HBO Max's decision regarding whether or not to pick up DC Universe's Harley Quinn for a third season evidently comes down to an overhaul of the animated series' budget.
This update regarding Harley Quinn's potential future comes amid the news that fellow DC Universe original Doom Patrol has been renewed for Season 3 and will henceforth be an HBO Max exclusive. According to The Hollywood Reporter, DC Universe's Harley Quinn has "picked up steam" since its first two seasons arrived on HBO Max early last month. Even so, there has been no word from the powers that be regarding a renewal. As THR explains, "sources say renewal negotiations hinge on a new budget for the series." Furthermore, the process "has been stalled by the major executive shake-up at the streamer that saw senior leaders Bob Greenblatt and Kevin Reilly pushed out and oversight of the platform given to HBO's Casey Bloys."
It has been confirmed that DC Universe's remaining original programming will migrate to HBO Max (though Jim Lee assures DC Universe still has a future ahead of it). As such, a third season of Harley Quinn would likely be a Max exclusive. Like Harley Quinn, Doom Patrol began life as a DC Universe exclusive. For its second season, however, the live-action series was shared by DC Universe and HBO Max, with new episodes dropping on both services simultaneously. Starting with Season 3, it will be a Max exclusive. Titans has already been renewed for Season 3 as well, though it is currently unclear if it will follow the dual streaming model of Doom Patrol Season 2, or if it will also be a Max exclusive. Its future beyond Season 3 remains a mystery.
Harley Quinn premiered on DC Universe in November 2019, with Season 2 arriving this past April. Both seasons were released on HBO Max early last month. While the series has been met with positive reception and its creators have spoken to their plans for Season 3, official word on a renewal remains elusive.
DC Universe's Harley Quinn stars Kaley Cuoco, Lake Bell, Diedrich Bader, Alan Tudyk, Rahul Kohli, Christopher Meloni, Tony Hale, Ron Funches, Wanda Sykes, Natalie Morales, Jim Rash, Giancarlo Esposito, Jason Alexander and J.B. Smoove. Both seasons of the show are available to stream on DC Universe and HBO Max.