It will be a while before fans of "Ozark" will be able to binge-watch the third season on Netflix. Director and lead star Jason Bateman stated that he's taking some time off from work so there will be no filming until March 2019.
Bateman reportedly revealed to Ellen DeGeneres on her daytime show that he's putting off work for a few months to spend time with his family and his growing daughters. At that time, Bateman just wrapped up filming the second season of "Ozark" and did not yet know if it will get a third season.
But Netflix renewed the show for season 3 in October. TV Line reported that the new installment would have a 2019 premiere date.
Bateman said, however, that he's away from his family for at least six months when working on the series. So, given the timeline of production, "Ozark" season 3 might get a late 2019 release on the streaming platform.
"Ozark" ended season 2 with Marty Byrde (Bateman) and Wendy Byrde (Laura Linney) finally opening the massive casino boat they have been planning to set up for months. This casino will be used as a legitimate business to cover up their drug money launder scheme. It will be the biggest and riskiest operation for the Byrdes, who originally got entangled with the Mexican drug cartel to ensure the survival of their family.
But "Ozark" season 3 might also find the Byrdes being closely watched by the FBI, especially after the death of one of their agents, Roy Petty (Jason Butler). The authorities might also be interested in investigating Ruth Langmore (Julia Garner), the Byrde's trusted assistant.
Ruth's troublesome father, Cade, was killed by an unknown gunman at the end of season 2. But before his death, Cade carelessly murdered Petty. The messy cases will likely circle back to the Byrde's operations.
The biggest twist from last season, however, showed Wendy getting knee-deep in her dangerous agreement with the drug cartel's ruthless lawyer Helen Pierce (Janet McTeer). The Brydes originally planned to escape to Australia, but Wendy decided they will stay put and continue to work with Pierce and her bosses. "Ozark" season 3 will likely see more tension between the Byrde's relationship as a couple and as parents of teenagers.
There has been no casting announcement for "Ozark" season 3 so far with production not yet in place. But with Petty gone, fans should expect a new antagonist from the FBI to create more tension in the series. Meanwhile, "Ozark" season 1 and 2 are still streaming on Netflix.
