Five years after Game of Thrones, producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss partnered with True Blood writer Alexander Woo to adapt the acclaimed Chinese book series Remembrance of Earth’s Past into the Netflix series 3 Body Problem. The first season was a hit, and Netflix has already greenlit a second season.
While viewers enjoyed the show, not all of its science checks out. Astrophysicist Paul Sutter shared his thoughts on 3 Body Problem during Insider’s podcast, “How Real Is It?” He praised some shows like The Martian and The Expanse for their scientific accuracy. However, he criticized 3 Body Problem, calling it “nonsense.”
In Episode 3, titled “Destroyer of Worlds,” Sutter pointed out the correct use of the word “syzygy,” a term meaning when three celestial bodies align. He explained the complexity of predicting orbits for three suns, as seen in the show. Real-life examples, such as calculating an asteroid’s path, illustrate how complicated these scenarios can become.
Regarding a scene involving syzygies, Sutter acknowledged they do create stronger gravitational pulls but described the scene as an exaggerated version that lacks realism. Overall, he rated the show’s scientific accuracy a low three out of ten, noting that while it started well, it quickly strayed into implausibility.
As for the show’s future, 3 Body Problem is confirmed for a second season, with production beginning in late July. It will also have a third season, allowing ample time to adapt the complete trilogy. The show is expected to shoot both seasons back-to-back, promising more sci-fi adventure for fans.
You can check out 3 Body Problem on Netflix, where its mix of drama and science fiction continues to spark conversation among audiences. With Game of Thrones experience in the mix, viewers are eager to see how the story unfolds. The second season is set to release on March 21, 2024, with anticipation building across social media as fans discuss their favorite characters and theories for future plots.
