Netflix's 'The Watcher' Begins Season 2 Filming After Four-Year Delay

Key points

• Production for Season 2 of 'The Watcher' starts this fall in New York, four years after the renewal was announced in November 2022.
• Naomi Watts, Bobby Cannavale, Margo Martindale, and Isabel Gravitt are confirmed to reprise their roles from Season 1.
• Ian Brennan serves as showrunner, while Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan executive produce the series.
• Season 1, which aired in October 2022, spent five weeks on Netflix's global top 10 English language TV chart and reached the top 10 in over 90 countries.
• No specific premiere date or plot details for Season 2 have been disclosed, though a 2027 release is likely given the current production timeline.

Background

The series is based on a true story involving the Broaddus family in Westfield, New Jersey, who received threatening letters after purchasing a home in 2014. 'The Watcher' was part of a larger deal between Ryan Murphy and Netflix, which also included the anthology series 'Monster.' While 'Monster' continued to produce new seasons, 'The Watcher' remained dormant for four years. The delay occurred after Murphy's exclusive deal with Netflix ended, leading him to return to 20th Television at Disney. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos previously noted challenges with Murphy's commitments to other networks during his exclusive period.

How outlets are covering it

Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline all report the same core facts regarding the return of the original cast and the start of production in New York. USA Today highlights the four-year gap since the renewal and notes that no plot details were provided. Deadline emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the delay between greenlight and production, comparing it to other long gaps in television history. All outlets agree that the series was a hit upon its initial release, with Variety and The Hollywood Reporter citing specific viewership numbers and chart positions. There is no disagreement among the sources, but the emphasis varies from the logistical delay (Deadline) to the cast return (Variety, THR) and the true-crime basis (USA Today).

Why it matters

The return of 'The Watcher' signals a commitment to completing a previously dormant project, despite the significant delay. It also highlights the complexities of talent deals in the streaming industry, where exclusive agreements can lead to prolonged gaps in production. The series' initial success suggests potential for strong viewership, but the long wait may impact audience interest. Additionally, the return of key cast members ensures continuity, which is crucial for a series based on a specific narrative arc.

What to watch

Production is set to continue through the fall, with a likely premiere in 2027. No additional cast members have been announced, and plot details remain undisclosed. The success of Season 2 will depend on whether the audience retains interest after such a long hiatus. The series' performance may also influence future decisions regarding other Murphy-Brennan projects at Netflix.