FX's highly acclaimed limited series, Shōgun, may be returning for a second season as discussions continue behind the scenes. Hiroyuki Sanada, the star and producer of the show, has reportedly signed an "if-come" deal, indicating his willingness to return if the network gives the green light for another season.

Shōgun, based on James Clavell's 1975 novel of the same name, is the most expensive scripted show in FX's history. The network devoted several years to its development, aiming to create a riveting adaptation. The debut of the series garnered immense popularity, receiving a staggering 9 million streaming views globally across platforms such as Hulu, Disney+, and Star+.

Although the show was initially billed as a limited series, FX's CEO John Landgraf and the network are currently sorting through various factors in hopes of securing a renewal. Details regarding these extenuating circumstances remain undisclosed, and representatives from FX have declined to comment on the matter.

The speculation surrounding Shōgun's potential second season comes as the deadline for Emmy category submissions passed on May 9. It remains uncertain whether FX submitted the show in the limited series or drama categories. Additionally, FX has another contender in the limited category with Ryan Murphy's anthology series, Feud: Capote vs. the Swans. The field in the drama category is wide open after the conclusion of the previously victorious show, Succession.

In a February interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Landgraf expressed the network's willingness to invest in expensive programming if Shōgun proved successful. He emphasized that audience demand and appetite would ultimately determine the possibility of creating more seasons. While Landgraf hoped that the process would be faster than the initial development of the show, he acknowledged the importance of delivering high-quality content that resonates with viewers.

Co-creator Justin Marks shared similar sentiments in an interview with Rachel Kondo, stating that they would be open to continuing the story if a compelling narrative could be identified. However, the challenge lies in matching the roadmap established by Clavell's original novel, as its intricate depth and characters are difficult to surpass.

Hiroyuki Sanada himself has participated in discussions about how the story could potentially continue since filming began. However, the outcome remains uncertain, with even the star unsure of what lies ahead for Shōgun.

As the deliberations continue, fans eagerly await news of a potential second season, curious to see if Shōgun can maintain its momentum and captivate audiences once again.