When Shōgun first premiered to rave critiques in February 2024, it was clear that the epic drama was a must-see collection. However its place in tv historical past has been cemented by its dominance within the awards enviornment. Final 12 months, the collection nabbed a surprising 25 Emmy nominations, with 5 wins (together with for Finest Drama Sequence), and this week, it swept on the Golden Globes too. With wins within the Finest Drama Sequence, Finest Actor, Finest Actress, and Finest Supporting Actor classes, evidently Shōgun has turn into a justifiable important darling (and can doubtless proceed its reign on the Critics’ Alternative Awards on January 12). Now that it has so many awards beneath its belt, that is the proper time to observe Shōgun if you have not already.

‘Shōgun’ Is a Visually Gorgeous Masterpiece

From the majestic setting of feudal Japan and a few fairly thrilling battle scenes to the intricate storytelling and unbelievable performances, Shōgun is a sweeping epic that captivates all through all 10 episodes of its first season. The collection follows three characters whose lives intersect within the backdrop of 1600s Japan. Pilot Inspector John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) is a British sailor who turns into a captive of Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) after he’s shipwrecked on Japanese shores, and should rapidly endear himself to extra highly effective males in an setting that’s culturally overseas to him (and through which he does not communicate the language).

Woman Mariko (Anna Sawai) has discovered some English and serves as Blackthorne’s translator. Their blossoming relationship offers the most effective will-they-won’t-they romances in latest tv historical past, however their potential love story additionally performs out in a brutal and harmful setting. In the meantime, Lord Toranaga is an influential chief who struggles to retain management of his individuals; he’s consistently confronted with ruthless enemies who attempt to reduce him down at each flip. Even his right-hand males, like Kashigi Yabushige (Tadanobu Asano), are scheming (and infrequently brutal) figures. Toranaga is continuously uncertain of whom to belief, however he stays a steadfast and crafty ruler.

Toranaga’s struggle for dominance unfolds all through the season, however there’s a lot extra to Shōgun than simply the Machiavellian plots and political takeovers. The awe-inspiring (and Emmy-winning) cinematography, visible results, and haunting rating all serve to carry the feudal setting to life. There are action-packed struggle sequences (the fight choreography is particularly spectacular), however the collection rises above conventional tv dramas due to its shifting storytelling. It’s straightforward to really feel invested within the lives of those characters, who’re making an attempt to outlive extraordinarily high-stakes conditions, and the cautious consideration to historic element additionally helps the collection really feel genuine.

The World of ‘Shōgun’ Comes Alive Due To Its Unimaginable Forged

With all of those masterful components of storytelling, Shōgun would doubtless have turn into a hit it doesn’t matter what. Nevertheless, the actors are what makes the collection a real standout. Sawai effortlessly performs Mariko with a quiet fierceness and all-encompassing disappointment. Even when she has no strains in any respect, Mariko’s deep feelings are broadcast by only a downcast look or a wide-eyed expression. With an Emmy and Golden Globe win, it is no shock that Sawai’s Mariko turns into the center of the present.

However Sawai just isn’t the one extraordinarily gifted member of the ensemble. Sanada’s efficiency is award-winning due to his skill to tug off the proper steadiness of steeliness and empathy. Toranaga will do no matter is required of him as a frontrunner, however he by no means forgets what worth others need to pay for this quest. Asano, who nabbed a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Yabushige, can be expert at depicting a scheming man who all the time has another trick up his sleeve. Regardless that he is extra of an unsung hero of the solid, Jarvis can be excellent, along with his truthful depiction of Blackthorne’s makes an attempt to know Japanese tradition (and his flirtation with Mariko) serving to Shōgun obtain such intriguing storytelling. With lesser actors, Shōgun would’ve been an epic with no true ardour or coronary heart.

The collection has already been picked up for each a second and third season, so now’s the perfect time to binge-watch the journey of those characters as they struggle to outlive in a harmful world full of political rivals and interesting customs. Whether or not viewers are drawn to the excessive manufacturing worth or the compelling storylines, there’s one thing for everybody to get pleasure from with this thrilling drama. Should you do not imagine it, simply ask all these Emmy and Golden Globe voters.

Season 1 of Shōgun is offered to stream on Hulu within the U.S.

Watch on Hulu