When 3 Body Problem–a series based on the modern classic by Chinese sci-fi author Lui Cixin–was first released on Netflix, there was much speculation around its budget. The TV adaptation received a mixed response from audiences, leading to doubts about its continuation. The streaming platform recently released the production costs for the series, aiming to quell the criticism and showcase its confidence in the project.
46% more expensive than originally estimated. Media outlets, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and The Hollywood Reporter, estimated the production cost to be around $20 million per episode, comparable to successful series like Stranger Things. However, according to statements from Netflix reported by Forbes, each episode actually cost around $29.1 million, which is 45.7% more than the original estimates. This brings the total cost of the series to about $233.1 million, surpassing that of many Marvel blockbusters.
Necessary changes. The audience response to 3 Body Problem wasn’t as spectacular as Netflix had hoped, prompting a shift in the adaptation’s approach. The series is now structured as a choral narrative with interconnected plots spanning different timelines. This results in a more intricate and cohesive story than the original novel, which presents its plot threads more vaguely. Additionally, the new direction appears to align with popular ensemble dramas like Game of Thrones. Netflix continues to search for a successor to Stranger Things’ inevitable end.
Limited success. The numbers weren’t as impressive as Netflix had hoped either. The series faced a negative reception in China, which was somewhat predictable. The 3 Body Problem showrunners rewrote the story to make it more appealing to international markets–a London-centric plot with a multiracial cast–but that didn’t resonate as intended.
It only reached the second spot in the non-English most-watched ranking during its first week, garnering 81.7 million hours watched and 11 million views. Nearly a year after its premiere, the series has failed to break into the global top 10 in that category, trailing behind productions such as La Palma, Berlin, Lupin, Money Heist, and Squid Game.
Always ahead. Netflix’s recent announcement regarding the actual budget for 3 Body Problem may be an attempt to reignite interest before announcing the release date for the second season. The upcoming installment will adapt The Dark Forest, the second volume of Lui’s trilogy.
Netflix has been somewhat erratic in its announcements of new seasons for this series. Initially, it mentioned “additional episodes,” suggesting the platform’s desire to avoid leaving the story unresolved. Eventually, it confirmed that it’d tell the complete story over two more seasons.
The curse of Netflix series. Netflix is clearly striving to avoid another sudden cancelation with this show, which is undoubtedly one of its most ambitious projects in years. For some time now, it seems that the platform has been moderating the number of series canceled after only one or two seasons. Of course, there’ve been exceptions, including KAOS, That ‘90s Show, Dead Boy Detectives, Ratched, Shadow and Bone, and Lockwood & Co., among the most recent.
With 3 Body Problem, Netflix seems to have decided that, like with 1899, an abrupt ending without proper closure is like completely removing the series from its catalog. This approach also limits the potential for new seasons to reengage viewers with previous ones. In fact, this was recently the case with Squid Game. The key now is to find the right balance between expense and profit.
Image | Netflix
Related | With 70 Million Users, Netflix’s Ad-Supported Plan Is a Complete Success
View 0 comments