Shōgun‘s first reviews are here, and critics have a lot of praise for FX’s historical epic miniseries. Based on the 1975 novel of the same name by author James Clavell, the upcoming FX series chronicles the collision between two cultures as an English sailor is shipwrecked in 17th century Japan, bringing with him technology that could turn the tide in a local lord’s growing political struggles. Created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, FX’s upcoming adaptation, which follows a previous TV miniseries in 1980, will attempt to introduce the epic tale to a new generation.
Now, as the Shōgun release date inches closer, the first reviews for the project are emerging online. So far, the miniseries is being hailed as a major success. Mae Abdulbaki, in her review for Screen Rant, praises the show for its deft handling of such a large cast of characters, writing that “there’s a deep understanding of why everyone is doing what they’re doing,” and calling the series as a whole a “slow, sizzling burn in the best possible sense.” Judy Berman of TIME calls the series a “genuine masterpiece” and “vital evidence that the medium can still achieve greatness“.
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What Critics Are Saying About Shōgun
FX Could Have A Hit On Its Hands
Tom Power, in his review for TechRadar, praises Shōgun cast members like Cosmo Jarvis (Lady Macbeth) and Anna Sawai (Monarch Legacy of Monsters), but singles out Hiroyuki Sanada (John Wick: Chapter 4) as a particular highlight, writing that the actor “is an expectedly commanding presence whenever he graces the screen as the quietly intense Toranaga, ensuring his serene aura and stoicism cuts through the burgeoning chaos”. GamesRadar‘s review by Amy West likens the show to Game of Thrones, praising the slow burn politics at play, but writing that the “characterization is fairly thin” due to the large cast.
Chase Hutchinson’s Shōgun review for Collider is also positive, but slightly less so, and he writes that “Jarvis feels out of his depth in bringing nuance to the show,” while actors like Sanada and Sawai are underserved at times. In her review for Decider, Meghan O’Keefe praises the show for how it balances violence and action with subtle character development and powerful themes, calling it a “poignant meditation on the natures of loyalty and freedom, side-by-side.“
Phil Hornshaw’s review for GamesSpot highlights the tense atmosphere the series creates. “This isn’t a series that’s going from battle to battle,” he writes, “but instead builds a consistent tension that the very world puts the characters in danger”. In his review for The Playlist, Brian Tallerico makes the bold statement that “Shōgun doesn’t feel like many other epic TV because it’s simply better made than most of the competition“. It remains to be seen how audiences will receive Shōgun, but it’s shaping up to be an exciting new addition to the TV landscape.
Shogun
Shogun is an FX original mini-series set in 17th Century Japan. Shogun follows John Blackthorne, who becomes a samurai warrior but is unknowingly a pawn in Yoshii Toranaga’s plan to become Shogun. The series stars Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne and Hiroyuki Sanada as Yoshii Toranaga, along with Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, and Yûki Kedôin.
- Cast
- Cosmo Jarvis , Hiroyuki Sanada , Anna Sawai , Tadanobu Asano , Yûki Kedôin
- Seasons
- 1
- Writers
- Maegan Houang , Rachel Kondo , Justin Marks , Emily Yoshida
- Network
- FX
- Streaming Service(s)
- Hulu
- Directors
- Frederick E.O. Toye , Jonathan van Tulleken
