Netflix’s black comedy historical series The Decameron put a silly twist on the 14th century class struggles of Europe, but will the show return for a second season? Developed for the small screen by Kathleen Jordan (from the classic story cycle by Giovanni Boccaccio), The Decameron concerns a band of nobles and their servants as they seek shelter in the Villa Santa as the Black Death ravages the Italian countryside. Cleverly exaggerating the bombastic nature of European history, The Decameron intentionally draws a parallel between 14th century issues and modern times with anachronistic humor that bites hard at class issues.

Unfortunately for Netflix, The Decameron season 1 has been met with mixed-to-negative reviews from most critics, who point out that the humor doesn’t quite land as intended. Despite this, the marriage of its historical subject with steamy sexual content could see overlap with Netflix’s healthy audience of Bridgerton fans, though there are obvious differences between the two properties. Though the future of The Decameron is anything but certain, there’s always a chance that Netflix could return to 14th century Italy for a few more tales of debauchery and Black Death intrigue.

The Decameron Season 2 Is Not Confirmed

Negative Reviews Might Hinder The Show’s Progress

Zosia Mamet holds up a goblet with shock on her face in front of an image of a plague pit from The DecameronCustom image by Debanjana Chowdhury

it’s also important to note that The Decameron features a somewhat conclusive ending, and that could indicate that Netflix never had any intention of continuing the story.

Though Netflix was likely hoping that there would be some audience overlap between Bridgerton and The Decameron, the latter has not been as well-received by critics, which could affect audience reaction. Along those same lines, the success of the new series hasn’t been fully examined yet, and it will take a while before the viewership numbers become clear. As such, Netflix has yet to renew The Decameron for a second season, and its fate is anything but certain after a lackluster debut. 

While critical reaction is only half the equation for any TV show, the deluge of streaming content makes it very difficult for even big streamers like Netflix to find an audience for their original shows and movies. Critical reception can sometimes ignite word-of-mouth, which could then become audience interest. However, it’s also important to note that The Decameron features a somewhat conclusive ending, and that could indicate that Netflix never had any intention of continuing the story.

The Decameron Season 2 Cast

Only A Few Characters Survived Season 1

Stratilia cares for Tindaro who's in bed in The Decameron season 1, episode 3

it’s unknown if season 2 would even return to those characters, or opt to go for an anthology approach that tackles other characters.

In keeping with its 14th century setting, only a few main characters survived the events of The Decameron season 1, with many succumbing to the Black Death or violent betrayal. With that in mind, the returning cast is significantly narrowed, and only leaves a few recognizable names left if season 2 is renewed. Jessica Plummer could reprise her role as Filomena, alongside Saoirse-Monica Jackson’s Misia, Tanya Reynolds’s Licisca, Leila Farzad’s Stratilia, and Tony Hale as Sirisco. However, it’s unknown if season 2 would even return to those characters, or opt to go for an anthology approach that tackles other characters.

The cast members who could return include:

Actor
The Decameron Role

Jessica Plummer
Filomena

Filomena (Jessica Plummer) smirking in The Decameron season 1

Saoirse-Monica Jackson
Misia

Misia (Saoirse-Monica Jackson) shushing someone in The Decameron season 1

Tanya Reynolds
Licisca

Licisca looks wide-eyed at the camera in The Decameron

Leila Farzad
Stratilia

Stratilia smilles at Jacopo in The Decameron.

Tony Hale
Sirisco

Sirisco looks through the ceiling of the carriage in The Decameron season 1, episode 2

The Decameron Season 2 Story Details

There Is No Safe Haven From The Plague

A composite image of Zosia Mamet looking sad with Tony Hale looking toward the camera against a backdrop that is splattered in blood from The DecameronCustom image by Debanjana Chowdhury

The ending of The Decameron season 1 could be seen as conclusive, but it certainly doesn’t eliminate the chance of a follow-up. The servants escaped the villa through some ingenuity, but they are now left with no safe haven from the Plague and no nobles to work for. Season 2 could follow the original characters as they try to survive in the hostile 14th century, dodging plague and violence wherever they go. On the other hand, The Decameron season 2 could opt for an anthology approach that tackles the same themes with new characters.

The Decameron Season 2 Is Not Confirmed

Negative Reviews Might Hinder The Show’s Progress

Zosia Mamet holds up a goblet with shock on her face in front of an image of a plague pit from The DecameronCustom image by Debanjana Chowdhury

it’s also important to note that The Decameron features a somewhat conclusive ending, and that could indicate that Netflix never had any intention of continuing the story.

Though Netflix was likely hoping that there would be some audience overlap between Bridgerton and The Decameron, the latter has not been as well-received by critics, which could affect audience reaction. Along those same lines, the success of the new series hasn’t been fully examined yet, and it will take a while before the viewership numbers become clear. As such, Netflix has yet to renew The Decameron for a second season, and its fate is anything but certain after a lackluster debut.