Paramount+’s supernatural teen drama School Spirits returns for its third season on January 28, 2026, launching with a three-episode drop followed by weekly releases. The announcement came during the streamer’s panel at CCXP in São Paulo, Brazil, where star and executive producer Peyton List unveiled a teaser and first-look images that promise escalating tension at Split River High.

Created by Nate Trinrud and Megan Trinrud, who serve as co-showrunners alongside Oliver Goldstick, the series continues to blend high school dynamics with afterlife intrigue. Season 3 delves deeper into the thinning barrier between the living and the dead, forcing Maddie Nears and her allies to confront escalating threats and buried truths tied to the school’s haunted history.

Peyton List reprises her central role as Maddie Nears, the teen who reclaimed her body in Season 2 only to face new complications. Now navigating life among the living while maintaining ties to her spectral friends, Maddie grapples with visions and responsibilities that blur the lines between worlds. Kristian Ventura returns as Simon Elroy, Maddie’s loyal best friend whose entrapment in the spirit realm at the end of Season 2 drives much of the urgency.

The ensemble features familiar faces including Milo Manheim as Wally Clark, the charismatic 1980s jock whose bond with Maddie adds emotional depth; Spencer MacPherson as Xavier Baxter; Kiara Pichardo as Nicole Herrera; Sarah Yarkin as Rhonda; Nick Pugliese as Charley; Rainbow Wedell as Claire Zomer; and Josh Zuckerman as Mr. Martin, the enigmatic guide whose motives remain under scrutiny. Ci Hang Ma and Miles Elliot, portraying Quinn and Yuri, have been elevated to series regulars, expanding their involvement in group dynamics.

New recurring additions bring fresh layers to the narrative. Jennifer Tilly joins as Dr. Deborah Hunter-Price, the school superintendent whose presence hints at administrative oversight intersecting with supernatural elements. Ari Dalbert appears as Kyle, and Erika Swayze as Livia, characters positioned to influence ongoing investigations and interpersonal tensions.

Production on Season 3 commenced in July 2025 in Vancouver, following the swift renewal in March after Season 2’s strong performance. That installment drew 3.9 million viewers in its first 28 days, nearly doubling Season 1’s numbers and solidifying the show’s place in Paramount+’s young adult lineup. The quick turnaround reflects confidence in the creative team’s ability to maintain momentum amid unresolved threads from prior chapters.

Season 2 concluded with Maddie expelling the possessing spirit Janet, portrayed by Jess Gabor in a recurring capacity, while exposing Mr. Martin’s role in past events. Janet’s decision to remain in the afterlife for redemptive purposes sets up potential alliances or conflicts. Meanwhile, Wally’s flirtation with crossing over and Xavier’s newfound ability to perceive ghosts opened avenues for crossover interactions.

The upcoming chapters build on these foundations, emphasizing Maddie’s efforts to rescue Simon while uncovering broader mysteries at Split River High. Teaser footage highlights eerie visuals, group confrontations, and glimpses of the cast in heightened states of alert, underscoring a shift toward intensified stakes.

Paramount+ has positioned School Spirits as a flagship in its teen drama portfolio, with Seasons 1 and 2 available globally in select markets. The platform’s strategy of front-loading episodes aims to capitalize on binge tendencies, particularly during winter viewing periods.

List, who also executive produces, has spoken about the character’s evolving complexity, balancing reintegration into normal life with lingering connections to the beyond. Manheim’s return quelled early speculation about scheduling conflicts, ensuring continuity for fan-favorite arcs. Ventura’s portrayal of Simon’s isolation adds poignant stakes, exploring themes of loyalty and isolation.

Supporting players contribute to the series’ rich tapestry. Pichardo’s Nicole and MacPherson’s Xavier represent the living world’s perspective, while Yarkin’s Rhonda and Pugliese’s Charley provide comic relief and wisdom among the spirits. Wedell’s Claire navigates moral ambiguities from her past actions.

