<P> Nowalk said Laurel's backstory with her family would be explored in the upcoming season, "I feel like it's very present . The promise of our show is that we won't dangle things out too long . The likelihood is yes . We've raised that question too many times not to answer it sooner than later ." Michaela's backstory will also be explored; Nowalk said: "We have so much to explore with her . Aja is so talented . I'm just excited to really delve into her personal life next year ." Norwalk told The Hollywood Reporter the show would explore Annalise and Nate's relationship, as well as both their families . </P> <P> The third season will have ten roles receiving star billing, with all of them returning from the previous season . Viola Davis will play the protagonist of the series, Professor Annalise Keating, a high - profile defense attorney, teaching a class at Middleton University . Billy Brown will play Detective Nate Lahey, Annalise's boyfriend . There are five students who work at Annalise's law firm . Alfred Enoch would portray Wes Gibbins, Jack Falahee will portray Connor Walsh, the ruthless student . Aja Naomi King will play Michaela Pratt, the ambitious student who wants to be as successful as Annalise . Matt McGorry will continue portraying Asher Millstone, a student who comes from a privileged background . Karla Souza will play Laurel Castillo, an idealistic student . Charlie Weber will portray Frank Delfino, an employee of Annalise's firm who is not a lawyer but handles special duties requiring discretion . Liza Weil will play Bonnie Winterbottom, who is an associate attorney in Annalise's firm . Conrad Ricamora will portray Oliver Hampton, a hacker who is in a relationship with Connor . </P> <P> After the second - season finale, it was confirmed that every series regular was expected to return for the third season . TVLine announced on March 18, 2016, that Conrad Ricamora playing Oliver Hampton had been upgraded to a series - regular for the third season . On July 20, 2016, it was announced that Dexter - alum Lauren Vélez had been cast in a recurring role as the President of Middleton University . The role was described as "self - assured, friendly, warm and diplomatic ." It was reported on August 6, 2016, that Esai Morales and Amy Madigan had been added to the show as guest stars for the third season . It was later revealed that Morales would be replacing José Zúniga as Jorge Castillo, Laurel's father . Deadline announced on August 31, 2016, that Mary J. Blige had landed a guest role in the third season . On September 13, 2016, it was reported that Brett Butler will appear in a guest role during the third season . </P> <P> The third season received positive reviews from critics . The season has a rating of 80% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes based on 5 reviews . The season premiere was watched by 5.11 million in total viewership, a decline of 39 percent compared to the second - season premiere, and a 1.4 in the key demographic Adults 18--49, a decline of 46 percent from the previous premiere . </P>

How to get away with a murderer netflix season 3