A series that’s being called the ‘best TV show ever’ has scored an impressive 99% on Rotten Tomatoes and fans are staying up all night to binge-watch the whole thing.
Streaming platforms have been hitting headlines for their outstanding content of late.
From a terrifying horror that’s chilling audiences to the bone, to a show shocking viewers with its graphic scenes, to those concerning Jenna Ortega rumors, all eyes are on streaming services to deliver the content we’re craving.
And now, a new show on Disney+ is being called a ‘must-watch’ by fans.
One viewer pens: “Watched the first episode and I’m just amazed and wowed at how good this TV series is. Great actors and a great story.”
“Like Game Of Thrones but a thousand times better,” another adds.
A third says: “It will have you wanting to binge the entire season, in a single sitting!”
“Acting, writing, world building, cinematography are all 10/10,” gushes another.
One person even said they were going to start watching the show all over again ‘from the beginning so I can binge it all at once.’
The series in question is an ambitious series adaptation of James Clavell’s best-selling novel.
The story, set in feudal Japan, intricately weaves together elements of political intrigue, cultural conflict, and personal redemption.
With its lavish production values, stellar cast, and nuanced storytelling, the series has captivated audiences worldwide, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless narrative.
Clavell’s novel, first published in 1975, has long been heralded as a masterpiece of historical fiction.
It chronicles the journey of John Blackthorne, a shipwrecked English pilot, who finds himself embroiled in the power struggles and cultural dynamics of feudal Japan.
Disney’s adaptation brings this epic tale to life with a modern sensibility while remaining faithful to the core themes of the original novel.
The series is noted for its meticulous attention to historical detail, from the intricate costumes and set designs to the accurate depiction of Japanese customs and traditions.
This dedication to authenticity creates an immersive experience for viewers, transporting them to a world of samurais, shoguns, and geishas.
The show has also made history by bagging a whopping 25 nominations at the 2024 Emmys, the highest of any series this year.
Key nominations include Best Drama, Best Dramatic Actor (Hiroyuki Sanada), and Best Dramatic Actress (Anna Sawai).
Additionally, it has earned nods in technical categories like production design, original score, and cinematography.
The cast is a blend of seasoned actors and rising stars, each delivering compelling performances that breathe new life into Clavell’s characters.
Hiroyuki Sanada, known for his roles in The Last Samurai and Westworld, portrays Lord Toranaga, the ambitious and cunning daimyo vying for power.
His portrayal brings a gravitas and complexity to the character, making Toranaga both formidable and relatable.
The show is not merely a tale of adventure; it is a profound exploration of cultural exchange and adaptation.
The series delves into the challenges and rewards of understanding and integrating into a foreign culture.
Blackthorne’s journey from disdain to respect for Japanese customs mirrors the broader themes of mutual understanding and the potential for harmony between disparate cultures.
The political intrigue of the series, with its shifting alliances and power struggles, is portrayed with a keen eye for the intricacies of feudal Japanese politics.
The series does not shy away from depicting the brutality and ruthlessness of the era, but it also highlights the honor and loyalty that underpin the samurai code.
Disney’s investment in high production values is evident in every frame.
The cinematography captures the beauty and brutality of the Japanese landscape, from serene temples and gardens to the chaotic battlefields.
The sound design and musical score further enhance the viewing experience, blending traditional Japanese instruments with contemporary compositions to create an evocative atmosphere.
The series has been met with critical acclaim and praised for its storytelling, performances, and production quality.
It currently boasts an impressive 8.7 rating on IMDb and an unbelievable 99 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Rebecca Nicholson echoes this sentiment in the Guardian, adding: “This, too, is gorgeous television that looks as if it cost a fortune to make. Wise choices have been made. As it is, this great drama trusts its own composed pace. This makes for good-looking, self-assured, and often enthralling television.”
The show in question is called Shogun – and is streaming right now…