Medieval Japan is attracting a lot of spectators according to the numbers reported byDeadlinefor FX’s newest buzzworthy show,Shōgun. Disney says that the premiere episode of the limited series amassed 9 million views globally across Hulu, Disney+ and Star+ in its first six days on these services. Internationally, this makesShōgunthe premiere general entertainment series for the company, surpassingThe KardashiansSeason 1. In the United States, Disney says thatShōgunshot pastThe BearSeason 2 to become the number one FX premiere on its streaming platforms. There is a distinction to be drawn here in thatThe Beardebuted on Hulu only, while FX now has Disney+ as a streaming partner.
Rarely does Disney release streaming numbers, with the latest numbers being forPercy Jackson and the Olympians. Disney and Netflix define “views” as total stream time divided by runtime.Shōgunhas been a strong beneficiary of word of mouth, especially on social media.The show has been laudedfor the storyline, writing, and technical aspects like lighting andaction sequences. The limited series holds a coveted 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and 94% from the audience. There is usually a huge discrepancy between audience and critics' scores, makingShōguna special case.
What Is ‘Shōgun’ About?
Set in Japan in the year 1600,Shōgunfollows Lord Yoshii Toranagaas he fights for his life surrounded by enemies from the Council of Regents. A mysterious European ship gets stranded in a nearby fishing village and its occupants might be the only thing that saves Lord Toranaga. The series explores war, culture, leadership, and religion with different characters but with a strong influence from the Japanese people and culture.
The show features ahistoric Japanese castled byHiroyuki Sanadaas Lord Toranaga andCosmo Jarvisas John Blackthorne.Anna Sawaiportrays Toda Mariko,Tadanobu Asanoplays Kashigi Yabushige,Hiroto Kanaiplays Kashigi Omi, andTakehiro Hirapotrays Ishido Kazunari. Other cast members includeMoeka Hoshias Usami Fuji,Tokuma Nishiokaas Toda Hiromatsu,Shinnosuke Abeas Buntaro,Yuki Kuraas Yoshii Nagakado,Yuka Kourias Kiku, andFumi Nikaidoas Ochiba no Kata.Shōgunis created for television byRachel KondoandJustin Marks, with Marks serving as showrunner and executive producer alongsideMichaela Clavell,Edward L. McDonnell,Michael De Luca, and Kondo.
The first three episodes are streaming on the aforementioned services.New episodes are releasedevery Tuesday.
Shogun (2024)
When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers secrets that could tip the scales of power and devastate his enemies.
