“Shōgun” Season 2: Everything We Know About the Epic Return, New Storyline, and Emmy-Winning Cast Comeback
“Shōgun” was originally crafted as a one-and-done series for FX. But after sweeping the Emmys with a record-setting 18 wins—the most by any show in a single season—the historical epic is making a much-anticipated comeback. Season 2 promises to expand the world built in the first installment, with an entirely new story set a decade later.
“Shōgun”: A New Chapter Begins
Season 1 adapted James Clavell’s 1975 novel of the same name, but Season 2 is taking a bold step forward. While still rooted in the same world, the next season won’t follow the original source material. Instead, creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks have crafted what FX calls “a wholly original new chapter to the first season.” After wrapping the writers’ room, the team drew from unused elements in the book while also introducing new characters and conflicts that build on the show’s historical themes.
According to FX, the second season picks up 10 years after the events of Season 1 and “continues the historically inspired saga of these two men from different worlds whose fates are inextricably entwined.”
Who Will Return For “Shōgun” Season 2?
Both of the series’ central characters will return. Hiroyuki Sanada reprises his Emmy-winning role as Lord Yoshii Toranaga and has been promoted to executive producer for the upcoming season. Cosmo Jarvis will once again play English navigator John Blackthorne and is joining the producing team as a co-executive producer.
These two survivors of Season 1 are at the heart of Season 2’s drama, continuing a story of power, loyalty, and identity that spans continents and cultures.
Filming is slated to begin in January 2026 in Vancouver, the same location used for Season 1. While early plans aimed to move production to Japan for greater authenticity, FX Chairman John Landgraf explained that logistical hurdles—like a lack of available historical architecture and modern infrastructure for a production of this scale—ultimately kept the shoot in Canada.
“Shōgun” Season 3?
While there’s no official greenlight for a third season, FX hasn’t ruled it out. “We’re not certain there will be three seasons,” Landgraf said to Deadline, “but it still feels like three is the right number… to really do it justice.”
“Shōgun”: From Limited Series to Legacy Making Series
“Shōgun” Season 1 shattered expectations. Originally envisioned as a standalone story, it became FX’s most-watched series ever and made Emmy history. In addition to Sanada’s Lead Actor win, Anna Sawai became the first actress of Asian descent to take home the Lead Actress Emmy in the drama category—both major milestones for representation.
With such a legacy to live up to, Season 2 is aiming even higher. And although fans will have to wait until likely 2027 to return to feudal Japan, the promise of a deeper, more expansive story has already sparked anticipation.
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