While co-creator David Benioff’s tease about 3 Body Problem’s future is exciting, there are a few things to worry about regarding the show’s future.

Although 3 Body Problem‘s first season was met with acclaim and co-creators David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, and Alexander Woo have expressed interest in continuing the science fiction series, there are a few things that could complicate 3 Body Problem‘s future. While it is currently uncertain if 3 Body Problem season 2 will happen, the success of the Netflix series’ first season bodes well for its future. Despite 3 Body Problem making numerous changes to the books, the creative liberties prove to be effective as the books are all notable for their density and complexity.

Benioff, Weiss, and Woo have teased their plans for 3 Body Problem‘s second season 2, and their confidence in their ability to deliver a strong second season is great news for anyone anticipating a continuation of the sci-fi adaptation. However, given the fate of Netflix’s more recent outings, there’s legitimate cause for concern regarding 3 Body Problem‘s future. Furthermore, with comparisons between 3 Body Problem and Game of Thrones, the chances of the sci-fi adaptation receiving future seasons are brought further into question. Nevertheless, 3 Body Problem could cover plenty of ground if renewed for future seasons.

3 Body Problem’s Final Image & Exciting Tease Explained: What Happens In The Book

The Book’s Ending Posits That Humanity Is Doomed

In a recent interview with Collider, Benioff expressed that 3 Body Problem would need three or four seasons to properly cover all three books. Weiss clarified that while Netflix has greenlit nothing yet, the creators were well beyond the rough outlining phase of developing 3 Body Problem‘s second season. Furthermore, Benioff expressed that he felt the ending of Liu Cixin’s Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy was one of the most impressive pieces of literature he’d ever read. Along with Weiss and Woo, Benioff explained

“There are three books. The first season roughly follows the arc of the first book, and the second season would probably roughly follow the second book. The third book is massive. It’s twice as long, I think, as the other two books, so maybe that’s one season, maybe it’s two. But I think we’d need at least three, maybe four seasons to tell the whole story. It’s a beautiful ending. I think all three of us thought that the last page of Liu Cixin’s epic was maybe the best final image we’d encountered in a sci-fi saga like this. It’s incredibly moving and mind-blowing, and so we’re desperate to get to the end. That means, hopefully, if enough people watch it that Netflix will renew us and give us a couple more years.”

In Death’s End, Earth dooms its own fate during its perilous battle against the Trisolarans, after protagonist Cheng Xin makes an executive choice as Earth’s second swordholder to ensure the mutual destruction of Earth and Trisolaris. However, the Trisolarons become privy to Earth’s defensive strategy and destroy Earth’s broadcasters, the greatest form of defense against the Trisolarons, which results in the Trisolarons gaining control of Earth. 3 Body Problem would need multiple seasons to properly cover the source material’s key events, but Netflix’s handling of shows makes things even more challenging.

3 Body Problem’s Exciting Tease Is Also A Cause For Concern

Netflix Has A Proven Habit Of Canceling Good Shows, Often Without Warning

As demonstrated by Netflix’s handling of many respected, underrated TV shows, the streamer is known for canceling shows that don’t become massive successes. Additionally, Netflix has developed a reputation for canceling shows without giving official updates or warnings, as seen with its unceremonious cancelation of Ratched. Other well-received shows like The Get Down and The Brothers Sun suffered similar fates, as they were canceled after one season despite the general reception from audiences and critics being positive. While no official word has been given by Netflix, 3 Body Problem‘s season 2 chances are still questionable.

Title
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Number of Seasons

The Get Down (2016 -2017)
82%
88%
1

Ratched (2020)
62%
69%
1

The Brothers Sun (2024)

84%
90%
1

3 Body Problem is a financial gamble for Netflix, as the first season alone cost $160 million to produce. If Benioff’s claims about the creative team needing a possible four seasons to successfully depict Liu’s work are to be taken seriously, it would cost Netflix a whopping $640 million to cover the costs of each season. While 3 Body Problem has dominated the global Netflix charts, it isn’t quite the pop-culture sensation it would need to be to gain Netflix’s full confidence in supporting it further. However, 3 Body Problem still needs to be continued despite the risks.

Why 3 Body Problem Season 2 (& Beyond) Needs To Happen

3 Body Problem’s Source Material Is Dense And Would Require Multiple Seasons To Adapt It Successfully

As such, it would feel like a great disservice to everyone involved if 3 Body Problem ended after a single season.

The chemistry between the leads in 3 Body Problem, the explorations of poignant themes, such as existentialism and one’s morality in the face of uncertainty, and the sheer number of thought-provoking concepts and technology that Liu introduces in the latter two novels are all compelling reasons for renewed seasons. Even though all eight episodes of 3 Body Problem have their own strengths and merits, there’s an undeniable feeling that the creative team behind its production are just getting started. As such, it would feel like a great disservice to everyone involved if 3 Body Problem ended after a single season.

Furthermore, the fifth episode of season 1, “Judgment Day,” is arguably the strongest piece of evidence that proves why 3 Body Problem needs a second season. The scene is engaging, emotional, and interprets Liu’s vision very well while also demonstrating what the show is capable of. From Augustina’s nanofiber technology killing scores of innocent people to the fallout between herself and the remaining Oxford 5, further seasons can increase the stakes even more. Benioff, Weiss, and Woo’s hopes for 3 Body Problem‘s future are a good sign, but Netflix’s track record of canceling shows is concerning.