Game of Thrones creators' beleaguered, big-budget Netflix sci-fi show reportedly getting a reduced episode count for seasons 2 and 3

1. Entertainment
2. TV
3. Sci-Fi Shows
4. 3 Body Problem

Game of Thrones creators' beleaguered, big-budget Netflix sci-fi show reportedly getting a reduced episode count for seasons 2 and 3 News By Amy West published 10 March 2026

Looks like 3 Body Problem season 2 will be shorter than its predecessor

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Netflix)

• Copy link
• Facebook
• X
• Pinterest
• Flipboard
• Email

Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Get the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful

An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletter

3 Body Problem season 2 will have a reduced episode count, according to a new report.

Thanks to a telling snap from behind the scenes, What's On Netflix reckons that it'll consist of six episodes, while season 3 will likely be just five episodes.

In the image, which was shared by a member of the production crew, you can see a big clapperboard with the words "It's a wrap!" written on it. In the episode section, it reads 206, which the publication has taken as confirmation that the sixth episode is the season finale.

You may like

• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 2 will also only be 6 episodes and may even be "smaller" in scope than season 1
• A Severance prequel, anyone? This latest Severance update shows Apple is learning all the wrong lessons
• Silo season 3: Everything we know about the upcoming return of the hit Apple TV Plus sci-fi show

The first chapter of the sci-fi series, which was created by Game of Thrones' David Benioff and D.B. Weiss alongside Alexander Woo, allegedly set Netflix back a whopping $233 million – with each of its eight episodes said to have cost around $29 million (per Forbes). It spent three weeks in the #1 slot of the streamer's most popular shows, and a further four weeks in the Top 10.

While What's On Netflix didn't provide a reason, it's possible that the truncated follow-up is an attempt to trim down the price tag.

Season 2 and season 3 are reportedly filming back-to-back to avoid the headaches of pinning down new filming locations and possible continuity errors brought about by its aging cast. The publication previously claimed that both installments would amount to 11 episodes, which points to season 3 being even shorter than its predecessor.

(Image credit: Netflix)

Based on the book of the same name by Liu Cixin, the show centers on a bunch of scientists as they attempt to solve a time-travelling mystery that spans decades, continents and even galaxies. Jovan Adepo (It: Welcome to Derry), Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange), Liam Cunningham, John Bradley (Game of Thrones), Eiza González (The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare), and more star.

Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

"There's three novels in the trilogy," Woo explained to GamesRadar+ back in March 2024. "The novels get longer and longer so I wouldn't say it maps out exactly to three. We have some really strong ideas about what to do in a season two, and then it's a little hazier down the line. But we want to get to the end, we want to get to the end of the trilogy, and whether that's three or four, you know, or some other number."

3 Body Problem is streaming now on Netflix. For more, check out our picks of the best Netflix shows.

CATEGORIES Netflix Streaming Services Amy WestSocial Links NavigationEntertainment Writer

I am an Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, covering all things TV and film across our Total Film and SFX sections. Elsewhere, my words have been published by the likes of Digital Spy, SciFiNow, PinkNews, FANDOM, Radio Times, and Total Film magazine.

View More

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Logout Read more A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 2 will also only be 6 episodes and may even be "smaller" in scope than season 1    A Severance prequel, anyone? This latest Severance update shows Apple is learning all the wrong lessons    Silo season 3: Everything we know about the upcoming return of the hit Apple TV Plus sci-fi show    There's "less of an inherent danger" of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms ending up like Game of Thrones, showrunner says    Stranger Things season 5 runtimes confirmed, and the final episode is 3 minutes longer than previously announced    Doctor Who season 2: release date, cast, trailer, plot, and everything we know    Latest in Sci Fi Shows Creators of Dark are reuniting for "cruel reality" thriller that sounds like a mix of Black Mirror and True Detective    21 years after it ended, Firefly fans are hoping that teasers for a March announcement mean it's finally returning    Yoda would have covered up Jedi deaths in The Acolyte, and its showrunner has the Clone Wars receipts to prove it    Seth MacFarlane says an entire new season of The Orville has been written, but Ted could be dead    Seth Green says his unseen Star Wars series would need to be "upgraded" for streaming    The Acolyte showrunner defends one of the most controversial aspects of the Star Wars show, but jokes "I'll take the L"    Latest in News Ghost of Yotei almost had Breath of the Wild's rock climbing, but found it's not "a core aspect of being a ronin"    Lego Luigi kit lets you recreate the iconic Mario Kart death stare    Jujutsu Kaisen actor offers perfect response to why AI should stay out of anime    Pokemon fan artist alleges new Palworld clone Pickmon "stole one of my designs"    Join Chloe and Max on a "fiery weekend" for a better glimpse into Life is Strange: Reunion at the Future Games Show this week    Mortal Kombat 2 star joins in with Street Fighter movie beef after Game Awards dig because he "loves a good rivalry"    LATEST ARTICLES

1. 1I respect the Virtual Boy as a collectable Switch 2 gadget, but it’s not exactly a retro console remake
2. 2Bizarre Lineage codes (March 2026) for free Stat Point Essence, Rare Chests, and more
3. 3The Thrustmaster T248R is making me question where a sim racing wheel with no direct drive and no modular wheelbase fits in the market in 2026
4. 4These Mario Day-inspired Switch 2 accessories will power up your console more than a super star
5. 5Pokemon fan artist alleges new Palworld clone Pickmon "stole one of my designs," saying "they didn't even try to change something and make it a bit less obvious"