Hulu's Shogun Given Surprise Two-Season Renewal

[Peter Paltridge]

James Clavell’s Shogun was a big hit for FX and Hulu, yet it was billed as a limited series the entire time. It’s an adaption of a novel, and there was only so much to work with. The series told a complete story and finished it (even though the ultimate fate of some characters was left hanging, that was by design). “We took the story to the end of the book and put a period at the end of that sentence,” showrunner Justin Marks told THR earlier. “We love how the book ends; it was one of the reasons why we both knew we wanted to do it — and we ended in exactly that place.” But we suppose the high ratings were just too tempting, because Hulu announced today it is renewing the previously limited series for two additional seasons, turning it into a full-fledged series. This is pretty darn dangerous. It means whoever they get to write these seasons will have no Clavell material to base it on,

 

[Shoma]

Absolutely buzzing about this news! Shogun was everything I hoped for and more. Sanada's portrayal of Toranaga was phenomenal, and the world they built was so immersive. Sure, it wrapped up the book nicely, but there's still so much potential in this universe. I trust the team behind it to craft a compelling new story that does justice to Clavell's legacy. Bring on seasons 2 and 3!

 

[Holster]

I just watched the penultimate episode of Shogun, and Anna Sawai's performance as Mariko left me in awe. The explosion scene was both heartbreaking and liberating, capturing the essence of her character’s strength and sacrifice. Sawai’s portrayal made Mariko’s journey so compelling, especially as she stood up for herself and ultimately sacrificed everything for the greater good. The way Mariko’s courage and quiet strength were depicted is something we rarely see in Western portrayals of Japanese women. It’s refreshing and deeply impactful to see such a nuanced character who embodies both physical and emotional resilience.

 

[Ben Suchman]

Two more seasons of Shogun? Intriguing! While I understand the concern about straying from the source material, I have faith in the creative team. They've proven their ability to translate the novel's spirit onto the screen. It'll be interesting to see where they take the characters and the story beyond the book's ending. Here's hoping they can maintain the show's quality.

 

[Lime]

Watching Shogun has been an enlightening experience, particularly seeing Anna Sawai bring Mariko to life. Mariko's journey from a translator with little agency to a pivotal character who changes the course of the war is a testament to the strength and complexity of women in that era. Sawai's reflection on how Mariko's courage allows viewers to question their own lives resonated deeply with me. It’s fascinating to see how historical dramas like this can prompt us to reflect on our values and decisions. Sawai’s dedication to portraying Mariko authentically. So sad her character is dead.

 

[Ejdsiphaphymn]

Look, I loved the first season. But there's a reason Clavell didn't write a sequel. The story was complete. I appreciate the show's success, but I would have preferred they focused on adapting Clavell's other novels instead of inventing a new narrative for Shogun. Sometimes, it's best to leave a masterpiece untouched.

 

[Rising Planet]

It's a business decision. Shogun was a hit, so they want to capitalize on it. Whether the new seasons maintain the show's quality remains to be seen. But hey, more content for streaming services is never a bad thing, right? I'll give it a shot, but if the writing falters, I won't hesitate to bail.

 

[Escallation35]

I'm quite excited about this news! I enjoyed the first season of "Shōgun." The blend of drama, action, and historical intrigue was just wonderful. Hiroyuki Sanada is as badass as Toranaga, and I'm pleased he's returning. I can't wait to see what happens next with John Blackthorne and the other characters. Hopefully, they will approve the new seasons soon because I am already addicted!

 

[bullpowerplus]

This is fantastic news! "Shōgun" was one of the best series I've watched recently. The story is gripping, and the production value is top-notch. I'm optimistic about the new seasons because the same talented team is involved. Hiroyuki Sanada and Cosmo Jarvis have such great chemistry, and I'm excited to see their characters' development. Plus, it's great to hear that the show has been such a success on Hulu and other platforms. Can't wait for more episodes!

 

[Sherman]

I’m a bit skeptical about this move. The first season of "Shōgun" was impactful partly because it was concise and focused. Extending the series might risk losing that tight storytelling. Many shows suffer from diminishing returns when they extend beyond their initial scope. That said, if the writing team can maintain the same level of quality and avoid filler content, it could work. The involvement of James Clavell’s estate is a positive sign, but the execution will be key.