Despite Shōgun initially being a limited series, FX is now developing seasons 2 and 3. Based on James Clavell’s novel of the same name, the historical drama unravels a political conflict in 1600s Japan as Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) combats a united council. Shōgun quickly emerged as a critical and commercial hit as it became FX’s most-watched series of all time, along with earning a 99% critical score and 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Now, FX has announced that they plan to continue Shōgun with seasons 2 and 3. Co-creators, executive producers, and writers Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo will return as part of the creative team, while Sanada continues his role as producer and lead star. There are no additional updates on when filming will start, but the writing team will begin work this summer. Additional seasons also mean that Shōgun is no longer a limited series and will now join the drama series categories for the Emmy Awards.

How Can Shōgun Continue Its Story Into Seasons 2 & 3?

Shōgun Season 1 Completed The Content From The Book

Shōgun was intended to be a limited series as it adapts the entirety of the story told in Clavell’s 1975 novel, but there are still several ways that it can continue. While the season 1 finale reveals Toranaga’s true intentions and his intricate journey to becoming Japan’s Shōgun, he has yet to actually achieve this goal. Shōgun seasons 2 and 3 can further explore Toranaga’s rise to power, showing the much-anticipated battle between Toranga and the council that opposes him, and exploring if reality will play out as he intended.

There are also plenty of stories left to tell about John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), who remains in Japan and has found a new purpose in building a fleet for Toranaga, unaware that Toranaga views him as a source of amusement and diversion. Toranaga and Blackthorne’s relationship could continue to be a focal point for Shōgun, and may become a source of conflict if Blackthorne learns the devastating truth about why Toranaga keeps him around. Blackthorne’s story in Japan can also bring clarity to the ambiguous scenes of his future teased in the finale.

Another possible way to continue the series is to adapt one of the other novels in Clavell’s Asian Saga. Shōgun is only one of six historical fiction books in this series, with each book focusing on Europeans in various parts of Asia at different points in history, as Eastern and Western cultures collide. Adapting one of the other novels may be a morefeasible approach as it can build off existing source material and focus on new characters and a new story without needlessly overextending the acclaimed adaptation of Shōgun.