There are a number of streaming shows that require massive financial gambles, but 3 Body Problem is one of the most ambitious television productions of all-time. The novel of the same name by Chinese author Liu Cixin was inspired by his own experiences as an engineer and mathematician, and included a degree of complex theoretical physics that seemed to be “unadaptable.” While there is always a danger in an English-language adaptation of an international novel, especially one that is so tied to cultural history, 3 Body Problem was a brilliant series from Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, who proved that they can do pretty much anything on television if given a complete story to work from. 3 Body Problem has the potential to rank among the greatest shows ever made by Netflix, but recent reports suggest there are some concerns about the performance of its next two seasons.
It’s no secret that Netflix has faced a decline in viewership for many of its returning shows, and the extended gaps between seasons has only exacerbated the churning of subscribers. 3 Body Problem was not greenlit for multiple seasons at once, and thus only began production on Season 2 after the initial batch of episodes was well-received; although Seasons 2 and 3 were shot simultaneously, the series isn’t expected to return until later this year at the earliest. Retaining audience attention is challenging no matter what, but it’s an even more difficult endeavor for a series like 3 Body Problem that requires viewers to pay close attention at all times; in an age of social clip farming and passive viewing, 3 Body Problem could run into a declining audience if Netflix doesn’t play its cards right.
‘3 Body Problem’ Requires Audience Commitment
Although Benioff and Weiss have had targets placed on their backs ever since the ending of Game of Thrones, it would be unfair to say that their task of adaptation has ever been simple. 3 Body Problem required a significant amount of new and expanded material to work in the television medium, with the most significant difference being the protagonist. The novels feature a central scientist named Wang whose interior monologue is expressed in intimate detail, but the series chose to split its focus between five lead characters, nicknamed “The Oxford Five,” who represent different aspects of his personality.
It was a brilliant choice that expanded the international cast, created more interesting social dynamics, and balanced the ensemble with unique and compelling actors. However, the density of the material means that the members of the “Oxford Five” have very complex backstories and emotional arcs that can’t be quickly summarized in a “Previously On.” Given that there has been a wait of over two years between seasons, Netflix needs to trust that viewers will either read recaps or rewatch Season 1 before the show returns, as they could otherwise be lost.
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Season 2 and Season 3 will not look like Season 1.
3 Body Problem is one of the rare shows that requires a binge drop, as it’s simply too complex to not be watched all at once to make sense of the multiple timelines and virtual realities. While the binge model has served Netflix well for several years, the streamer has attempted experimentation with different distribution methods to sustain the hype over an extended period of time, such as splitting a season into two halves. But, not only would this put up a barrier to the storytelling for 3 Body Problem, but interest might wane entirely because the show doesn’t have a fanbase on the level of Netflix’s other shows.
‘3 Body Problem’ Needs To Nail Its Ending
3 Body Problem can’t be turned around at this point, as the show is already gearing towards a finale and has set up what will be in its next two seasons. The “Wallfacer” project, which isn’t introduced until the second novel of the series, was included at the end of Season 1, which was otherwise based on the first book. While this means that Netflix can’t prematurely cancel the show that already has its ending in sight, it does put even more importance on the finale being satisfying. Many shows that end on a disappointing note end up with a tainted reputation, and new viewers are less likely to start a show if they have heard it does not have a satisfying ending. It’s just as important for Benioff and Weiss, who have the potential to be redeemed in the eyes of the public if 3 Body Problem is a successful adaptation that ends well.
Viewership isn’t a metric of critical success, as there are many great shows that didn’t get the audience they deserved. With that being said, the commercial success of 3 Body Problem is important because it may determine whether Netflix chooses to fund similarly ambitious genre content in the future. If 3 Body Problem proves that Netflix can adapt a nuanced novel in an intelligent way, drawing in both existing and new fans, it could lead to a new renaissance on the platform. However, that all hinges on how Season 2 and 3 turn out.
