‘Altered Carbon’ season 2 release date, spoilers: Netflix orders less episodes; Does it mean earlier premiere is possible?

Reports of fewer episodes for upcoming shows are frequently perceived negatively by fans. But, in the case of “Altered Carbon” season 2, there might be a silver lining such as an earlier-than-anticipated release date.

“Altered Carbon” season 2 episode count: Netflix downgrades series episode count

The making of “Altered Carbon” season 2 has been confirmed for a year now. However, production and plot details remain scarce. The first season premiered on Netflix with 10 episodes and it is understandable if fans expected that number to be the same for the second installment.

Some reports indicate, however, that Netflix ordered “Altered Carbon” season 2 with only eight episodes and there are clues that might support this claim. It is widely reported that the filming of “Altered Carbon” season 2 started in early February and wrapped up in late June. That translates to roughly 4-5 months of production.

Meanwhile, IMDb reports that the first season was filmed between mid-November 2016 through the end of June 2017 or a total of over six months. “Altered Carbon” season 2 obviously needed a shorter period to complete filming that could practically mean the show will also need less time for post-production. Season 1 premiered eight months since the end of filming.

“Altered Carbon” season 2 release date: Is it happening in 2019 or 2020?

There are online sources that list “Altered Carbon” season 2 for a 2019 release date. Although, it is also plausible for Netflix to assign it a February 2020 premiere in honor of the pilot season’s second anniversary on the streaming platform.

“Altered Carbon” season 2 cast, plot: Where will Takeshi Kovacs go next?

Joel Kinnaman did a great job in playing the role of Kovacs’ sleeve in season 1. But since the show happens at an era where human consciousness can be stored and uploaded to a new “sleeve,” recasting for “Altered Carbon” season 2 did not come as a total surprise. Kovacs’ sleeve will be portrayed by Marvel Cinematic Universe actor Anthony Mackie.

As for the “Altered Carbon” season 2 plot, it is still unclear how much of Richard K. Morgan’s novel series will be adapted into the series. But season 1 finale established that Kovacs would continue his quest of looking for Quellcrist (Reneé Elise Goldsberry) who is also most likely in a different sleeve at the present timeline.