Fox has renewed the crime drama series "Murder in a Small Town" for a third season [1].

The renewal signals a continued investment by the network in the "cozy crime" genre. By extending the series, Fox aims to build upon the existing success and viewership of the show [1].

Actor Peter Gallagher is joining the cast for the new season. Gallagher will appear in a season-long arc as a series regular [1], [2]. His addition brings a new dynamic to the ensemble as the story continues to unfold in its titular setting [3].

The third season is expected to consist of 10 episodes [4]. This episode count maintains the series' structure as it develops its overarching mysteries and character arcs.

Fox has not yet announced a specific premiere date for the new episodes. The network's decision to bring back the series follows the trend of expanding procedural dramas that blend mystery with small-town atmosphere [1].

Fox has renewed the crime drama series "Murder in a Small Town" for a third season.

The renewal of "Murder in a Small Town" demonstrates Fox's strategy to capitalize on the 'cozy mystery' trend, which emphasizes character-driven plots and quaint settings over gritty police procedurals. Adding a seasoned actor like Peter Gallagher as a series regular suggests the network intends to elevate the dramatic stakes for the third season.