Peacock has renewed Twisted Metal for a third season, continuing its push into game-to-screen adaptations that can draw consistent streaming audiences. The renewal follows strong viewership for season 2, which became the platform’s second most-watched sophomore season among its original series. But season 3 will come with a significant change behind the scenes: Michael Jonathan Smith, who co-created the series and served as showrunner for its first two seasons, is stepping away. David Reed will take over as the new showrunner.
Twisted Metal season 2
Reed’s background includes writing roles on The Boys and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, two series known for sharp pacing and distinct tonal identities. His work on The Boys, in particular, aligns with Twisted Metal’s blend of action and chaotic, occasionally offbeat humor. That mix has helped the adaptation stand out in a crowded streaming landscape where many game-based shows either skew too self-serious or lose the tone of their source material.
Season 2 marked the first time the series brought the franchise’s signature tournament to the screen. The on-screen version of Twisted Metal’s demolition-derby-meets-gunfight setup introduced weaponized vehicles, eccentric drivers, and the heightened spectacle that long-time fans associate with the games. It also helped solidify the show’s direction after a first season that focused more on world-building and character setup.
The move to elevate Reed suggests Peacock wants to maintain — and possibly broaden — the series’ tonal balance as it evolves. With the tournament now established, season 3 has room to explore more elaborate matchups or dig further into the drivers’ backstories, depending on where the writers take the narrative. Streaming renewals often hinge on week-over-week engagement rather than just premiere numbers, so the strong return for season 2 indicates Twisted Metal has developed a stable enough audience to justify continued investment.
Peacock has not announced a release window for season 3. As the series transitions to a new showrunner, production timelines may shift, but the renewal signals that the platform sees Twisted Metal as a viable franchise rather than a one-off experiment. For viewers who grew up with the games or who came to the series through its adaptation, season 3 will be the test of how well the show can evolve under new leadership without losing the tone that helped it stand out.
