The popular TV3 drama Westside will be back on our screens in 2017, with the possible return of one of the country's best-loved characters.
The third season of the Outrageous Fortune prequel was announced on Tuesday, backed by funding from NZ On Air.
The series is set in west Auckland in the 1980s and follows safe-cracking Ted, enterprising wife Rita and rebellious son Wolf.
Season three will be set in 1982 and will continues to weave historical events into the wild narrative.
NZ On Air chief executive Jane Wrightson says: "The Wests and New Zealand in the '80s provide such a rich bed for a drama, it would be difficult to resist seeing where the writers can take us next."
"We are thrilled to support this well-made, quintessential Kiwi drama again, which along with the previous decisions announced from this round will maintain a range of local drama in primetime."
Producer South Pacific Pictures will be funded up to $6,583,500 for eight 60-minute episodes.
MediaWorks chief content officer Andrew Szusterman says it's great to have the backing of NZ On Air.
"Local drama continues to play a major part in the TV3 schedule and this can't be achieved without the on-going support of NZ On Air."
And he says there might be a surprise in store.
"We are thrilled New Zealand's favourite Westies will be returning to our screens next year and are looking forward to welcoming back some familiar faces, with the possible return of one of New Zealand's best-loved characters."
Newshub.
