The second season aired last fall in the USA (earlier in the UK), but before its BBC America debut, BBC One announced that a 3rd season of Luther, the critically acclaimed psychological crime drama starring one Idris Elba, had been ordered!

Season 2 reportedly outperformed season 1, on average, attracting over 5 million viewers and was well received by critics.

Until, now, we really had no word as to what to expect with the upcoming season – like when it would air, and how many episodes it will have.

At a recent Broadcasting Press Guild Lunch in London, BBC head of drama Ben Stephenson confirmed that Luther has indeed been recommissioned, and, just like season 2, for four more 60-minute episodes! 

Now while I'm thrilled that the series is returning at all, I wish they'd expand each season past just 4 episodes. Season 1 was spread out over six 60-minute episodes; they curbed that number down to 4 60-minute episodes for season 2; and now we'll be getting the same deal for season 3. Try 6 episodes; or even 8 for a change.

Am I being selfish? 🙂

The BBC didn't reveal anything more than that, in terms of dates or content, although Idris did promise that there'd be even "more mayhem" he told Digital Spy in an interview.

And as already reported on S&A, Idris has long championed a big screen adaptation of the series, saying "the ultimate 'Luther' story will unfold on the big screen."

Given idris' schedule, I'd expect we'll see Luther season 3 sometime in mid 2012 first in the UK, and then later in the fall in the US.