The breakout success of Shogun season 1 makes a follow-up seem incredibly likely, but however tempting a sequel might seem, it would ultimately be a disaster for the story’s legacy. Based on the celebrated novel by James Clavell, Shogun won critical and popular adulation for its powerful evocation of 17th-century Japan, memorable characters, and gripping narrative. In many cases, such characteristics would make a sequel a natural next step. However, some of Shogun‘s most important qualities mean that, in this instance, a season 2 would tarnish rather than enhance the story.

Based on the true story of English sailor William Adams, Shogun initially follows the mariner John Blackthorne as he and his crew find themselves shipwrecked in Japan before the nation was widely known to Europeans. However, while Blackthorn’s story is important, the real drama comes from the complex political conflict that’s dividing the nation, between rivals Yoshii Toranaga – who adopts Blackthorne into his entourage – and a syndicate of noblemen, led by the conniving Ishido. Season 1 ends with fascinating implications for Blackthorne and Toranaga’s future. Yet, despite some ambiguity, Shogun‘s dramatic ending is far more effective without a second season.

Shogun Season 2 Makes Sense Based On The Success Of The FX Miniseries

After fervent speculation by the fanbase, Shogun season 2 seems closer than ever, following the announcement that Hiroyuki Sanada has signed a deal to return as Toranaga. On one level, Shogun season 2 is a natural next step for a show that has proved popular with millions around the world. The show broke multiple viewership records for FX, becoming the most-streamed series in Canada and the US, according to the viewership aggregator JustWatch. Meanwhile, The Wrap reported:

“It’s rare that not only would a non-Netflix program sit at the top of the chart, but that it would do so for two weeks in a row. Such is the case with Shōgun”.

This performance highlights how the show enjoyed incredible popularity, putting it on a par with many major series from rival streaming services. Beyond audience enjoyment, the show also received rave reviews from critics. At the time of writing, Shogun holds a near-perfect 99% positive rating on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, with the critical consensus declaring it “visually sumptuous and enriched with cultural verisimilitude“. With such universal adulation, it’s unsurprising that many observers are advocating for a follow-up.

How Shogun Season 2 Risks What Made The Miniseries So Great

Custom image by Simone Ashmoore.

Shogun‘s popularity makes it easy to understand why viewers would want to return to the show’s immersive world. Combined with the fact that Blackthorne’s future in Japan remains tantalizingly open-ended, it’s clear that a follow-up would appeal to many eager fans. However, tempting as the possibility is, such an approach would fundamentally misunderstand what made Shogun season 1 such a success in the first place.