Season 3 of The Hunting Wives won’t shoot in North Carolina. Why? The General Assembly rewrote how the state distributes film incentives. Producer Joan Cunningham emailed production staff recently. The…
Published Aug 31, 2026 1:43 PM EDT
Image Courtesy Netflix
Season 3 of The Hunting Wives won’t shoot in North Carolina. Why? The General Assembly rewrote how the state distributes film incentives.
Producer Joan Cunningham emailed production staff recently. The show relocates to Georgia, she explained.
“The program plays a key role in how we budget for each season and without the funds, the show will not be able to continue shooting in North Carolina,” Cunningham wrote “We will miss our North Carolina family and hope our paths cross again very soon.”
Budget changes from state lawmakers triggered the departure. Since 2019, the Department of Commerce ran film grants as a cash flow program. This allowed funding based on future appropriations. The General Assembly switched this to a strict annual appropriations basis, which means Commerce can only distribute money it currently possesses.
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley said his department held talks with Lionsgate to keep production in-state. “Unfortunately, given our situation, we are not able to do that at this time, which is a huge disappointment to us,” Lilley said
Senator Michael Lee of Wilmington said the changes happened because Commerce operated in a way inconsistent with state law. Yet Commerce has said it followed instructions from legislative staff.
The Netflix drama follows a wealthy Texas socialite and her friends. Both earlier seasons filmed around Charlotte at locations including downtown Mooresville, Falcon Trail Trailhead, and Dilworth Tasting Room.
The series received nearly $12 million for season 1. Season 2 was awarded up to $15 million, but that money hasn’t been distributed yet.
This marks another loss for the state’s film sector. Showtime’s Homeland filmed its first three seasons around Charlotte before moving to international locations. Banshee also left after three seasons, relocating to Pennsylvania.
Governor Josh Stein released a statement on the issue. “North Carolina’s film industry is an important part of our economy, supporting thousands of jobs and bringing millions in investment to our state,” Stein said. “We must protect that success and give productions the certainty they need to invest here for the long term.”
Lilley said his department is working with the General Assembly to fix the program. He couldn’t give a timeline for when new productions will receive incentives. All productions promised grant funding will still get those commitments.
Season 2 of The Hunting Wives debuts on Netflix on Nov. 26. Star Dermot Mulroney has said preparation is underway for season 3.
