HBO and BBC One ended the fantasy drama television series His Dark Materials after three seasons – read on for why the show concluded in 2022.

Summary

• His Dark Materials ended after three seasons, as it faithfully adapted the book trilogy and reached its natural conclusion.
• Viewers had to say goodbye to the fantasy drama in 2022, but more tales involving these characters could potentially be told in the future.
• HBO could continue the series with a spinoff or adaptation of Philip Pullman's new trilogy, "The Book of Dust."

His Dark Materials ran for three seasons on HBO and BBC One before the show came to an end in December 2022. The fantasy drama television series was based on Philip Pullman's book trilogy of the same name and depicted an orphan girl named Lyra, played by Dafne Keen, living in a multi-world reality. Lyra resided in a world governed by the Magisterium, which was affiliated with the Holy Church and forced the practices of Christianity onto its citizens. The show began with Lyra learning shocking truths about herself and concluded with her having to make the painful decision to say goodbye to someone she loved.

HBO and BBC One ended His Dark Materials after only three seasons and 23 episodes, leaving some to wonder why it was over, especially given its positive reception. Those who loved the books were happy with the adaptation, seeing that it was as faithful to the trilogy as any film or television show can be, and given that the actors did a fantastic job depicting the characters from the novels. Nevertheless, the His Dark Materials season 3 finale acted as the series finale, and viewers had to say goodbye to the fantasy drama in late 2022.

His Dark Materials Wasn't Canceled & Ended Where The Books Did

HBO and BBC One did not cancel His Dark Materials — it just came to its natural conclusion. The 2019 television show's source material, the His Dark Materials book series by Philip Pullman, only had three novels, and each season of the fantasy drama was based on one book. Season 1 adapted novel one, Northern Lights (aka The Golden Compass); season 2 pulled inspiration from novel two, The Subtle Knife; and season 3 was based on novel three, The Amber Spyglass.

As a result, the HBO and BBC One series ended when the writers ran out of material from the book trilogy. Once Lyra and Will's story reached an ending, so did the television adaption of His Dark Materials. However, more tales involving these characters could theoretically be told following the season 3 finale.

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HBO Could Continue His Dark Materials After Season 3

HBO has the opportunity to make His Dark Materials into a franchise with a spinoff or a continuation of the original series. Philip Pullman wrote more books that follow these characters and these worlds following the trilogy. So, Lyra's story didn't end in The Amber Spyglass, and it doesn't have to conclude in the television show.

Pullman started a new series set in this universe called The Book of Dust, which continues Lyra's adventures. So far, only two books (La Belle Sauvage and The Secret Commonwealth) have been published, but a third and final one is on its way (expected to be released in 2024). HBO can conjure up a His Dark Materials spinoff that adapts Pullman's new trilogy and features the return of Dafne Keen as Lyra.All three seasons of His Dark Materials are available to stream on Max.

His Dark Materials

Based on author Philip Pullman’s beloved novel trilogy, His Dark Materials is a fantasy/drama television series that follows Lyra, a brave young woman from another world. Lyra’s quest to find her kidnapped friend leads her to uncover a sinister plot of a secret organization, encounter extraordinary beings, and protect dangerous secrets. Lyra will find that her life is inextricably linked with another as they discover they may be the ones to change the world.

Release Date

November 3, 2019