3 Body Problem Season 2 Means Netflix Can Make Up For This 6-Year-Old Canceled Sci-Fi Show

Summary Netflix has the chance to redeem itself with the renewal of 3 Body Problem season 2 after mishandling Altered Carbon.

The key to success for 3 Body Problem season 2 lies in remaining faithful to Liu Cixin's original trilogy for a satisfying story arc.

By sticking to the source material and avoiding original storylines, Netflix can establish a reputation for completing adaptations with 3 Body Problem.

With 3 Body Problem season 2 now officially confirmed, Netflix can redeem itself for a huge mistake it made with another sci-fi show from six years ago. Although Netflix does dabble in science-fiction, it doesn't delve into the genre as heavily as its streaming rivals. So, while 3 Body Problem season 1 may have been something of a relative rarity for Netflix, the show's renewal also sets up a shot at redemption that could make up for the mishandling of a 2018 project.

Adapted from the first of three books by Liu Cixin, 3 Body Problem season 1 is the on-screen equivalent of the first novel. Although 3 Body Problem season 1 does make changes to the book, the story remains largely the same. As a result, the cast of 3 Body Problem find themselves at the heart of what is a faithful adaptation of the source material. Netflix has taken this path before of honoring the original version of the story, but there is one huge example that proves there's a risk that 3 Body Problem season 2 could stray from the path.

Related 3 Body Problem Season 1 Ending Explained Netflix's sci-fi thriller series 3 Body Problem ends with a cliffhanger, paving the way for a second season.

3 Body Problem Season 2 Can Be The Adaptation Altered Carbon Season 2 Failed To Be

Altered Carbon fell short of its required trilogy of seasons

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Just as 3 Body Problem season 1 kept one eye on the source material at all times, so did Altered Carbon season 1. The 2018 sci-fi show was also based on a book trilogy, written by Richard K Morgan. While Netflix's first run of episodes of the Altered Carbon adaptation followed the first novel to an impressive degree, Altered Carbon season 2 essentially turned its back on the source material. While a handful of elements were taken from the second book, such as Anthony Mackie replacing Joel Kinnaman as Takeshi Kovacs, the narrative was completely original to the show.

Altered Carbon's severe deviation from Morgan's work caused a steep decline in the show's quality, as well as its cancelation before a third season could be ordered. This is something that 3 Body Problem season 2 must avoid. Thankfully, 3 Body Problem season 1 has already started to incorporate and reference key characters and arcs that don't appear until later in the books. So, it seems as though the show does intend to remain true to the source material. If so, 3 Body Problem stands a much better chance than Altered Carbon of reaching its conclusion.

Netflix Can Make Sure 3 Body Problem Doesn't Suffer The Same Fate As Altered Carbon

The writers need to respect Liu Cixin's second book in the trilogy

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The solution to ensuring 3 Body Problem season 2 doesn't crash and burn like Altered Carbon's season 2 is simple. In short, the writers need to stick to the source material. Although certain additions and subtractions will likely be made to account for the change in medium, there's no reason why the world of 3 Body Problem can't continue to follow the same narrative path as the book series.

Altered Carbon/3 Body Problem Book Trilogy Titles & Reading Orders Trilogy Name Author Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Takeshi Kovacs Richard K Morgan Altered Carbon Broken Angels Woken Furies The Three Body Problem Liu Cixin The Three Body Problem The Dark Forest Death's End

The second book in the Altered Carbon trilogy, Broken Angels, continues the journey of Takeshi Kovacs. While the adaptation maintains the 30-year time jump between the two installments, it sets aside most of the story in favor of an original narrative. While this arguably keeps things fresh for those who have already read Broken Angels, the alternative plot that's installed by Netflix is far inferior to that of Morgan's original arc. 3 Body Problem season 2 can easily prevent another Netflix downfall by keeping the structure of Liu Cixin's original trilogy intact.

Richard K Morgan's trilogy is referred to as the Takeshi Kovacs Trilogy, named after the series' protagonist.

3 Body Problem Could Be Massive For Netflix (With 1 Condition)

Netflix needs to prove it can finish what it started

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While Netflix boasts some truly iconic shows, such as Stranger Things, Wednesday, and Bridgerton, the platform also has an unfortunate reputation for canceling shows before their time. Canceled shows that are based on novels and other source material are among the most frustrating instances, as the story is essentially already written, but the adaptation is left unfinished. Altered Carbon is just one example of this. If viewers aren't book fans, the adventures of Takeshi Kovacs come to an abrupt halt at the end of season 2. So, Netflix has the chance with 3 Body Problem to finally shake that reputation.

Related Every Death In 3 Body Problem Explained Netflix's adaptation of 3 Body Problem depicts several major character deaths, all of which feed into the larger story of Liu Cixin's sci-fi epic.

If 3 Body Problem continues to follow its book-per-season approach, then the ending of 3 Body Problem season 2 will mean the adaptation would already be two-thirds complete. While Netflix was possibly trying to extend the shelf-life of Altered Carbon by folding in new storylines, their 3 Body Problem adaptation needs to avoid this technique. By translating all three books from Cixin's trilogy to the small screen, Netflix will be making a statement that their reputation as serial cancelers should be reevaluated. So, there's quite a lot resting on the shoulders of 3 Body Problem season 2.

3 Body Problem season 1 is available to stream on Netflix, but 3 Body Problem season 2 has no official release date. both seasons of Altered Carbon are also available to stream on Netflix.