Shōgun made big waves in the world of television last year when it premiered on Hulu/FX. I had no idea it was based on a novel—and this isn’t the first television adaptation. Back in the 1980s, there was a miniseries starring Richard Chamberlain, who just recently passed away.

The series is set during Japan’s Azuchi–Momoyama period, though all the lords and clans are renamed so the show doesn’t have to be historically accurate. One particular general has unified Japan under an unstable peace and appointed a regency of counselors to lead the “Land of the Rising Sun” until his heir comes of age.

The main character would likely be considered John Blackthorne, who is based on the real-life William Adams—an English sailor who became the first person from England to reach Japanese soil. The only thing that disturbs him more than Japanese customs are the Portuguese, who are trying to exert religious control over the country.

Lord Yoshi Toranaga is the powerful daimyo who discovers John Blackthorne and employs him in his service. Toranaga is a key figure in Japan’s power struggle, and his main rival is doing everything possible to force him to commit seppuku.

Lady Mariko Toda is, personally, my favorite character. She’s a stunning Japanese woman who converted to Christianity and speaks mostly fluent Portuguese—allowing her to act as a translator for Blackthorne, who likely knows Portuguese in addition to his native English.

It’s pretty clear that Hulu/FX wanted Shōgun to be their version of Game of Thrones. It’s wonderfully acted, beautifully produced, and runs a solid 10 episodes. It doesn’t shy away from violence or intimate scenes, either.

I was curious whether Shōgun would be a one-time series like the 1980s version, which only had five episodes. But sure enough, this one ends on something of a cliffhanger. I’ll definitely be watching the next season as soon as it drops—hopefully in 2026.