After winning anunprecedented numberof Emmys and breaking streaming records with 9 million views in its debut week, it’s unsurprising thatShōgunwill now get a second and third season, despite previous statements saying that it would be a one-and-done limited event series. However, with new seasons in store for viewers following a phenomenal first season, there also comes the immense pressures and expectations to deliver a follow-up that is just as good, if not better. As an exclusive interview withColliderhas revealed, things are moving forward, albeit very slowly, forShōgunSeason 2.
Hiroyuki Sanada, who plays the main character Yoshii Toranaga and is also a producer on the series, shared a brief update on the upcoming continuation. Sanada would suggest that the scripts may have some impact on when shooting would begin, but remained optimistic about a Fall 2025 start date, saying:
“Since we decided to make Season 2 and 3,we will focus on shooting this fall. But, the script is a little… pushing, so we don’t know exactly when, but we’re still trying to this fall.”
The first season ofShōgunadapted the entirety of James Clavell’s first novel in his Asian Saga series, meaning that the second and third seasons of the series would be exploring uncharted territory. The situation is not all too dissimilar from the later seasons of the incredibly popular HBO series Game of Thrones, except for the fact thatShogunhas real-life world history on which to base its continuation.
The Team Behind ‘Shōgun’ Season 2 Should Take Its Time
In the new age of premium television series and streaming wars, several shows with exceptional quality have set a high bar. However, with that high production value comes a longer wait between television seasons. Series likeSeverance, Stranger Things, andEuphoriahave taken a couple of years off between seasons due to the cast and production crew’s busy schedules.Shōgunis no exception, with both high-level talents with other commitments down the line and talented writers determined to make the previous unexpected continuation live up to the hype.
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With all that said, shouldShōgunseason 2 have to be pushed back to a 2026 production start date, there seems to be little room for complaint. The show’s ten-episode first season took the world by storm and quickly became one of the best shows of the year, and replicating that success is more important than a rushed second season that fails to justify its existence. The creative team has shown an evident love for the show in the past, making any possibility of a rushed continuation thankfully feel unlikely.
Hiroyuki Sanada and the rest of the creative team behind the upcomingShōgunSeason 2 have their work cut out for them, making any sort of delay completely understandable, though a 2025 start date would be preferable. Series creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks will have no doubt, have already delved into the rich history of Japan’s Sengoku Period for inspiration regarding where to take the characters. Still, all fans can do for now is wait to see whenShōgunSeason 2 can be expected.
