Shogun Release Schedule
Shogun, one of the most-anticipated series of the year, has officially sailed into the streaming wars. The historical drama—which is based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel—received a new adaptation on FX, thanks to producer and star Hiroyuki Sanada (John Wick: Chapter 4). He leads the series as Lord Yoshii Toranaga, a powerful daimyo in 17th-century feudal Japan, who is threatened by his political rivals in Osaka. “It’s the next step in my life,” Sanada told Esquire about landing the role last spring. “It’s like I got a movie diploma.”
The show follows Lord Toranaga’s auspicious relationship with an English sailor named John Blackthorne, played by Cosmo Jarvis (Persuasion). Anna Sawai (Pachinko) also stars as Lady Mariko, a translator and devout Catholic who questions her faith after learning of England’s religious war with Portugal and Spain. As Toranaga competes in a political struggle for the shogunate—the de facto ruler of Japan—he gathers his allies from unlikely places. Shōgun was last adapted back in 1980, with legendary Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune at the helm.
What is Shogun About?
Much like Silence, the 1866 novel that Martin Scorsese adapted into a film, much of Shogun revolves around the introduction of Christianity to Japan. In the first two episodes, Toranaga and Blackthorne cross paths after the Englishman’s ship is marooned off the coast of Japan. He becomes the first English sailor to ever reach the country, since the path was hidden by the Spanish and the Portuguese. After evading death, Blackthorne shares his knowledge of the world and its various Christian sects. Quickly, Toranaga realizes that he may be able to use this foreign man to his advantage. His rivals view Blackthorne as a heretic due to his Protestant faith—and his mere presence is disturbing the group of elders that block Toranaga’s path to the shogunate. Should the conflict go on, it could mean war.
How Can I Watch Shogun?
The 10-episode limited series premiered its first two episodes on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Following episode 3, the series will continue to gain steam this week. Each new episode is available to stream on both Hulu and Disney+ at 12:01 A.M. ET on its respective release date, before its FX premiere at 10 P.M. ET. For a full schedule, check out the release dates of Shogun’s upcoming episodes below.
Episode 1: “Anjin” — February 27
Episode 2: “Servant of Two Masters” — February 27
Episode 3: “Tomorrow Is Tomorrow” — March 5
Episode 4: “The Eightfold Fence” — March 12
Episode 5: “Broken to the Fist” — March 19
Episode 6: “Ladies of the Willow World” — March 26
Episode 7: “A Stick of Time” — April 2
Episode 8: “The Abyss of Life” — April 9
Episode 9: “Crimson Sky” — April 16
Episode 10: “A Dream of a Dream” — April 23
