‘Westworld’ Season 3 Spoilers, News, Updates: HBO Exec Says Show Not for ‘Casual Viewers’; Hope in Next Season

“Westworld” Season 3 has already been greenlit but the majority of the attention from the show’s fans is still with Season 2. Specifically, a lot of viewers simply did not like how the latest season was handled, which resulted in falling ratings. It would seem that HBO isn’t too worried about this, however, if the comments of one of its executives are anything to go by. There is also hope that the next season can save the show.

In response to the reports that the backlash for season 2 of the show has been widespread, Casey Bloys, the president of programming at HBO, said that he doesn’t agree. He notes that the negative reaction was relatively contained, Metro reports. It would be great if this was true since it could have a major impact on how “Westworld” Season 3 is going to be received.

“The people who love it really love it, even the people who dislike it feel the need to discuss it and talk about it, and let you know they dislike it, and debate. And for a show to arouse that kind of feeling, that’s what we want,” Bloys said.

He also added that the show was not meant for “casual viewers” who just want to tune their minds off with thoughtless entertainment. Bloys said that the creators of the show “like to challenge their viewers and many feel rewarded by that. It’s a unique show, and that’s what we’re looking for.” Regardless of their intentions, though, it’s clear that the show’s fate could be decided in “Westworld” Season 3.

In an interview with Stuff last June, “Westworld” showrunner and co-creator Lisa Joy talked about the direction of the show. In “Westworld” Season 3, the hosts will be exiting the park and going out into the real world. If the creative minds behind the show can turn things around, perhaps by focusing more on character development than plot twists, there could still be hope for it. If not, falling ratings will be the least of their concerns.