Since its debut in 2020, Hightown has earned a loyal fan base. It is popular for its gritty depiction of addiction, crime and even redemption, set against the backdrop of Cape Cod. It premiered on Starz on May 17, 2020. The show introduced viewers to ​​Jackie Quiñones, a hard-partying National Marine Fisheries Service agent. She is thrown into a murder investigation after a body is found on the beach. The situation throws her neck deep into a world of crime, corruption and self-destruction. The show is led by Monica Raymund, who plays Jackie, but its lineup also includes some other impressive actors. James Badge Dale, Riley Voelkel, Amaury Nolasco, Dohn Norwood and Atkins Estimond all contribute to the show’s intense and emotional storytelling. Hightown takes a sharp look at the opioid crisis, so it offers something a bit different than your typical crime drama. 

Over its three-season run so far, Hightown has received praise for its raw character development. It also explored complex themes like sobriety, moral ambiguity, and justice. While it never became a mainstream sensation like some other Starz titles, it has pretty consistently held the attention of a devoted niche audience. With season three ending in March 2024, fans of the show are wondering, is Hightown cancelled? Here’s what we know.

What happens in season three of ‘Hightown’?

Season three of Hightown, which premiered on Jan. 26, 2024, opens with Jackie at a low point. She is no longer a part of law enforcement and is struggling to maintain her sobriety. After the disappearance of a sex worker and the death of another, she is drawn back into the criminal underworld. This spells trouble for her addiction issues and sparks her obsessive need to seek justice. Despite not having a badge anymore, Jackie inserts herself into the developing investigation. She proves to herself that she hasn’t lost her instincts, but her judgement remains pretty questionable given the circumstances. 

Although she is not officially involved with the case, she secretly and desperately re-enters the investigation, surrounding herself with people from her old life. That includes Detective Ray Abruzzo (James Badge Dale), her former coworker. He is a disgraced detective himself with a history of addiction and corruption, so his focus on chasing the new drug ring almost feels redemptive.

Alongside Sergeant Alan Saintille (Dohn Norwood), who is one of Jackie’s few remaining allies, they try to solve the new wave of criminal activity. As fans of Hightown know, Alan continues to act as a moral compass even in season three despite mounting pressure and influence. As a new crime network emerges, budding criminal groups threaten to take over the territory, which was already left in chaos from the deaths and arrests from previous seasons. 

What happens in the final episode? 

On the other side of the law, there is Osito (Atkins Estimond), who has stepped up to the plate after the death of the drug kingpin Frankie Cuevas. While he was once a trusted muscle and worked as an enforcer, he now plays an important role in the Cape Cod criminal underworld. However, his influence is conflicted by a Boston-based dealer who is introduced in season three, Shane Frawley (Garret Dillahunt).

Meanwhile, Renee Segna (Riley Voelkel), a former stripper and mother who was caught in between two love interests on either side of the law, Ray and Frankie, tries to find peace. But the ruthless character Shane has come to town bearing gifts, drama and drugs. To put it mildly, things get real messy for everyone. To make matters worse, a young dealer, Charmaine (Imani Lewis), who is introduced in earlier seasons escapes. 

Surprisingly, season three ended with many of the major plotline conflicts unresolved. Between Jackie’s sobriety hanging in the balance, Osito’s future and Charmaine’s escape are pretty much just left hanging narratively.      

Is there a season four of ‘Hightown’?

With so many plot holes, it’s natural that viewers may assume there would be a season four of the show. But as PrimeTimer reports, despite the cliffhanger ending to season three and fan’s enthusiasm for more, there has been no promise of a new season. Still, fans have gotten hopeful because the show was added to Netflix last month. As a result, the Starz show seems to be going through a resurgence in popularity due to it dropping on streaming. Yet there has been no official renewal or revival of Hightown.

Is ‘Hightown’ worth watching?

Despite its apparent cancellation, Hightown was popular amongst its viewers. It had a fresh atmospheric backdrop in the setting of Cape Cod, which contrasts with the dark storyline. The compelling and emotionally charged series is certainly a character-driven story. For fans of crime dramas, Hightown may be just the right addition to your binge list.

The show focuses on internal struggles and external threats equally, so it has something for everyone. The themes of addiction, recovery, trauma and redemption are explored with nuance. Since the show ends after three seasons with several storylines unresolved, the narrative was cut short, per SoapCentral. This big cliffhanger may leave new viewers unsatisfied. Ultimately though, audiences who value strong character arcs, sharp writing and emotionally rich storytelling may enjoy Hightown – even if it doesn’t have the ending it deserves. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch season three of Hightown?

Viewers can watch the show’s last season on Netflix, Prime Video or Starz. 

Is Hightown an LGBTQ show? 

Yes, the main character Jackie identifies as a lesbian, and viewers get to see her explore her sexuality and love life, as GLAAD reports.