After watching the season two finale of Humans, we said a third run was "an absolute must".

Thankfully, our electronic prayers have been answered, with Humans season three not only going into production, but with lots of juicy news leaking from the set – including a very surprising returning character.

We've gathered together all the latest information to put together everything you need to know about Humans season three.

Humans season 3 air date: when will it be on?

Colin Hutton/Kudos/Channel 4

The new episodes will launch on Channel 4 on Thursday, May 17 at 9pm, with US viewers having to wait until Tuesday, June 5 for it to launch on AMC.

The third season has been discussed since season one, when writers Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley told Digital Spy that they have a rough idea of what might happen beyond the then upcoming second season.

"We think it could run longer than two series," Vincent said. "Definitely we have a very rough playful notion of what we'd do in series beyond two.

"We're still in the process of nailing down the stories for series two, of course, so that obviously has a knock-on effect. But we do think that far ahead."

So we've basically been excited about this since 2015, meaning it seems surreal that we'll actually get to see those ideas this year.

Humans season 3 cast: who will be in it?

Colin Hutton/Kudos/Channel 4

The main cast will all return, which means Colin Morgan will be back as half-man, half-Synth Leo Elster.

You'll also be reunited with all your favourite Synths, including Mia (Gemma Chan), Niska (Emily Berrington), Max (Ivanno Jeremiah) and Karen Voss (Ruth Bradley).

The Hawkins family will return as well, so you'll get more Laura (Katherine Parkinson), Joe (Tom Goodman-Hill), Mattie (Lucy Carless), Toby (Theo Stevenson) and Sophie (Pixie Davies).

Catastrophe star Mark Bonnar will be joining the cast as charming scientist Neil Sommer, who will be working on a (probably sinister) government commission.

And good news for fans of Sam Palladio's struggling café owner Ed – he's going to be back for season three, according to the actor's Twitter account.

Really excited to announce I will be returning to #Humans S3 as Ed! Back on set today in London with @gemma_chan 🤖👾!Coming next year to @Channel4 pic.twitter.com/SgLPPyN7Ll — Sam Palladio (@SamPalladio) November 24, 2017

The character was introduced in season two as a potential love interest for Mia, but betrayed her – trying to sell the Synth to cover his debts and his ailing mother's medical expenses.

"We left it at a very dramatic point for Ed and there might be more down the line," Palladio told Digital Spy last year. "But I've absolutely loved the storyline and where they took it, and they left it on a bit of a cliffhanger for me, so it gives me potential for some more story."

Humans season 3 trailer: when will we see it?

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The first trailer for season 3 dropped in late April, depicting scenes of anti-Synth protests (with warmongers and peacemakers on both sides of the divide).

This ties in with what we've already been told: "We say there were around 110,000 deaths around the world and obviously a large part of humanity is blaming this on the Synths, because they were inadvertently responsible for these deaths as they became conscious," co-creator and writer Jonathan Brackley told SFX.

"While they're not directly at fault, they are ultimately responsible, so there's been a huge backlash."

Humans season 3 AMC: how are they involved?

Colin Hutton/Kudos/Channel 4

Probably best known for The Walking Dead, you might not be aware of the fact that if it wasn't for US co-broadcaster AMC, Channel 4 probably wouldn't be able to afford the increasingly expensive sci-fi show.

And AMC is as enthusiastic about season three of Humans as we are.

"Humans provides a thrilling look at the evolution of technology and its effect on society," said Joel Stillerman, president of original programming and development for AMC and Sundance TV.

"The critical response to season two celebrates the creative vision, dynamic story-telling and compelling portrayals shared by the writers, producers and actors. We are pleased to continue our collaboration with Channel 4 and Kudos and look forward to season three."

Humans season 3 spoilers: what do we already know?

Colin Hutton/Kudos/Channel 4

Before season two had even started, we were already being told about the end-twist.

"I know what I've shot and how that ends, and I knew that at the beginning of the series – it's really brave," Katherine Parkinson said.

"The way this series ends, the third series could end up being a whole different genre. It's very exciting."

Now we know what that twist is (the entire Synth population was granted sentience), we can see what Parkinson meant. Humans season three - set a year later - could basically end up being Terminator meets Brexit, and we can't wait to see it.

Channel 4

Here's the official synopsis: "One year after the dawn of consciousness, a decimated and oppressed Synth population fights to survive in a world that hates and fears them. In a divided Britain, Synths and Humans struggle to broker an uneasy peace, but when fractures within the Synth community itself start to appear, all hope of stability is threatened.

Set against the maelstrom of political chaos, the ethical complexities of the dawn of a new species play out across a thrilling multi-stranded narrative. As the synth family... continue to battle for their right to survival, Joe (Tom Goodman-Hill) Laura (Katherine Parkinson) and their children Mattie, Toby and Sophie struggle to come to terms with the cataclysmic events of the last series and their deeply polarised views on the implications of the singularity."

Bookmark this page for all the latest news, as we plan to update it right up until Humans season three airs in 2018.

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