HBO is considering taking over Rian Johnson‘s Poker Face series after its run at Peacock, as the creators seek a new home following Peacock’s decision not to renew the show. The potential move is generating attention, especially since Emmy winner Peter Dinklage has been named as the possible new lead should Poker Face continue with a third season.
HBO Shows Interest in Continuing Poker Face
Poker Face, which premiered on Peacock in 2023, was created by filmmaker Rian Johnson, known for directing Knives Out, and starred Natasha Lyonne in the role of Charlie Cale. The series gained recognition for following Charlie, a woman with an unusual gift for detecting lies, while she solves mysteries on the move. Poker Face aired its second and final season on Peacock in the recent summer, as the network decided in November 2025 not to grant it a third season.
As discussions about the future of Rian Johnson Poker Face HBO continue, both Johnson and Lyonne have publicly stated that they are actively trying to secure a new network for the show. The revelation that Peter Dinklage, a four-time Emmy Award winner, would step into the role of Charlie was an unexpected twist, raising interest in the series’ future direction.
Casey Bloys Provides Insight on Talks with HBO
During a press event held in New York, Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, addressed the ongoing conversations about Poker Face possibly moving to HBO. He explained that discussions have taken place regarding the prospect of a third season for the series, but he remained measured about the likelihood of it being picked up.
“It’s funny because we heard the original take, and when I heard that Peacock wasn’t moving forward, we were curious. We’ve had conversations, but I don’t know which way it’ll go, but I think Rian is a fantastic filmmaker, and I love the idea of Peter Dinklage, but I have nothing to report on that.”
– Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO and Max Content
Bloys’ comments reflect an openness to the idea while underlining the uncertainty of whether HBO will be the show’s next home.
Critical Acclaim and Past Networks
Poker Face’s journey began with it first being pitched to HBO before ultimately landing at Peacock, though it remains unclear if this history will influence HBO’s final decision. During its two-season run, the series stood out as a favorite among critics; both seasons received “Certified Fresh” status on Rotten Tomatoes—season 1 achieved a 98% rating, and season 2 followed closely at 96%. This consistent acclaim demonstrates the series’ resonance with reviewers even as platform changes loomed.
The Impact of Peter Dinklage Joining
Taking over the lead role at this point in the show’s progression introduces significant change, something producers may weigh carefully. The move becomes all the more intriguing with the involvement of Peter Dinklage. Known for his portrayal of Tyrion Lannister on HBO’s Game of Thrones, where he won four Emmys, Dinklage’s potential involvement could enhance the show’s profile at HBO. He has not appeared on the network since the end of Game of Thrones, although he has taken roles in other series like FX’s The Lowdown and Paramount+’s Dexter: Resurrection. The Game of Thrones franchise itself lives on through prequels such as House of the Dragon and upcoming projects like A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
HBO’s Potential Platform Boost
The pairing of Rian Johnson’s creative direction and Peter Dinklage’s star power, combined with the positive reception to Poker Face, presents an enticing opportunity for HBO. Even if the show’s prior viewership on Peacock was a concern, HBO’s broader audience and established platform could provide a significantly larger stage, increasing the potential for success.
Main Cast and Characters
In its original form, Poker Face starred Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale and Benjamin Bratt as Cliff Legrand, both of whom captured the interest of audiences and critics. If HBO moves ahead with a new season starring Peter Dinklage, the series may see further evolution in its cast dynamics and storytelling approach.
The next steps for Poker Face will depend on ongoing talks and strategic decisions by key executives such as Casey Bloys and the interests of producers like Rian Johnson. As the television landscape continues to shift, the outcome for the series may have lasting implications both for its devoted audience and for HBO’s content lineup.
