Thursday Murder Club*. This Netflix project is a star-studded affair, with Ellis joining a distinguished ensemble cast. His involvement in this murder mystery adaptation showcases his ability to move into different genres, promising a clever, witty performance that will appeal to fans of classic British cinema and television. This shift into a major film role is a significant step in his post-*Lucifer* career.
The CIA Series on CBS
Ellis is set to return to network television with the CBS series *CIA* (which is currently slated for a 2026 release), where he will once again be tackling a crime-fighting role, though likely with a more grounded, espionage-focused tone than his supernatural previous hit. This project, along with the ensemble comedy *Players* (2024), demonstrates a strategic move to diversify his filmography, ensuring he remains a prominent figure across multiple platforms and genres.
Washington Black
Ellis is also attached to the television adaptation of Esi Edugyan’s novel *Washington Black*, a historical fiction story that explores themes of identity, freedom, and adventure. This ambitious project will see Ellis take on a role in a period drama, further proving his range and commitment to compelling, high-quality storytelling. The depth and complexity of this narrative promise a powerful performance, solidifying his reputation as an actor who seeks out challenging material.
Tom Ellis’s journey from the supernatural realm of *Lucifer* to the dark, psychological landscape of *Tell Me Lies* has been a fascinating one. His confirmed return for Season 3 as the "quietly sociopathic" Oliver is the update fans have been waiting for, promising a dramatic, intense, and potentially final chapter in the Hulu series. The anticipation for the "darkest" season yet is palpable, and with Ellis hinting at the ultimate conclusion, all eyes are on how the web of deceit will finally unravel.
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