HBO has confirmed that Julianne Nicholson will reprise her Emmy-winning role as Lori Ross in the second season of Task, marking the first direct crossover between the two acclaimed crime dramas Task and Mare of Easttown.
Shared Universe Confirmed
Both series were created by Brad Ingelsby and set in the working-class suburbs of Philadelphia. Until now, they shared only creative roots and a similar setting, but Nicholson's return establishes that they exist within the same television universe. Details about Lori Ross' role in Task Season 2 remain under wraps.
Task Season 2 Details
HBO has revealed that the new season follows Tom Brandis, played by Mark Ruffalo, as he leads a new task force while navigating a complex investigation where identifying the true target becomes increasingly difficult. Nicholson joins an ensemble cast that includes Mahershala Ali, Harry Melling, Adam Nagaitis, Aminah Nieves and Edgar Ramirez.
Mare of Easttown Legacy
Mare of Easttown premiered in 2021 and became one of HBO's most successful limited series. The drama starred Kate Winslet as detective Marianne "Mare" Sheehan investigating the murder of a teenage mother, while Nicholson portrayed Mare's close friend Lori Ross, whose family became central to the investigation. Nicholson won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series for the role.
Future of Mare of Easttown
The crossover arrives as speculation continues about a possible second season of Mare of Easttown. Winslet and Ingelsby have both expressed interest in revisiting the story, with previous comments suggesting production could begin as early as 2027. For now, Nicholson's return in Task Season 2 offers fans an unexpected reunion and officially expands the shared world of the two HBO crime dramas.
