The Best Man: The Final Chapters was released on Peacock on December 22, 2022 as an 8-episode limited series, serving as a sequel to the popular The Best Man film franchise. The show reunited the original cast, including Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Harold Perrineau, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, Regina Hall, and Melissa De Sousa. It explores their lives, relationships, and careers around 15 years after the events of The Best Man Holiday.
Fans are now wondering – will there be a season 2 of The Final Chapters? Here’s what we know so far:
The Show Was Conceived as a Limited Series
When The Final Chapters was first announced in February 2021, it was described as a “limited series” by Peacock and creator Malcolm D. Lee. This typically implies a one-and-done season. Lee also called it the “final installment of the franchise” in interviews.
So from the start, there seemed to be no plans for the show to continue beyond the initial 8 episodes. It was meant to provide closure after over 20 years of fans wanting to know what happened to their favorite characters.
Has Creator Malcolm D. Lee Provided Any Clarity?
That said, Lee has occasionally made vague comments alluding to the possibility of more stories to tell in this world.
In an interview with Today after the season 1 finale, when asked if this was really the end, Lee responded:
“I closed the books. We don’t have any other story to tell, at least I don’t.”
This leaves the door slightly ajar for potential spinoffs or sequels not directly involving Harper, Lance and the rest of the core friend group. Lee also said:
“It’s possible. Maybe something inspires (it).”
So he remains noncommittal about the franchise 100% ending for good.
Does the Series Demand a Sequel?
Season 1 of The Final Chapters does provide a complete narrative arc that gives sufficient closure to these characters. All of their major storylines reach satisfying endpoints by the finale.
Harper finishes his passion project in adapting his novel Unfinished Business into a movie. Lance overcomes tragedy and repairs fractured relationships. Murch and Candace strengthen their marriage. Jordan finds new love after her divorce. And so on.
The ending montage shows everyone seemingly content in their lives and futures. All the lingering questions from the previous Best Man films got answered as well.
So from a story perspective, there’s no urgent need for the show to continue. A second season could feel forced or ruin the completeness of season 1.
What May Happen in The Final Chapters Season 2?
That said, the ending does leave some doors open.
Harper and Robyn close the season deciding to separate trially after the strains placed on their marriage. The show never reveals whether they ultimately divorce or reconcile.
Additionally, Jordan and Harper share a charged moment and kiss at the airport in the finale scene. This references an ambiguous romantic tension teased between them since the first Best Man movie in 1999.
So if the show ever did return, exploring the aftermath of Jordan’s divorce and Harper’s separation would be an obvious storyline choice.
Other possible spinoff ideas include focusing on the next generation, with Lance’s kids or Quentin’s daughter Alexis in college. But Lee has said he likely wouldn’t be creatively involved if that happened.
Is The Cast and Crew Willing for New Season?
The Final Chapters was clearly a passion project and labor of love for Malcolm D. Lee and the cast. In various interviews, they’ve expressed how much they enjoyed revisiting these characters and working together again.
Nia Long even said:
“I would play Jordan for the rest of my life. I love her.”
And the show has been a ratings hit for Peacock, so the network would likely want more as well.
So if Lee ever did have an idea for a follow-up season or spinoff, the talent and platform would be ready to move forward. But the ball remains firmly in his court.
Also Read: When Will The Calling Season 2 Be Released?
Should You Uphold Your Expectations?
Given that The Final Chapters was conceived as a limited series sendoff, and season 1 told a complete story with closure, the chances of an actual season 2 seem very slim at this point.
But never say never! The Best Man franchise has beaten the odds before, returning for a sequel film in 2013 despite that looking unlikely for years.
Diehard fans will surely continue holding out a glimmer of hope that we’ll get to see Harper, Lance, Jordan and the rest on our screens together again someday. Whether that happens remains to be seen.
In the meantime, we can rewatch and cherish the perfect ending we did get when so few classic properties get that chance. The Final Chapters capped off the franchise beautifully, letting these beloved characters walk off into the sunset after over 20 years in our lives.
So will there be a season 2 of The Best Man: The Final Chapters? Probably not. But given this franchise’s history, we can never completely rule it out either.
