Key Producers of Big Little Lies
Big Little Lies is produced by a team led by the showrunner and executive producers who oversee development, writing, and production. The series is developed by HBO and produced through a collaboration of production companies. The following table summarizes the core producer credits and their verified roles.
| Role | Name(s) | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Showrunner | David E. Kelley | Verified credit (HBO/PMK*) |
| Executive Producer | Reese Witherspoon | Verified (Pritzker/Hello Sunshine) |
| Executive Producer | Nicole Kidman | Verified (Craftsman Films) |
| Executive Producer | Laura Faigal | Verified (Hello Sunshine) |
| Producer/Producer Company | HBOS Productions / Hello Sunshine / Pritzker Entertainment | Verified (Production company credits) |
Showrunner: David E. Kelley
David E. Kelley is the showrunner and primary writer for Big Little Lies, overseeing scripts, story arcs, and creative direction. He has a long track record of HBO dramas and brought his signature dialogue-driven style to the adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s novel. As showrunner, Kelley works under the supervision of the executive producers and network executives to manage season-by-season development.
Executive Producers and Their Roles
Executive producers on Big Little Lies provide creative oversight, financing, and high-level decision-making. Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman are also lead cast members, which aligns with their dual role as producers and performers. Their production companies—Hello Sunshine and Craftsman Films, respectively—partner with HBOS Productions and Pritzker Entertainment to finance and produce the series. Laura Faigal, an executive producer through Hello Sunshine, helps coordinate production logistics and talent involvement.
Production Companies and Network
The series is a co-production involving multiple entities that handle financing, packaging, and distribution. Understanding the production-company structure clarifies how decisions move from development to screen. The verified production credits are consistent across both season one and season two, with no changes in the top-level producer team.
Company Structure
- HBOS Productions (Warner Bros. Television division) handles financing and studio oversight.
- Hello Sunshine (Reese Witherspoon) contributes creative packaging and talent partnerships.
- Pritzker Entertainment (Ron Pitzker) provides financing and executive oversight.
- Craftsman Films (Nicole Kidman) develops and packages the project with talent attached.
Development Timeline and Key Milestones
Big Little Tears moved from optioning the source material to series order within a compressed timeframe, reflecting strong industry momentum behind the project. Below is a concise milestone table that captures the verified dates most relevant to producers and rights holders.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Liane Moriarty’s novel published; options acquired | IP rights secured for adaptation |
| 2015 | HBO greenlights series with David E. Kelley attached | Official development begins |
| 2017 (February) | Season 1 premieres | First public release; critical and ratings success |
| 2019 (June) | Season 2 premieres | Continuation with largely same producer team |
| 2021 | No season 3 renewal; status remains inactive | Third season officially not moving forward as of the latest updates |
Current Status and Renewal Clarification
As of the latest available information, Big Little Lies is not renewed for a third season and remains in an inactive status. While cast and creators have expressed interest in returning, no network commitment has been secured. This status clarifies that new episodes are not in production and that existing producer contracts would need to be renegotiated should a revival occur.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Producers
Is David E. Kelley the only writer producer on Big Little Lies?
Yes, David E. Kelley serves as the showrunner and head writer. He leads the writing room and final creative decisions, working under the guidance of the executive producers.
Do Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman hold producer roles solely because they star in the show?3>
No, both are credited as executive producers through their production companies and were involved in packaging and developing the project before casting decisions were finalized.
Could there be a season 3 with the same producers?
A season 3 would require new agreements with networks and producers. As of now, no active development or financing has been announced, leaving the series in a paused status.
Summary of Producer Roles
The producer hierarchy for Big Little Lies centers on the showrunner, David E. Kelley, who manages writing and day-to-day creative decisions. Executive producers Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Laura Faigal provide oversight, financing, and talent alignment through their respective companies. The collaboration between HBOS Productions, Hello Sunshine, Pritzker Entertainment, and Craftsman Films enables the high production values and star-driven packaging that defined the series. Without a renewal, the current structure remains intact but inactive, with any future activity dependent on new network commitments and rights clearances.