After making waves earlier this year, one of the most talked-about dramas on television is officially getting a second season—and fans are already counting the days. While the wait will be long, the momentum behind this award-winning series shows no signs of slowing down.
Shōgun Captivated Audiences and Critics Alike
When Shōgun dropped on Disney+ in early 2024, it didn’t just attract curious viewers—it made a statement. In its first six days alone, the series pulled in over 9 million viewers, setting a new streaming record for the platform. With its sweeping visuals, gripping political drama, and layered character arcs, it quickly became a must-watch for Game of Thrones fans craving their next obsession.
Critics echoed the audience’s enthusiasm. At the 2024 Emmy Awards, Shōgun racked up a staggering 25 nominations—more than any other series that year. It went on to win 18 trophies, including Best Drama Series, Best Actor for Hiroyuki Sanada, and Best Actress for Anna Sawai. The accolades didn’t stop there: it also took home the Golden Globe for Best Drama Series.
Season 2 Is Coming – But Not Anytime Soon
Despite originally being intended as a limited series, the overwhelming success of Shōgun led Disney+ to greenlight not just a second season, but a third as well. However, fans will need to be patient. The production team has confirmed that season 2 will begin filming in January 2026—and it’s set to shoot in Vancouver, just like the first installment.
That means no new episodes before 2027, but with the high production standards and rich storytelling established in season 1, it’s safe to say the creative team is taking the time to do it right.
The Writers Embrace Creative Chaos
At a recent Emmy-related event, co-creators Rachel Kondō and Justin Marks gave a rare glimpse into the writing process for the upcoming season. They described it as “creative chaos,” revealing that they’re experimenting heavily with the narrative to see what resonates.
“We’re throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks,” they shared. “It’s exciting, but also nerve-wracking because this is uncharted territory. We don’t have a map—we only have the story.”
The pair emphasized that, since the original Shōgun story had a clear endpoint, they’re now navigating without source material. That gives them room to expand the universe, explore new dynamics, and possibly introduce dramatic changes to the cast and plot in the coming chapters.
Whether you were hooked by its historical authenticity or drawn in by its political intrigue, Shōgun was undeniably 2024’s breakout hit. And with a second season on the horizon, the journey is just beginning. Fans of prestige television should keep this one on their radar—because Shōgun isn’t done making history.
