With Invincible set to return shortly, season 3’s release schedule has officially been released, and it’s a promising update following the backlash of season 2. Despite being one of the best animated shows around, Invincible‘s second season received a lot of criticism, not because of its quality, but for its frustrating release schedule. Having waited around two-and-a-half years between seasons, fans were excited about the show finally continuing its epic story, only for it to go on hiatus for several months after four episodes. Naturally, this upset viewers and caused plenty of frustration among the fan base.

Luckily, Invincible season 3 fixed the mistake by announcing no midseason break would take place this time around. While this was a promising start for the third installment, it didn’t necessarily confirm exactly what the release schedule would look like. Thankfully, the series will be returning to its original format of three episodes on February 6, before releasing one episode weekly for the remaining five. Given how great season 2’s narrative was, it was a huge shame to see it surrounded by so much controversy, but fortunately, Invincible season 3’s story should avoid suffering from these external factors.

Invincible Season 3 Returning To Its Original Release Schedule Is Great News

The Show Is Avoiding The Same Controversy That Hurt Season 2

Now that Invincible season 3 will officially be returning to the same release schedule as season 1 and many other Prime Video shows, the conversation can go back to being about the contents of the show itself. After Invincible season 2’s gripping conclusion and fantastic character work, it’s easy to forget how good the second outing was because of the dissatisfaction among the community. In addition to viewers being upset about the midseason break, there were also complaints about how long season 2 took to arrive in the first place and even some criticism leveled at the animation.

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However, in comparison to how excellent the story and voice-acting were, these all seem like minor problems and not something that should’ve derailed the show. Therefore, season 3 seemingly avoiding the same fate is excellent news for the franchise, as the praise and critical acclaim that made the first season so popular should be on display once again, as long as the series can maintain its quality. There is still plenty of great material to adapt, and based on the comics, season 3’s story will likely be even more dramatic and emotional than the first two installments.

As a result, the decision to return to its original release format looks like it will fix most of the mistakes that hurt the previous season, and the return in February can hopefully restore Invincible‘s stellar reputation and remind people of why it’s one of the most talked about shows on TV.

Invincible Season 3’s Release Schedule Still Has One Minor Problem

Prime Video’s Hit Season Will Only Be Back For Six Weeks

Despite the drastically improved release schedule, Invincible season 3 does still face a potential issue. As frustrating as the midseason break was, Invincible season 2 technically had several months in the limelight because of it, for better or for worse. In contrast, season 3 releasing its first three episodes at once means it will only be around for six weeks in total before going on hiatus once again, which could be problematic. Invincible season 4’s confirmation does indicate that the release window between future seasons should be shorter going forward, but it could still be a while before it arrives.

This may not seem like a lot of waiting time for fans who survived the dreaded two-and-a-half-year gap previously, but it does mean season 3’s time in the spotlight could come and go very quickly. Rather than being a hot topic for months on end, its eight episodes being condensed into six weeks could mean people move on from Invincible shortly after season 3 finishes. Still, the first season managed to stay topical for a long time after it wrapped up and gained a massive community, so there is hope season 3 will follow in these footsteps and thrive.

Why Invincible Season 3’s Schedule Is Still Much Better Than Season 2’s

Fans Will Have An Easier Time Waiting For Each Season Without Enduring Midseason Breaks

Although season 3’s release schedule does still have its potential problems, it looks a lot more promising than season 2’s. The six-week lifespan may not seem overly promising on paper, but it has been Prime Video’s regular format for some of its most popular shows, with The Boys, Reacher, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power all using the same schedule in recent seasons. It hasn’t impacted their overall popularity or relevance, it didn’t hurt Invincible season 1, and it shouldn’t hurt season 3, especially not as much as a midseason break would.

While two-part seasons have worked for shows in the past, it’s a stronger format for those with large episode counts. Invincible having just eight episodes a season doesn’t justify splitting it in half, making it understandable why audiences were upset about season 2’s direction. It halted the story’s momentum right as it was heating up, and season 3 will rightfully want to avoid the same fate. Although the current method risks the wait for season 4 feeling longer, the franchise seems to have overcome its long delay between seasons, and audiences should be more patient without an unnecessary midseason break.

Based on the comic book character by Robert Kirkman, Invincible follows Mark Grayson,  a seventeen-year-old who leads a seemingly average life save for the fact that he lives behind the shadow of his superhero father, Omni-Man. Mark goes on to develop superhuman abilities, but he must also learn that his father’s legacy isn’t as glitzy and glamorous as he’s been led to believe.

Release Date

March 26, 2021

Network

Amazon Prime Video

Cast

Mark Hamill
, Gillian Jacobs
, Jon Hamm
, Mae Whitman
, Steven Yeun
, Walton Goggins
, Ezra Miller
, Jonathan Groff
, Sandra Oh
, Djimon Hounsou
, Khary Payton
, Seth Rogen
, Jeffrey Donovan
, Sonequa Martin-Green
, Mahershala Ali
, Malese Jow
, J. K. Simmons
, Clancy Brown
, Zazie Beetz
, Zachary Quinto
, Jason Mantzoukas
, Nicole Byer

Seasons

3

Story By

Robert Kirkman

Showrunner

Simon Racioppa

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