Netflix’s Sci-Fi Series 3 Body Problem Gets Roasted By Space Expert

Five years after Game of Thrones ended, its creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, collaborated with Alexander Woo, who wrote for True Blood, on a new science fiction series for Netflix. The show is based on the Chinese book series Remembrance of Earth’s Past and has already been renewed for a second season.

While the show gained popularity, its scientific accuracy is questionable. Astrophysicist Paul Sutter discussed several movies and series on Insider’s How Real Is It? podcast, giving positive reviews to titles like The Expanse. However, he criticized 3 Body Problem, calling it scientifically inaccurate and illogical.

As a total film and TV geek, I was fascinated by this scientist’s breakdown of a couple of scenes from Season 1, specifically Episodes 3, “Destroyer of Worlds,” and 5, “Judgment Day.” The highlight for me was when he really geeked out over John Bradley’s character, Jack Rooney, using the word “Syzygy.” He called it one of his absolute favorite astronomical terms – and explained it’s just what happens when multiple celestial bodies line up perfectly. It was a surprisingly cool moment, showing how much thought went into even the dialogue!

He went on to explain the show’s title, noting that it revolves around a star system with three suns. These suns orbit each other in a complex pattern, making their movements incredibly difficult to predict.

The astrophysicist explained that predicting the movement of three or more objects interacting with each other – a ‘three-body problem’ – is incredibly difficult in real-world situations. A good example is tracking asteroids to see if they might collide with Earth. He noted that these calculations are so complex that scientists are constantly refining their predictions of asteroid paths.

Sutter explained that while planetary alignments, or syzygies, can strengthen gravity, the depiction in the show was an exaggerated and unrealistic scenario.

Okay, so after watching 3 Body Problem, I have to say the science felt… shaky. I’d give it a three out of ten for realism, honestly. It started promisingly with some interesting talk about compact dimensions, but things quickly went off the rails after that. It just didn’t make a lot of sense after the initial setup, unfortunately.

3 Body Problem Will Return

Netflix has confirmed a second season of 3 Body Problem, with production beginning in late July. The new season will also feature Sophie Turner, known for her role as Theon Greyjoy in the popular HBO show Game of Thrones.

Netflix has renewed 3 Body Problem for a third season, in addition to the already-announced Season 2 (which doesn’t have a release date yet). Production for both seasons is planned to happen consecutively, giving the creators ample time to develop the story.

3 Body Problem is streaming on Netflix.

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2025-12-13 23:12