HBO’s superhero series Watchmen, which acts as a sequel to the 1986 Alan Moore / Dave Gibbons comic of the same name, debuted in Fall 2019 to much acclaim. Its same-day viewing numbers were not spectacular, but it scored very well in delayed and digital viewing and received high marks from critics and fans. The show wrapped up its storyline over its nine-episode run and series creator Damon Lindelof has said that he has “no current plans” to make a second season. HBO execs indicated that they would be interested in another season, but that it was up to Lindelof because they did not want to do it without him. But after the show just recently raked in a slew of Emmy nominations, I’m thinking the network might reconsider.
Watchmen led all other shows in nominations this year with a total of twenty-six. And that is the sort of attention that the television platforms are looking for, especially in the Peak TV era, because it draws more eyes to their programming. The Emmy windfall almost certainly lured people over to HBO to check out the series, likely leading to a post-announcement bump in subscriptions. And if the show manages a significant number of wins at the awards ceremony, another surge in subs could follow.
But does the network leave well enough alone, or does it proceed with another Emmy-baiting season?
Many consider Lindelof’s Watchmen to be a classic and that it successfully told its story in one season. And like the original comic book series, many believe that it should be allowed to rest on its own merits. But this is the U.S. entertainment industry. When do they ever leave well enough alone?
My guess is that HBO execs are chomping at the bit to get a second season moving. And Lindelof has given his “blessing” for the network to continue the show without him. But I’m thinking they would much rather have him onboard, at least as an executive producer. The network will probably not push too hard at the moment, especially with the current backlog as production across the entertainment industry is only now starting to ramp up after the Coronavirus-related shutdowns.
But should the show win big in the Emmy’s, then expect the network execs to offer a generous sum of money to Lindelof to get the creative juices flowing again for a second season. It may be a couple of years down the road before it happens, but I would say that there is a decent chance that we have not seen the last of HBO’s Watchmen adaptation.
Do you think there should be a second season (or more) of Watchmen, or should it be allowed to stand on its own without getting watered down by further seasons? Chime in with your comments below.
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