When it comes to historical dramas, it’s safe to say that Shōgun has taken the world by storm. Transporting audiences to the early days of feudal Japan, the series has cultivated a loyal fan following thanks to its gripping plot, high-stakes action, and political drama – quickly making it one of the most-watched series of 2024.
If you’re wondering where you’ve heard of the series, Shōgun kicked off the 2025 Hollywood awards season by sweeping all four categories in which it was nominated at the Golden Globe Awards, including the top title of Best Television Series (Drama).
Whether you’re on your latest re-watch or just want to know what all the fuss is about, scroll down for everything you need to know about Shōgun.
When is Shōgun set?
Shōgun is set in the year 1600 during the time that marked the beginning of the Tokugawa shogunate – the military government that ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868.
While some fans may have initially confused the leaders in Shōgun with samurai, there is a very distinct class and power difference between the two warriors. This period, known as the early Edo period, saw the implementation of a strict social hierarchy, with the shogun at the top, followed by daimyo, samurai, and commoners.
In essence, the shogun was the commander-in-chief of the military and effectively the most powerful person in Japan, while the samurai were soldiers within the military that served in various different positions and ranks within that structure.
Is Shōgun based on a true story?
While Shōgun is a work of historical fiction, it draws inspiration from real events and figures from Japanese history.
The series is set against the backdrop of actual historical occurrences, such as the arrival of European traders in Japan and the political conflicts of the time, however, the main characters and their specific stories are fictionalised.
The narrative of Shōgun also draws inspiration from James Clavell’s 1975 novel of the same name that closely follows the recollections of English navigator – and later samurai – William Adams.
Will there be a Season 2 of Shōgun?
Good news! After receiving an overwhelmingly positive reception from both critics and fans, Shōgun will be returning for two additional seasons, with The Hollywood Reporter breaking the news that the franchise had been greenlit for Seasons 2 and 3 in May 2024.
Speaking to the publication shortly after the news broke, series co-creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo revealed, “There’s a lot of chaos but creative chaos [in the writing process] where we’re throwing everything we have at the wall, seeing what sticks… We don’t have a roadmap, we just have history.”
While we don’t have too much info yet on when the second season will drop or what it will be about, Justin shared, “The third season is really an ending… We’re just focusing on part two right now to make sure we can get to that point, but part two is, as second chapters go, is kind of a darker chapter.”
Where to watch Shōgun in Australia
Want to see what all the hype is about? You can watch all episodes of Shōgun now in Australia exclusively through Disney+.
Stream Shōgun now on Disney+ from $13.99/month. Subscribe here.
