45 Years Ago, Shogun, One Of The Best Miniseries Of All Time, Set A New Standard For Television

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The 1980 TV series Shōgun was a game-changer, marking a turning point in television production. Every few years, a show comes along that fundamentally alters how programs are made. These shows – whether they introduce a fresh format, reimagine a genre, or explore new concepts – deeply connect with audiences and inspire other creators to follow suit.

The 1980 miniseries Shōgun is a prime example of this type of television event. It first aired on NBC as five episodes, each lasting two to three hours, shown over five nights. This format had been successfully introduced by the 1977 series Roots, and Shōgun helped make it even more popular. Based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel, the story follows English pilot John Blackthorn after his ship is wrecked in Japan in the early 1600s. Blackthorn quickly becomes valuable to Lord Yoshii Toranaga, who uses the pilot’s knowledge to outmaneuver his rivals – the Portuguese and Jesuits.

NBC’s Shōgun Was A Masterpiece Ahead Of Its Time

As a critic, I can confidently say Shōgun was truly groundbreaking. Before 1980, Western television hadn’t seen anything quite like it. The show wasn’t just unique in its format – those nightly, feature-length episodes were a relatively new idea – but it also fearlessly pushed the limits of what network TV would allow. It didn’t shy away from violence or mature themes, but it always served a purpose. Shōgun proved that ambitious, high-quality, long-form storytelling could actually work commercially, and I think it directly paved the way for later hits like Game of Thrones.

As a critic, I have to say that Shōgun wasn’t just a good story, it was a cultural phenomenon. Before this miniseries, most Western viewers didn’t know much about Japan, but Shōgun completely changed that. Suddenly, everyone was fascinated by samurai, and even Japanese food became incredibly popular! It really opened people’s eyes to a part of history they hadn’t explored before, and the ratings reflected that—it gave NBC its highest weekly numbers ever before the 80s. It wasn’t just entertainment; it was a genuine moment of cultural impact.

Shōgun (1980) Was Not Without Flaws

Like any television series, Shōgun wasn’t perfect. One common complaint at the time was its pace – viewers were given 12 hours of content in a single week, which was a lot to take in. However, the main problem was how accurately it portrayed history. The show wasn’t well-received in Japan because many felt it contained significant historical inaccuracies.

While historical inaccuracies aren’t new, they’ve become a bigger focus recently. The original Shōgun, released in 1980, didn’t draw much criticism for its portrayal of 17th-century Japan at the time. However, those details now make it feel a little dated, and combined with the older film style, it might not appeal to today’s viewers. Some will still appreciate it as a classic, while others won’t, and that’s where the new adaptation comes in.

How NBC’s Shōgun Compares To The New Version

As a huge fan of historical dramas, I was really excited for the 2024 version of Shōgun on FX and Hulu. What I loved is that it wasn’t really a remake of the classic 1980 miniseries, but a fresh adaptation directly based on James Clavell’s novel. This made it much more true to the source material, and honestly, a lot more accurate historically. A big difference was the cast – mostly Japanese actors – and the fact that most of the dialogue was in Japanese. It was fantastic! And unlike the original, this Shōgun was really well-received by viewers in Japan, which is a huge testament to how respectfully and authentically it was made.

I was so excited for the new Shōgun! It’s been done as a limited series before, but this one felt different – it followed the current style of TV, unlike the original. The Shōgun from the 80s on NBC was a big deal and won a bunch of awards, including three Golden Globes for the series itself, and both the lead actor and actress. But this 2024 version? It made history! It was the first Japanese-language show to win an Emmy for Best Drama Series, which is amazing. And get this – it absolutely crushed the record for the most Emmys won by a single season of any TV show ever, taking home 18 awards! It’s seriously a huge accomplishment.

Which Version Of Shōgun Is Better?

Although both versions of Shōgun come from the same book, they’re so different it’s hard to say which one is better. Looking at how people reacted doesn’t really settle the question either. The original Shōgun received positive reviews from 79% of critics and an impressive 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The new version actually flipped those numbers: critics loved it, giving it a 99% rating, but the audience score was a bit lower at 85%.

Looking at the numbers, it’s clear both versions of Shōgun are excellent, but in different ways. The original 1980s series offers a distinctive, though slower-paced, viewing experience. The 2024 version benefits from modern production values, but doesn’t quite capture the unique artistic flair of 1980s television.

Most modern viewers who aren’t particularly interested in old TV shows will probably enjoy the new Shōgun on FX, especially if they appreciate historical accuracy. However, the original Shōgun remains a landmark achievement in television and holds significant importance in TV history, making it a strong favorite for many.

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2025-12-14 00:29