Starz has opted to continue with the show Couple Next Door for another season. The network has secured rights to the British erotic thriller’s second season, which delves into “the suffocating monotony of suburban life and the consequences of pursuing one’s deepest yearnings.” Despite not achieving these themes exceptionally well, as noted by The A.V. Club’s Saloni Gajjar in her review of the first season, the series is “strangely mesmerizing for exactly these reasons, with its clichéd scripts and over-the-top acting creating a peculiarly enjoyable viewing experience. It may not be high-quality TV, but it is definitely entertaining ‘trash TV.’” Regardless of the reasons, the network reports that it was one of their most successful British show acquisitions.

According to Starz president Alison Hoffman, the series has particularly resonated with Outlander fans, who were likely eager to see Sam Heughan (Outlander’s Jamie) in a role outside of the 18th century. However, those only watching for Heughan might find themselves let down by the upcoming season, as it introduces a completely new cast, save for Hugh Dennis, who returns as Alan Richardson. Yet the new characters promise to bring just as much scandal and complexity as before. “In the second season of this sultry series, the drama intensifies as the curtain is pulled back on the suburban cul-de-sac revealing the repercussions of transforming fantasies into reality,” states the official summary for the new season. The spotlight this season is on eminent heart surgeon Charlotte Roberts (Annabel Scholey) and her husband, consultant anesthetist Jacob (Sam Palladio). They are joined by their enigmatic new colleague, Mia (Aggy K. Adams), and Charlotte’s former lover, Leo (Sendhil Ramamurthy). Leo’s reappearance stirs changes in Charlotte, while Mia cunningly ingratiates herself into the lives of Jacob and Charlotte, their neighborhood, and ultimately their bedroom, befriending the local outcast Alan (Dennis) along the way. However, Mia’s history soon catches up with her, causing Charlotte and Jacob to doubt her true intentions, particularly when patients at their hospital begin dying under mysterious circumstances. One thing becomes evident—their indulgence in their desires might lead to lethal outcomes.”

The Couple Next Door draws inspiration loosely from the Danish drama Dopamin and the Dutch series The Neighbors. The new season is set to premiere on September 19, perfect timing for setting up a neighborhood viewing party.