‘Tokyo Vice’ Season 3 in Works Despite Renewal Uncertainty

‘Tokyo Vice,’ the Japanese crime drama featuring Ansel Elgort and Ken Watanabe, has been a standout series that has garnered praise from both critics and fans, particularly in its recently concluded second season on Max. Despite flying somewhat under the radar in today’s vast television landscape, the show has managed to impress audiences, earning a solid 92% rating from critics and fans alike on Rotten Tomatoes.

While fans eagerly await news of a potential third season, updates have emerged indicating that plans are already in motion, despite no official renewal yet. Operating under Max, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, the show’s fate remains uncertain amid cost-saving measures that have led to the cancellation of several shows and movies. However, the show’s creative team is not deterred, already laying out the storyline for the third season even before receiving a green light from Max.

Showrunner JT Rogers, speaking to Collider, expressed enthusiasm for continuing the series, stating, “On set, it was just so wonderful, all through Season 2, people from Ken Watanabe to key grips, everyone would come up and say, as if it was a secret, ‘Are we getting to do more?’ And I was like, ‘Let’s just finish this.’ But yeah, I have the story mapped out going forward. We would love to do it.”

Despite the positive reception of the second season, the decision regarding a third season may take longer due to the show’s more extended production schedule this time around. It took months for Max to decide to renew the show after its first season.

As HBO aims to bolster its lineup with quality series on Max, ‘Tokyo Vice’ remains a strong contender, despite potential cost considerations. While the exact cost per episode is unknown, the show’s high production value and filming location in Tokyo suggest it may not be the most budget-friendly option available.

If renewed soon, filming for the third season could potentially begin later this year, with most of the shooting expected to take place in 2025. This could mean a considerable wait for fans, likely at least a year and a half, similar to the gap between the first and second seasons. Nonetheless, fans are likely to eagerly anticipate the return of ‘Tokyo Vice,’ showcasing their dedication to the series.