Tilly’s casting draws attention given her genre pedigree, potentially infusing authority and nuance into school oversight plots. Dalbert and Swayze’s roles, though details remain guarded, are expected to intersect with core investigations.

The Trinruds draw from their upcoming graphic novel for inspiration, adapting elements while crafting original television narratives. Goldstick’s experience in teen ensembles ensures layered character development amid procedural twists.

Viewership growth underscores the show’s resonance, blending mystery-solving with emotional coming-of-age stories. Discussions around mental health, identity, and friendship have elevated its cultural impact beyond typical genre fare.

Promotional materials released at CCXP include atmospheric images of the cast in school settings, evoking unease through lighting and composition. The teaser intercuts quick flashes of confrontations, spectral phenomena, and determined expressions, building anticipation without spoiling key reveals.

Paramount Television Studios handles production, maintaining consistency in tone and visuals. The Vancouver shoot utilized local facilities to recreate the fictional Wisconsin town’s isolated feel.

Fan engagement remains high, with online communities dissecting clues from prior seasons and speculating on resolutions. Hashtags tied to the series trend periodically, amplified by cast interactions on social platforms.

As streaming competition intensifies, School Spirits stands out for its hybrid format—part procedural, part serialized drama. The three-episode premiere strategy mirrors successful rollouts for similar titles, encouraging immediate immersion.

Executive statements highlight enthusiasm for continuing the story. Awesomeness TV and Nickelodeon executives praised the cast’s performances and the writers’ handling of sensitive themes.

Season 3’s structure allows for standalone episodes within an overarching arc, balancing accessibility for newcomers with rewards for longtime viewers. Binge options post-premiere cater to varied watching habits.

The series’ soundtrack and stylistic choices, from dreamlike sequences to grounded dialogues, contribute to its distinctive appeal. Upcoming installments promise amplified effects as boundaries weaken.

List’s dual role as actor and producer informs authentic portrayals, particularly in Maddie’s transitional phase. Interviews reveal collaborative script refinements to heighten emotional authenticity.

Manheim brings athletic energy to Wally, contrasting spectral limitations with vibrant personality. Ventura’s Simon anchors human elements, grounding supernatural escalations.

New regulars Ma and Elliot expand the ghost support group, diversifying perspectives on eternity and unresolved issues.

Tilly’s superintendent could bridge administrative and mystical plotlines, adding institutional layers.

Recurring elements like law enforcement ties through characters portrayed by Ian Tracey and Patrick Gilmore may resurface, connecting past investigations.

The show’s renewal trajectory—quick pickups post-strong seasons—signals platform investment. Global availability in key territories broadens reach.

Critics have noted evolving sophistication, with Season 2 earning praise for twist execution and character growth. Expectations for Season 3 center on payoff delivery.

Promotional pushes include panel appearances and digital assets, targeting core demographics through conventions and online campaigns.

As January approaches, buzz builds around potential crossovers and resolutions. The thinner veil concept opens narrative possibilities, from increased interactions to heightened risks.

School Spirits distinguishes itself in crowded teen supernatural spaces through heartfelt relationships amid mystery. Maddie’s journey from isolation to community leadership exemplifies growth themes.

Paramount+’s slate benefits from such originals, complementing licensed content with exclusive draws.

Cast chemistry, evident in behind-the-scenes glimpses, translates to screen authenticity.

Production wrapped efficiently, allowing post-work to refine pacing and visuals.

Teaser reactions highlight chills from atmospheric hints, setting a foreboding tone.

Viewer theories proliferate, from redemption arcs to new threats emerging.

The three-episode launch facilitates momentum, ideal for hook retention.

Overall, Season 3 positions School Spirits for continued ascent, blending scares with substance.

With proven appeal and creative stability, the return to Split River High arrives poised for impact.

Fans prepare for twists that redefine boundaries, as Maddie and company navigate uncharted spectral terrain.

January 28 marks the next chapter in this compelling afterlife saga.