Shōgun: Season 1
1980 · 5 episodes · ★ 6.4
Miniseries
What Season 1 of Shōgun
In feudal Japan in 1600, a few months before the Battle of Sekigahara, English navigator John Blackthorne, played by Richard Chamberlain, washes ashore after a storm sinks the Dutch ship he is sailing on. He soon falls into the hands of samurai who understand neither his language nor his customs. To survive, he must leave his English identity behind and learn the rules of a culture far removed from his own. He is caught between the rivalries of Portuguese merchants and the Catholic Church, both at odds with his beliefs and his interests. Meanwhile, the daimyo Toranaga, brought to life by Toshirô Mifune, fights to seize the shogunate, the country's highest military power.
Season 1 Episodes
1x01 Part 1
Set in early 17th-century Japan, shipwrecked English navigator John Blackthorne finds intrigue and culture shock in a feudal society that puts a premium on honor. A rival Lord sentences Blackthorne to death.
Directing: Jerry London · Writing: Eric Bercovici
1x02 Part 2
After Lord Toronaga rescues Blackthorn from prison, he enlists him as his aide and names him, 'Anjin-san'. Mariko is directed to tutor Anjin-san in the language and customs of Japan.
Directing: Jerry London · Writing: Eric Bercovici
1x03 Part 3
Blackthorne and Mariko begin a romance; Toronaga continues to build his army for a battle with Ishido. Anjin-san proves his mettle during an earthquake and is honored by Toranaga for bravery. Mariko's husband Buntaro, arrives in Anjiro.
Directing: Jerry London · Writing: Eric Bercovici
1x04 Part 4
Anjin-san's assimilation of Japanese ways is evident in his exemplary conduct. Toranaga decides to return the Erasmus to Anjin-san. Mariko tells Father Alvito of a plot to murder a Christian lord on the Council of Regents.
Directing: Jerry London · Writing: Eric Bercovici
1x05 Part 5 Season Finale
Treachery, tragedy and turns of events occur. Toronaga becomes SHOGUN after the defeat of Lord Ishido. Mariko is killed in the final battle at Osaka Castle. Heartbroken, but resolute, Blackthorne begins construction of another ship.
Directing: Jerry London · Writing: Eric Bercovici
Season 1 Cast
Toshirō MifuneLord Yoshi Toranaga5 episodes
Yoko ShimadaLady Toda Buntaro - Mariko5 episodes
Damien ThomasFather Alvito5 episodes
Frankie SakaiYabu5 episodes
Yūki MeguroOmi5 episodes
Hiromi SennoFujiko5 episodes
Alan BadelFather Dell'Aqua5 episodes
Miiko TakaKiri5 episodes
Vladek SheybalCaptain Ferriera5 episodes
Nobuo KanekoIshido5 episodes
Hideo TakamatsuLord Buntarō5 episodes
Michael HordernFriar Domingo5 episodes
George InnesJohann Vinck5 episodes
Leon LissekFather Sebastio5 episodes
Takeshi ŌbayashiUrano5 episodes
Masumi OkadaBrother Michael5 episodes
Edward PeelPieterzoon5 episodes
Eric RichardMaetsukker5 episodes
Neil McCarthySpillbergen5 episodesWhere to Watch Season 1 of Shōgun
It is currently not available on the major streaming platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes are in season 1 of Shōgun?
Season 1 of Shōgun has 5 episodes.
When did season 1 of Shōgun premiere?
Premiered on September 15, 1980.
Where to watch season 1 of Shōgun?
Currently not available on the major subscription platforms (availability may vary by country).
What is the best episode of Season 1?
According to the audience rating on TMDB, episode 1x01, "Part 1", with a 7.0.