MAX Saves Canceled Cinemax Series! Get the Scoop on 'Warrior' Season 3, Including the New Companion Podcast!

Great news, Warrior fans! The Bruce Lee-inspired martial arts series, which originated on Cinemax, was left in limbo after the announcement that Cinemax would no longer produce original programming. But MAX (formerly HBO Max) is picking up the series for season 3. Whew!

“I feel elated,” Warrior executive producer and Bruce Lee’s daughter, Shannon Lee tells Inverse. “It feels like a confluence of purpose, of timing, and coming together. It feels like what should be. I’m excited to put our voice back into the middle of things happening right now.”

Fans have waited two long years since MAX announced the season 3 pickup in April 2021.

What is Warrior about?

The gritty, action-packed crime drama is set during the Tong Wars of San Francisco’s Chinatown in the late 19th century and follows Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji), a martial arts prodigy who emigrates from China to San Francisco in search of his sister. Ah Sahm becomes a hatchet man for the Hop Wei, one of the most powerful “tongs”—Chinatown crime families.

Fun fact: Bruce Lee comes from a showbiz family. His father was a performer in Chinese opera and Lee, himself, acted in over 20 films before the age of 18. He began studying Wing Chun Kung Fu at age 13.

Where can I watch Warrior?

Seasons 1 and 2 of Warrior are available to watch on MAX (formerly HBO Max). The new season of Warrior premiered June 29 exclusively on MAX.

You can watch the first episode for free on the official MAX YouTube channel.

When will season 3 of Warrior premiere?

Season 3 premiered with two episodes on June 29, 2023. New episodes dropping weekly.

Where is Warrior filmed?

The first two seasons were filmed in Cape Town, South Africa., and the show returns to Cape Town for season 3. All the sets for 19th century San Francisco and Chinatown were built there.

When was Warrior season 3 filmed?

Filming began on July 19, 2022 and wrapped production in November. Jason Tobin, who plays Young Jun on the show, posted this image of the first day of filming season 3 to his Instagram account.

HBO Max tweeted this out:

What is season 3 of Warrior about?

In the aftermath of the San Francisco Riots in Chinatown, Mai Ling (Dianne Doan) uses her government connections to consolidate power while Ah Sahm (Koji) and the Hop Wei must find new ways to survive and retain what power they still have.

Co-creator Shannon Lee says, "the theme of immigration is very important. Let history be the backdrop for this action drama we’ve created."

While only four people died in the actual riots that took place in history, many more innocent lives were lost on Warrior. Likely plots will include the ongoing Tong Wars, Leary's new role on the city council, and well, more fights.

Another story arc is Ah Sahm's unsolicited rise to power—will this pit him against Young Jun (Tobin) as well as his sister, Mai Ling?  We'll just have to wait and see.

"I don’t want to say anything that turns out to be not what we do," showrunner Jonathan Tropper tells Inverse. "But the goal is to continue exploring themes we have been exploring, with the country’s disposition toward the newest wave of immigrants. [We will] go into the halls of government and start clarifying how immigrants end up pitted against each other in the system. But in terms of the Hop Wei and the Long Zhi, we need to get our heads wrapped around that."

Fun fact: Executive producer and writer, Brad Kane, is also an actor/singer. He was the singing voice for Aladdin in the 1992 animated film starring Robin Williams as the Genie.

How many episodes are there in season 3 of Warrior?

There are 10 episodes in season 3 of Warrior. Check out the episode titles and descriptions below.

Episode 1 - Exactly the Wrong Time to Get Proud

Struggling under the pressure of an increased police presence, the Hop Wei search for a new way to survive. Meanwhile, as Leary grows frustrated with his limitations on the city council, the Long Zii gain powerful new connections. Written by Jonathan Tropper; Directed by Nima Nourizadeh.

Episode 2 - Anything Short of a Blow to the Head

After struggling to produce authentic bills, Ah Sahm and Young Jun receive valuable printing advice from an unexpected source. Unbeknownst to the Hop Wei, the Secret Service begins to track counterfeit currency in San Francisco, and Mai Ling mingles with a new crowd. Written by Brad Kane; Directed by Dustin Nguyen.

Episode 3 - No Time for F*cking Chemistry

Determined to construct his railroad, Strickland takes menacing steps to secure Nellie’s land – and Leary’s political support. Meanwhile, Mosely presents Lee with a weighted proposition, Mai Ling grows closer to Eliza, and later, a charitable move from Young Jun raises tensions with Ah Sahm. Written by Evan Endicott & Josh Stoddard; Directed by Dustin Nguyen.

Episode 4 - In Chinatown, No One Thinks of Forever

Shaken by the loss of Nellie’s land, Ah Toy faces a difficult decision. As Mai Ling’s new connections yield lofty business prospects, Li Yong worries for her safety. Later, a police raid on Hop Wei territory forces Ah Sahm and Yan Mi to think on their toes. Written by Francisca X. Hu; Directed by Dinh Thai.

Episode 5 - Whiskey and Sticky and All the Rest Can Wait

Ah Sahm and Hong race against time to free a captured Young Jun before he’s sent back to China. As Mai Ling hits rock bottom, Li Yong struggles to gain support for a rescue mission. Buckley raises an ultimatum, and Lee follows his instincts. Written by Lillian Yu; Directed by Dinh Thai.

Episode 6 - A Soft Heart Won't Do You No Favors

Chao and Lee band together after an unexpected tossup threatens their lives. Meanwhile, the Hop Wei navigate a tense deal with German traders as Leary and Strickland ruffle feathers in the political world. Written by Evan Endicott & Josh Stoddard; Directed by Brett Chan.

Episode 7 - Gotta Be Crooked to Get Along in a Crooked World

With Father Jun injured, Young Jun strains to keep up with his increasing outbursts. As Leary struggles to smooth over rising working-class tensions, Buckley is presented with a lofty proposition. Meanwhile, Yan Mi reveals a secret, and Mai Ling extends an invitation. Written by Glenise Mullins; Directed by Dennie Gordon.

Episode 8 - You Know When You're Losing a Fight

A wedding briefly unites the Hop Wei and Long Zii. Li Yong receives a grim final warning from Kong Pak. Meanwhile, Mosley and Lee further their investigation, Buckley reaps the benefits of his victory, and Bill reasserts his dominance. Written by Hoon Lee; Directed by Dennie Gordon.

Episode 9 - All of Death is Going Home

Ah Sahm faces a crucial decision as tensions mount within the Hop Wei. In the aftermath of the wedding, Mai Ling reckons with the consequences of her actions, while Li Yong struggles to move forward. Leary reaches his breaking point after a shocking blow from Strickland. Written by Brad Kane; Directed by Loni Peristere.

Episode 10 - A Window of F*cking Opportunity

In the wake of a tragic death, Ah Toy seeks revenge. Meanwhile, the Secret Service makes their descent on the Tongs’ printing operation, forcing Ah Sahm to choose between his duties with the Hop Wei and a future with his new love. Later, Young Jun seizes an opportunity to hit the Long Zii where it hurts. Written by Evan Endicott & Josh Stoddard & Danielle DiPaolo; Directed by Loni Peristere.

Is there a Warrior podcast?

Yes! Warrior will have an official podcast hosted by Lisa Ling and series star Hoon Lee. The podcast will go behind the scenes of each episode and delve into the making of the show with interviews from cast members, showrunners and special guests. Each episode of the Warrior podcast will drop after weekly episodes debut on Max. The podcast is available on Apple, Google, YouTube, Spotify and more. Check out the availability here.

Is there a trailer for season 3 of Warrior?

The newest trailer dropped just ahead of the season 3 premiere. Take a look below.