FX has officially announced the renewal of its historical drama series, "Shōgun," for two additional seasons. The renewal was anticipated after lead actor and producer Hiroyuki Sanada closed a deal to continue his role as Lord Yoshii Toranaga. The show's co-creators, executive producers, and writers Justin Marks, Rachel Kondo, and Michaela Clavell will also return for the upcoming seasons.

FX and streaming partner Hulu are currently working with the estate of James Clavell, author of the original "Shōgun" novel, to develop the next two installments. While there is no mention of a green light or a production start date, a writers' room is being assembled and is set to begin this summer.

The success of the first season of "Shōgun" has led to its reclassification from the limited series category to the drama series category at the Emmys. This decision comes in light of its outstanding commercial performance and critical acclaim. The 10-episode original installment garnered 9 million views globally across Hulu, Disney+, and Star+ within its first six days, making it the company's number one general entertainment series internationally.

"Shōgun" has been six years in the making, filmed across multiple continents, and stands as FX's most expensive series to date. The show's premiere was met with strong reviews, and viewers' interest remained high throughout the first nine weeks. It has become FX's most-watched show ever based on global hours streamed.

The original "Shōgun" installment takes place in 17th-century Japan during a civil war. Lord Yoshii Toranaga fights for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him. The arrival of a mysterious European ship and its English pilot, John Blackthorne, bearing secrets, sets off a power struggle with the Jesuit priests and Portuguese merchants. The fate of Toranaga, Blackthorne, and their translator, Toda Mariko, becomes intricately intertwined within this politically charged landscape.

The cast for Season 1 includes Tadanobu Asano as the notorious backstabber Kashigi Yabushige, Hiroto Kanai as the young village leader Kashigi Omi, and Takehiro Hira as Toranaga's rival bureaucrat Ishido Kazunari. Other cast members include Moeka Hoshi, Tokuma Nishioka, Shinnosuke Abe, Yuki Kura, Yuka Kouri, and Fumi Nikaido.

Fans and viewers eagerly anticipate the next chapter of "Shōgun" as it expands its epic storytelling and continues to captivate audiences with its rich historical backdrop.