Israeli public broadcaster Kan is set to release the highly anticipated third season of Tehran, its acclaimed espionage thriller, on December 9.
Since its debut in June 2020, the series has gained international acclaim, winning an International Emmy Award and securing a lucrative deal with Apple TV Plus, reportedly worth tens of millions of dollars.
The show follows Mossad agent Tamar Rabinyan, played by Niv Sultan, on high-stakes missions deep inside Iran to neutralize threats against Israel while navigating a dangerous double life.
Seasons 1 and 2 offered viewers a dramatic—if dramatized—insight into life under Iran’s oppressive regime, weaving themes of espionage, forbidden romance and rogue operations.
Despite losing some of the gritty charm of its debut season, Season 2’s bigger budget delivered polished production and high-octane drama.
Season 3 was originally scheduled for release in April 2024 but faced delays following the October 7 Hamas attacks and other logistical complications. The show’s return comes at a time of heightened real-world tension between Israel and Iran, including recent direct fire exchanges and renewed concerns over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
These developments have lent an air of realism to Tehran’s fictional narrative, where Tamar’s survival often hinges on Mossad’s support—or lack thereof.
Season 2 recap: Explosions, betrayals and heartbreak
Season 2 of Tehran left fans reeling as the series whittled down its cast in devastating fashion. General Qasem Mohammadi, commander of the Revolutionary Guard, met a dramatic end when a booby-trapped phone exploded at a funeral, a scene reminiscent of Mossad’s real-life 1996 assassination of Hamas bombmaker Yahya Ayyash.
Tamar’s mentor, Marjan (portrayed by Glenn Close), was poisoned by Naheed, the ailing wife of Faraz (Shaun Toub), the Revolutionary Guard’s head of internal investigations. Faraz, once Tamar’s nemesis, evolved into a reluctant ally after the death of his son Peyman in a Mossad-related car accident.
Tamar’s greatest personal loss, however, came with the death of Milad, her partner in love and rebellion, who was killed in an explosion meant for her during their escape.
Season 3 promises to follow Tamar as she grapples with these profound losses. Alone, without Mossad’s support—especially after they likely targeted her—Tamar must find a way to rebuild trust with her handlers while navigating her mission. Faraz, the agent she barely tolerates, will likely remain by her side, but fans are eager to see which new characters join her quest.
With a star-studded cast and high stakes, Tehran Season 3 promises an emotional and action-packed continuation of the acclaimed espionage series.
What’s new in season 3?
After the jaw-dropping addition of Glenn Close in Season 2, Tehran isn’t slowing down when it comes to big-name talent. Enter Hugh Laurie—yes, Dr. Gregory House himself. The Golden Globe-winning actor joins the cast as Eric Peterson, a nuclear inspector from South Africa. Based on the teaser, it looks like Peterson will spend much of his time trying to complete a mysterious mission in Tehran without getting himself killed. According to Dana Eden, one of the show’s creators, Laurie was an enthusiastic fan of Tehran, which made recruiting him a breeze.
Another exciting addition is Sasson Gabai, a beloved Israeli actor. Gabai will play Nisan, a seasoned Mossad agent with four decades of experience under his belt. With or without their help, Tamar is determined to derail Iran’s nuclear ambitions and ensure we all get a good night’s sleep. Well, we'll see about that...
Why the long wait—and what’s next?
As if the Jewish people haven’t suffered enough, the production of Season 3 was delayed by last summer’s Hollywood actors’ strike. Fortunately, Tehran was granted a special exemption within a week. Its classification as “an international production not bound by American union agreements” and its lack of ties to major studios meant filming could continue uninterrupted. Thanks to this, the show managed to complete production on schedule, sparing Tamar Rabinyan from spending any longer stuck behind enemy lines than she already was.
But the strike wasn’t the only obstacle. After war broke out last October, the release of Season 3 was delayed indefinitely. Even as most Israeli television programming resumed, Apple TV Plus reportedly pushed back against airing the new season until the war ended. At the time, "Kan" described the delay as a mutual decision. It wasn’t until five months later that the necessary approvals and agreements were finalized.
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The good news? The production team is already hard at work on a fourth season, in addition to the completed third season that’s finally ready to hit our screens. However, there’s a catch. Apple has reportedly requested rewrites for Season 4, given the unsettling similarities between the events of the current war and the series’ storyline.
With Tehran returning to screens next week, fans can expect another gripping season full of twists, betrayals, and high-stakes espionage. Tamar Rabinyan, as always, will stop at nothing to complete her mission—even if it means going against the very people who trained her.
In Freddie Mercury's immortal words: The show must go on!