Will Cowboy Bebop return for Season 2 on Netflix?
John Cho's big-budget new series has an uncertain future.
After a troubled production cycle delayed by a serious on-set injury and a subsequent global pandemic, Cowboy Bebop has finally made its way to Netflix, with many subscribers starting their binge-watch sessions on the weekend following its release.
The show is inspired by a critically acclaimed anime series of the same name, with longtime fans being understandably concerned over whether this version would do it justice.
Alas, many have argued it is yet another live-action anime translation that misses the mark, with our Cowboy Bebop review describing the show as a "pale imitation" of its source material. Yikes.
However, the show does have its defenders and is sure to capture the imagination of viewers, particularly those unfamiliar with the original and thus not prone to drawing comparisons.
With that in mind, more than a few Netflix subscribers will be left wondering if or when they can expect Cowboy Bebop season two – read on for everything we know so far.
Will there be a Cowboy Bebop season 2 on Netflix?
Cowboy Bepop will not return to Netflix as it was cancelled by the streaming giant after one season.
This comes despite the show earning 74million viewing hours worldwide since its premiere, according to The Hollywood Reporter who confirmed the news on 9th December, 2021.
Previously, head writer Christopher Yost told Vanity Fair that the team behind the remake has "a lot more stories to tell", so rest assured they would have been back if given the opportunity.
“It’s always going to be impossible from my point of view to not be thinking about [a second season],” showrunner André Nemec added. “So we’ll get through season one and then if there’s a season two, [I’m] just noodling on what the possibilities could be.”
Sadly, it is not meant to be.
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Who could have been in the Cowboy Bebop season 2 cast?
If Cowboy Bebop had received a second season renewal, it would be safe to assume that the show's core trio would have returned, comprising of John Cho (Spike Spiegel), Mustafa Shakir (Jet Black) and Daniella Pineda (Faye Valentine).
Other members of the Cowboy Bebop cast who could have been be in line to return include Alex Hassell (The Boys) as the gang's arch-nemesis Vicious, and Elena Satine (The Gifted) as the enigmatic femme fatale, Julia.
The supporting cast of the first season also included Tamara Tunie (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), Geoff Stults (Grace & Frankie), Rachel House (Thor: Ragnarok) and The Sandman's Mason Alexander Park.
- Read more: Where’s Ed in Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop?
What could Cowboy Bebop season 2 have covered?
If Cowboy Bebop had returned for another season, it would have likely seen the show would adapt more episodes and storylines from the anime series that inspired it, with head writer Christopher Yost having several in mind already.
“Across the lore of Bebop, there are certain episodes and stories that are just slam dunk, no-brainers to tell. And I would certainly love to tell more of them,” he told Vanity Fair.
That said, the show wasn't been afraid to forge its own path in some respects, so fans would have needed to brace themselves for a few more deviations here and there.
Cowboy Bebop is available to stream on Netflix. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what's on tonight.
Authors
David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
