
Over 15 million people can't be wrong. That's how many copies the novelisation of Shogun has sold, so it's only right that it receives the most prestigious of television adaptations. Luckily, Disney+ and FX are on hand to provide.
Added to Disney+ on February 27th with a double instalment, the first two episodes of Shogun have gone down a treat with both viewers and critics alike with the series (at the time of writing) boasting both a 100% critics rating and a 95% audience rating - and can you blame them? With a 1000+ page novel to squeeze into 10 episodes, there's no shortage of story to tell.
The story revolves around a struggle for power in feudal Japan circa 1600. A title card from the very beginning reveals that with a newly emerged power vacuum, 5 warrior Lords will serve as a council of regents until the deceased Taiko's heir comes of age. Of course, they all have their own agendas. To me, it all feels a bit like Game of Thrones and that impression isn't dispelled by the trailer below which shows the massive production values in the series. Plus, it's brutal as heck with The Guardian describing it as "Gruesome from the get-go", and after watching the first couple of episodes, we can confirm that opinion.
The rogue element of the plot is the arrival of a group of European sailors suffering from scurvy, specifically Englishman John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) a supremely talented but brash 'Pilot' or 'Anjin' as the locals refer to him. Where does he come into the equation? We spend our time in the first episode between his arrival and the struggles of one of the council, Lord Toranaga who is perhaps the only Regent with noble intentions.
I can't help but feel that this is the kind of prestige TV we would never have seen before the rise of streaming services. Yes, it has been adapted previously decades ago, but today, without a massive budget and hundreds of actors, it would seem impossible. It's primarily in Japanese with subtitles, but don't let that put you off. In fact, it's a refreshing change from Hollywood staples and a period of history I know embarrassingly little about. With new episodes weekly, I hope that will change soon.
If you're after the best of what's to come in March on Disney+ check out our guide.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Andy was T3's Tech Staff Writer, covering all things technology, including his biggest passions such as gaming. If he had to save one possession from a fire it would be his PlayStation 5. He previously worked for Tom’s Guide – where he got paid to play with ChatGPT everyday. When it comes to streaming, Andy will have his headphones glued in whilst watching something that will make him laugh. He studied Creative Writing at university, but also enjoys supporting his favourite football team (Liverpool), watching F1, teaching himself guitar, and spending time with his dog.
-
I'm an expert and here are 5 must-have features to look out for in a cordless vacuum cleaner
Hoping to buy a new cordless vac? Here's all you need to know
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
Beats unleashes the Powerbeats Pro 2 with heart-tracking tech, new colours and 45-hour battery life
Engineered for the athlete, tuned for your heart
By Matt Kollat Published
-
HBO's new crime thriller looks terrifying and pointed
When No One Sees Us seems scary
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I was wrong about Apple TV+'s hit sci-fi series – but now I see the light
Severance has won me right back over, and it didn't take much
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Forget The Last of Us Season 2, Apple TV+ just gave us diarrhetic zombies
If the fictional trailer is banned, what's this?
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
HBO's new series' trailer has fans united on one big point
Paul American seems like a weird fit
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
YouTube's new playlist of classic movies has to be seen to be believed
These movies could last you weeks
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Netflix goes political for new mystery-comedy series
The Residence is set in one of the most famous locations going
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I think this might be Netflix's most emotional trailer ever
Cobra Kai's ending is going to be huge
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
HBO's most underrated comedy gets a dazzling trailer ahead of return
The Righteous Gemstones will go out with a bang
By Max Freeman-Mills Published