If this year’s 76th Emmy Awards nominations are an indication, Shōgun will be the drama series to beat.
This year’s FX adaption earned an impressive 25 nominations in categories including outstanding drama series, outstanding lead actor in a drama series for Hiroyuki Sanada and outstanding lead actress in a drama series for Anna Sawai. This version, however, isn’t a retread of the original 1980 miniseries, but a bold new take on James Clavell’s best-selling novel of the same name.
“That [the original] was a great step for the Japanese people, but with this, we are going our own original way,” Sanada, 63, told PEOPLE in May.
While Shōgun is rife with unforgettable moments and characters, it’s a nuanced show with layers to explore. Check out PEOPLE’s spoiler-free guide to the critically acclaimed series to help you navigate its epic story, whether you’re streaming it for the first time or you’ve watched the original.
What is Shōgun about?
Katie Yu/FX
Shōgun follows two ambitious men from different corners of the world — John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), a rowdy English sailor shipwrecked in Japan, and Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Sanada), an embattled samurai warlord — and their unlikely alliance as Lord Toranaga fends off his opponents who plot to overthrow him. Lady Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai), meanwhile, is an extremely poised woman with a mysterious past who serves as Lord Toranaga’s translator to help him and Blackthorne understand each other.
What does Shōgun mean in Japanese?
In Japanese history, the word “shōgun” was a title bestowed upon military commanders or rulers between 1192 to 1867 after they had led a successful campaign. In exchange for the loyalty and military service of smaller lords, shōguns protected them and their vassals.
In 1192, a samurai named Minamoto Yoritomo — descended from the emperor Seiwa — earned the title of shōgun after the Minamoto family seized control of Japan following the defeat of the Taira clan during the Genpei War, which lasted from 1180 to 1185.
Is Shōgun based on a true story?
Colin Bentley/FX
While the FX series offers a compelling glimpse at Japan’s now-defunct feudal system, it’s technically a work of fiction. However, Clavell’s novel was inspired by real historical figures, including Blackthorne and Lord Toranaga, whose named was changed from Tokugawa Ieyasu, his real-life counterpart.
Where else have we seen the cast?
Sanada, who started acting at age 5, has appeared in more than 100 films and TV shows, including The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise, Bullet Train with Brad Pitt and 47 Ronin and John Wick: Chapter 4 with Keanu Reeves. Jarvis, 32, starred in Netflix’s 2022 adaptation of Persuasion with Dakota Johnson and appeared in shows including Peaky Blinders and Raised by Wolves.
J-pop fans, meanwhile, may recognize Sawai, 32. She was once the leader of Faky, the five-person girl group known for their single “Better Without You.” She left the group in 2018 to pursue acting. Since then, Sawai has appeared in F9: The Fast Saga and series such as Pachiko and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.
Will there be a season 2 for Shōgun?
Katie Yu/FX
In May, FX and Hulu announced they renewed Shōgun for another two seasons, with Sanada, creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks and Clavell’s daughter, executive producer Michaea Clavell, all set to return.
Where can I stream Shōgun?
Shōgun’s first season is now available to stream on Hulu.
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The 76th Emmy Awards will air live on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ABC.
