Shōgunseasons 2 and 3 gets a new clarifying narrative update from FX boss John Landgraff. Based on the 1975 book by James Clavell, the hit FX historical series – created by Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo – premiered earlier this year, chronicling the struggle for power between various lords in feudal Japan. Reviews and viewership for the show, which stars Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, and Anna Sawai, were stellar across season 1’s 10 episodes, andShōgunseasons 2and 3 were subsequently confirmed to be in the works.
In a recent interview withDeadlinefollowingShōgun’s impressive sweep at the 76th Primetime Emmys, which involved a record-setting 18 wins, Landgraff is asked about the approach being taken with seasons 2 and 3. The Chairman of FX Networks explains thatseason 2 and season 3 will each feature their own distinct narratives rooted in real-life history, but that each season is also part of an overarching story being told. Check out his comment below:
No, they’re separate narratives. They’re all part of one continuous narrative with continuing characters, but they’re separate narratives. I don’t know that we’re certain there will three seasons, but in really looking at the characters in the history that’s being depicted here, albeit in a fictionalized manner, it still feels to us like three is the right number of seasons to really do it justice.
What Landgraf’s Update Means For Shōgun Seasons 2 & 3
Where Season 2 Could Pick Up The Story For Toranaga
Though theShōgunreviewswere glowing and the show drew record numbers of viewers, the announcement that the show was continuing was still somewhat surprising because season 1 seemed to tell a fairly complete story.Season 1 covers the entirety of Clavell’s book, charting Lord Toranaga’s (Sanada) ascension to the throne. AsSanada previously teased toTHR, however, “Before the peaceful era came, there were a lot of dramatic moments.”
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Toranaga’s ascension, then, and perhaps the years immediately after his ascension, will seemingly continue to serve as the overarching story for the show. TheShōgunseason 1 finaledoesn’t actually depict Sanada’s character defeating Ishido (Takehiro Hira) in battle but instead clearly hints that this is exactly what happens. From Landgraff’s comment, season 2 could end up picking up after Ishido’s defeat. Since the conflict with Ishido serves as the basis for much of season 1,season 2’s “separate narrative” will seemingly involve a new set of challenges for Toranaga with new enemies.
Writing forShōgunseason 2 is underway with filming expected to start next year. On this timeline, the show could return to screens in 2026.
Our Take On FX’s 3-Season Plan For Shōgun
Why It Won’t Repeat Game Of Thrones' Mistakes
As was previously seen with HBO’sGame of Thrones, moving beyond the source material can sometimes have mixed results, casting doubt that season 2 of the FX epic will be as strong as season 1. That being said, Marks and Kondo have proven themselves strong storytellers, and, unlikeGame of Thrones,Shōgunis pulling from real historical events. It remains to be seen whetherShōgunseason 2 will meet the high bar that season 1 set, but viewers can evidently expect three distinct and yet interconnected entries in Toranaga’s story.
Shogun
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Shōgun, released in 2024, is set in Japan during 1600 at the onset of a significant civil war. It follows Lord Yoshii Toranaga as he battles political adversaries on the Council of Regents, while a European ship mysteriously appears in a nearby fishing village, complicating the tides of power.
