Fans of the whimsical, fairy‑tale‑tinged series Pushing Daisies may have reason to celebrate. The show’s creator, Bryan Fuller, recently revealed that a pitch for Season 3 of the show is ready to go—and that the original cast is eager to come back.
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What Fuller Has Said
While promoting his latest film, Dust Bunny, Fuller confirmed the existence of a formal Season 3 pitch to ComicBook, saying: “Absolutely. We have a season three pitch, and the entire cast wants to come back, and we’re hoping we get to return to them. We just have to find somebody who wants to make it.”
That means after more than a decade of silence, we may soon see Ned the pie‑maker return to the screen—if the stars align.
Why Pushing Daisies Has Long Been Missed
Pushing Daisies originally aired on the US network ABC from 2007 to 2009, spanning two seasons and totalling 22 episodes. The show stood out for its fairy‑tale aesthetic, whimsical tone, darkly humorous murder‑mystery plots, and distinctive production design that blended “storybook” visuals with a mature, quirky vibe.
Despite critical acclaim—including 17 Primetime Emmy nominations and seven wins (among them for direction and supporting performance)—the show fell victim to declining ratings and network scheduling challenges. In a 2009 interview with Digital Spy, Bryan Fuller acknowledged that Pushing Daisies struggled with network scheduling, audience retention, and its distinctive creative style during its original run—factors the creator has said made it difficult for the series to find a long-term home at the time.
The result: even though the second season tried to wrap things up, the finale still left a number of storylines dangling, with fans and critics alike lamenting that the series was cancelled “too soon”.
The Cast Who Brought Pushing Daisies to Life
At the heart of Pushing Daisies is Lee Pace, whose performance as Ned grounded the series’ fantastical tone with sincerity, warmth, and gentle humour. Lee Pace balanced the character’s extraordinary ability with a quiet vulnerability, giving the pie-maker a soft-spoken charm that became central to the show’s identity. Known for roles across film and television—from The Hobbit trilogy to Guardians of the Galaxy—Lee Pace’s work on Pushing Daisies remains one of his most beloved performances.
Alongside him, Anna Friel starred as Charlotte “Chuck” Charles, the childhood sweetheart brought back to life. Anna Friel’s portrayal added both spark and sentiment, shaping Chuck as an adventurous optimist whose revival forces the pair into a romance defined by longing and emotional restraint. For many UK viewers, Anna Friel was already a familiar face thanks to work across British television—mainly Brookside in the ’90s, as well as the film Goal!, but she later became well-known for the lead role in Marcella—and her chemistry with Lee Pace quickly became one of the show’s most recognisable strengths.
Kristin Chenoweth brought scene-stealing energy to the role of Olive Snook, the waitress hopelessly in love with Ned. Kristin Chenoweth’s comedic timing, expressive performance style, and powerhouse vocals made Olive a fan favourite, earning her an Emmy Award for her work on the series. Best known for playing Glinda in Wicked on Broadway, Chenoweth also starred in The West Wing and the 2005 film Bewitched. Her character’s blend of humour, insecurity, and delightful melodrama added a lively counterbalance to the show’s more melancholy themes.
Chi McBride completed the central quartet as private investigator Emerson Cod, the pragmatic partner who helped Ned use his ability to solve murder cases. Chi McBride played Emerson with dry wit and steady authority, turning the character into a grounding force within the show’s swirling fantasy. Best known for playing Steven Harper in Boston Public, Lt. Matt Cavanaugh in Killer Instinct, and Malcom Jones in The Nine, McBride later became known for starring in Human Target and Hawaii Five-0. Emerson Cod’s backstory, delivered through a mix of humour and emotional depth, became one of the series’ most memorable character arcs.
The wider ensemble added even more colour to the world of Pushing Daisies. Swoosie Kurtz and Ellen Greene starred as Lily and Vivian Charles, Chuck’s eccentric aunts whose glamorous melancholy offered both comedy and pathos. Field Cate portrayed young Ned in the series’ signature flashbacks, helping establish the emotional core of the story. The show’s distinctive tone was tied together by the unforgettable narration of Jim Dale, whose storybook delivery gave the series its fairy-tale charm.
What a Continuing Story Could Mean for the Series
If Season 3 does happen, it would be a rare instance of a cult‑favourite fantasy‑drama returning many years after its original run. Given how fondly the series is remembered—for its blend of romance, mystery, fantasy and visual flair—a revival could give fans closure on unresolved arcs and introduce the show to a new generation.
That said, challenges remain. As Fuller has indicated, the main hurdle is simply finding a production partner willing to take on something with the show’s unique tone and style.
Still, with the original cast reportedly on board, including leads such as Lee Pace and Anna Friel, hopes are high among the show’s fanbase.
How to (Re)watch Pushing Daisies in the UK—Right Now
For those who want to revisit Pushing Daisies—or discover it for the first time—the show remains accessible. In the UK, you can rent or buy digital episodes via services such as Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
Physical copies are also available on DVD and Blu‑Ray, for those who prefer a more permanent way to own the show. Available from a variety of stores, including Amazon.
Though when it originally aired in the UK, the show was broadcast on ITV—a run marked by some earlier scheduling hiccups, including one episode being rushed online due to Euro 2008 football coverage.
What This Could Mean for Fans—and Why It Matters
For longtime fans, the news of a Season 3 pitch offers hope for closure—or at least more of the magic that made Pushing Daisies such a standout. For newcomers, the revival chatter adds renewed relevance to a series whose blend of fantasy, romance, and mystery still feels fresh.
With a full Season 3 pitch prepared and the original cast eager to return, the possibility of continuing the story feels closer than it has in years. While the project still needs a platform willing to bring it to life, the renewed momentum highlights the lasting affection for the series. If everything aligns, fans may finally get the long-awaited continuation of Ned’s story—complete with the same magic and charm that made Pushing Daisies so unforgettable.
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