Shōgun wins 18 Emmys - Here's a guide to the pathbreaking Hiroyuki Sanada show that created history

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It takes a village to make a show, and another village to make it even bigger than anyone imagined. Tonight is the night when all the efforts invested into creating great shows throughout the year are honored, and some are given their due for standing out among the best. The 76th Emmys 2024 arrived with much excitement, especially since some of the biggest and most beloved shows were nominated across various categories. However, one show that was a fan favorite and went on to become one of the most celebrated is Shōgun. A drama about Japanese history, coming from the same studio that produced The Bear, Shōgun was a top contender—and it did not disappoint, taking home multiple trophies. But are you someone who just learned about it today? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Many of us only discovered Shōgun after its historic Emmys victory, and there’s nothing wrong with that. After all, it’s impossible to keep up with everything in the world of streaming. But to fill that gap, we're here to tell you all about the show that has become a huge success and a major topic of conversation. Let’s explore the story and what makes it a cultural phenomenon for the masses. Read on to learn everything you need to know.

What Is Shōgun About?

Shōgun, in simpler terms, is FX’s attempt at creating their own Game of Thrones. The studio that brought us The Americans and The Bear now dives into Japanese history. The show is based on James Clavell’s 1975 bestseller of the same name. It tells the story of Lord Toranaga, an enigmatic Japanese leader struggling to bring peace amidst a council of regents who fear his growing power. At the same time, Portuguese missionaries are spreading Christianity, complicating matters further. Toranaga must also contend with the arrival of an English sailor, John Blackthorne, who warns that the Portuguese are not as trustworthy as they seem. Blackthorne’s cannons—an unfamiliar weapon in Japan—make him a key player in the struggle for power, as whoever controls him could have the key to victory.

Shōgun is also a technical marvel. Given the grandeur and ambition of the source material, the production design follows suit, with impeccable attention to detail in VFX, set design, costumes, and every other technical department. No stone was left unturned in bringing this world to life.

Shōgun Cast

Created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, Shōgun boasts a stellar cast, delivering outstanding performances. The main cast includes Hiroyuki Sanada as Yoshii Toranaga, Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne, Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko, Tadanobu Asano as Kashigi Yabushige, Takehiro Hira as Ishido Kazunari, Tokuma Nishioka as Toda Hiromatsu, Moeka Hoshi as Usami Fuji, Nestor Carbonell as Rodrigues, Tommy Bastow as Father Martin Alvito, Shinnosuke Abe as Toda Hirokatsu (also known as "Buntaro"), Yoriko Dõguchi as Kiri no Kata, Yuki Kura as Yoshii Nagakado, Hiroto Kanai as Kashigi Omi, Joaquim de Almeida as Father Domingo, Louis Ferreira as Ferriera, and Yasunari Takeshima as Muraji, among others.

Where Does Shōgun Stream?

Produced by FX, Shōgun is available for streaming on various platforms depending on the region. Primarily, the show streams on Hulu. In India, you can watch Shōgun on Disney+ Hotstar with a standard subscription at no additional cost. The first season consists of 10 episodes, each about 60 minutes long, with the pilot and finale being the longest episodes.

How Many Emmys Did Shōgun Win?

Shōgun was nominated in nearly every major category and made history by winning 18 trophies in a single night for a single season. This breaks the previous record set by Game of Thrones, which won 12 Emmys in 2015, 2016, and 2019. The show took home awards for Best Series, Best Actor, and many more.