One of the best crime thriller shows of recent years has been cancelled

Despite earning rave reviews, the gangster series will not be back for a third season.

Based on the 2009 memoir of the same name and created by playwright J.T. Rogers (Oslo), the series revolves around real-life journalist Jake Adelstein (Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver).

This is as he relocates to Tokyo in 1999 and secures a job at a major Japanese newspaper, becoming the news outlet's first foreign writer.

Taken under the wing of a veteran detective in the organised crime squad (Oscar-nominee Ken Watanabe, The Last Samurai), Adelstein delves into the dark and dangerous world of the yakuza.

Having first premiered in 2022 on HBO Max in the States before being granted a second batch of episodes which were released earlier this year, Tokyo Vice's two seasons earned an impressive 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

It garnered particular praise for its stylish filmmking, its fascinating setting, its dense gangster story and its detailed exploration of crime journalism.

Despite the acclaim - streaming service Max, writer J.T. Rogers and the show's producer and director Alan Poul confirmed in a statement that the project will not be returning for a third season.

According to multiple outlets, a Max spokesperson stated:

“From Tokyo Vice’s richly written material to the gorgeously composed shots to the lived-in performances, the care and creativity of this enormously talented cast and crew shines in every frame of the show. We thank J.T., Alan, Ansel, Ken, Fifth Season, and Wowow for their partnership on this wholly unique modern noir thriller.”

This was as Poul and Rogers thanked Max for their support and hinted that Tokyo Vice could possibly return someday, stating:

Tokyo Vice's two seasons are available to stream on the BBC iPlayer.

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