3 Body Problem, Netflix’s most expensive series ever. Here's how much each episode cost

In 2024, Netflix premiered one of the most anticipated, ambitious, and visually spectacular series in its history: ‘3 Body Problem.’

Photo: Netflix

Based on Liu Cixin’s bestselling novel, and with David Benioff and D.B. Weiss at the helm of its TV adaptation, Netflix spared no expense to ensure the production lived up to the brilliance of this sci-fi masterpiece.

Photo: Netflix

And indeed, it wasn’t. Adapting a story as expansive and intricate as ‘3 Body Problem’ was never going to be easy... or, as Netflix recently revealed, cheap.

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Netflix disclosed that the first season of the series cost a staggering $233.1 million, which breaks down to $29.1 million per episode across the eight-episode season.

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With this, ‘3 Body Problem’ officially became Netflix’s most expensive series ever, surpassing even the $20 million per episode that industry insiders had initially speculated. It would later be surpassed by 'Stranger Things' with episodes of $30 million, but the difference was small.

Photo: Netflix

So, where did all that money go? A significant chunk was allocated to breathtaking visual effects, state-of-the-art production design, and the stunning cinematography that immerses viewers in the show’s futuristic world.

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Another major expense was securing the rights to the story and assembling a stellar international cast, including Jonathan Pryce (pictured), Eiza González, John Bradley West, Liam Cunningham, and Benedict Wong.

Photo: Netflix

On top of that, the production featured numerous international locations, further driving up costs to the jaw-dropping $29.1 million per episode.

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Unsurprisingly, the budget for ‘3 Body Problem’ eclipsed other Netflix heavyweights like ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘The Crown.’ It set a benchmark that will be tough to beat — though with Netflix, anything is possible.

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Interestingly, Netflix has stated that the final cost of the first season came in “below the original budget,” a testament to the massive scale of the project they initially envisioned.

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This monumental investment makes it clear that Netflix is fully committed to going all-in — not just in ambition but also financially — to maintain its dominance in the highly competitive streaming market.

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Unsurprisingly, the series has already been renewed for two additional seasons. These will likely match—or even exceed—the first season’s budget, especially with rising salaries for the cast.

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Filming for the second season is set to kick off in 2025 at Shepperton Studios in London, continuing the storyline centered around Saul Durand and his pivotal role in the unfolding drama.

Photo: Netflix

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