Peacock has renewed The Five Star Weekend for a second season following a launch that reached 2.1 billion viewing minutes. Adapted from Elin Hilderbrand’s novel, the Jennifer Garner-led drama ranks as the streamer’s most-watched scripted original series of all time in overall reach.
The summer streaming phenomenon is officially returning for another round. Peacock announced a Season 2 renewal for The Five Star Weekend, bringing back the coastal Nantucket drama that captivated audiences after its July 9 premiere.
Viewership and Nielsen Standing
The renewal arrives on the heels of massive streaming numbers for the eight-episode first installment. According to data released by the platform, the series reached 2.1 billion viewing minutes, cementing its status as Peacock’s most-watched scripted series of all time in overall reach. The project also debuted strongly on the charts, ranking among the top five original streaming series during its first two weeks. Furthermore, the adaptation’s success propelled Elin Hilderbrand’s 2023 novel of the same name into the top 10 on the New York Times bestseller list.
NBC and Peacock’s president of scripted content Lisa Katz praised the creative team and cast for delivering a resonant story.
“Audiences have completely embraced this wholly relatable story of friendship, and what it means to reconnect with the people in your life who truly make a difference.”
Lisa Katz, President, Scripted Content, NBC & Peacock, via Deadline
Cast Returns and Missing Faces for Season 2
While the first season was originally billed as a limited series, producers secured option deals early on to keep the door open for continuation. Industry reporting indicates that options are in place for Jennifer Garner, D’Arcy Carden, Regina Hall, and Chloë Sevigny to return as their respective characters Hollis Shaw, Brooke, Dru-Ann, and Tatum. However, Gemma Chan’s character Gigi will not be part of the returning core list due to the resolution of her story arc in Season 1. Additionally, sources indicate that Harlow Jane, who played Hollis’ daughter Caroline Shaw, and Timothy Olyphant, who portrayed Hollis’ love interest Jack Finnigan, do not currently have deals in place to return full-time for the second season.
Garner shared her excitement about continuing the journey alongside her co-stars.
“Regina, Chloe, Gemma, D’Arcy and I have had the best time talking to people about Five Star Weekend. We’re so happy you love it as much as we loved making it for you. If you’re curious about what’s going to happen next, imagine how we feel! We’re grateful to Elin, Bekah, our producers, directors and Peacock for hosting the ultimate girls’ weekend that will be season two.”
Jennifer Garner, via The Hollywood Reporter
Plot Setup and Where the Story Goes Next
The series centers on Hollis Shaw, a famed cook and best-selling author known for her delicious recipes, impeccable taste, and warm demeanor, who suffers a devastating loss. Seeking to move past grief and address the cracks in her life—including a strained marriage and a complicated relationship with her daughter—Hollis invites three friends from different life phases to her Nantucket home alongside a surprise guest.
The Season 1 finale dropped a clear hint about the future trajectory of the show. As the women parted ways in Nantucket, Brooke suggested making the annual get-together a tradition, pitching Greece as the next destination. In Hilderbrand’s original novel, an epilogue set one year later features an Italian trip piloted by Chan’s character, offering an organic narrative bridge to bring various characters back into the fold.
Creative Vision From Creator Bekah Brunstetter
Series creator and executive producer Bekah Brunstetter consistently signaled an interest in expanding beyond the boundaries of a single book. In interviews discussing the adaptation, Brunstetter noted that the format allows for rotating trips and fresh dynamics.
The creative team has considered shifting climates for future outings, drawing comparisons to a serialized vacation anthology. Brunstetter expressed enthusiasm for spending more time with the characters and exploring new environments as the group continues their travels.
“It’s such a joy and privilege to create a world that people want to keep living in. I’m so thrilled by the chance to give fans of the show more time with the stars, and dig even further into these incredible characters. Knowing how deeply committed they are to this trip, I can’t wait to take them on their next adventure.”
Bekah Brunstetter, Series Creator and Executive Producer, via Variety
Release Timeline and What Remains Uncertain
Peacock has not yet announced a release date or production window for Season 2. While the core friendship group is poised to reunite for their next annual excursion, questions remain regarding how supporting characters like Jack and Caroline will factor into the narrative, and whether additional guest stars will fill out the roster for the upcoming trip.
