I have been a bit skeptical of 3 Body Problems prospects for not just renewal, but the idea that Netflix would commit to finish adapting the entire three book series in three or four seasons when the cost would likely run them upwards of half a billion dollars. But there are some promising developments about a potential season 2 of 3 Body Problem in the last few days.
- First, after a few days of being knocked down from the #1 spot on Netflix’s Top 10 list, 3 Body Problem has now taken that position back from Testament: The Story of Moses, the docudrama about the biblical character. It’s somewhat rare to see a show knocked down and then be able to get back up again, so that’s certainly a positive development to see.
- Second, checking the global charts, 3 Body Problem is still the #1 show in over 20 countries, which means it has been holding relatively well over the course of the last week or so, and now the US will be added to that list again.
- Third, a new report from Luminate at Variety says that 3 Body Problem had 1.6 billion minutes viewed in its first full week, making it the #1 streaming program out of any show for that week. This is still underperforming something like Netflix hit The Gentlemen, which had 1.3 billion minutes its second week after just a 30% drop from week 1, and continues to place at #4 on the top 10 list. Now that show is performing extremely well. But it’s still solid for 3 Body.
Despite this good news, I’m still not convinced that the future of 3 Body Problem is wholly secure. I’m not disputing the show is performing pretty well, but this is a unique situation as you need to A) probably adapt the entire thing if you’re going to do a season 2, so it’s a big commitment, B) it will be one of the most expensive adaptations Netflix has done, and this is already the most they’ve spent on a first season but also C) Netflix needs to consider its relationship with the Game of Thrones showrunners they have an overall deal with, who are running the series.
I am leaning toward Netflix committing to a season 2, and possibly the entire series. It reminds me a bit of what Amazon did by saying that The Rings of Power would get five seasons to finish its story no matter what. While Netflix did not promise that with 3 Body Problem, it does feel like a similar situation and they’ll have to go all-in if they do decide to renew. Ultimately, despite it being a bit of a risk, I think they’ll do it in the end.
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