When James Gunn, co‑CEO of DC Studios, posted on Threads on , he revealed that the Peacemaker Season 2 finale, “Full Nelson” United States will run over 57 minutes – the longest chapter of the series to date. The announcement hit fans who'd been griping about shrinking runtimes, and it sparked a fresh wave of chatter across Reddit, Twitter and comic‑book forums.
Background: Shrinking Runtimes Spark Fan Outcry
When the second season of Peacemaker rolled out in March 2025, early episodes clocked in around 45 minutes. By Episode 7, titled “Like a Keith in the Night,” the clock barely ticked past 28 minutes once the opening recap and credits were stripped out. Viewers felt the story was being squeezed, especially as the plot grew more intricate with the introduction of the alternate reality Earth‑x.
One thread on the official Max community board summed it up: “We love the show, but it’s getting chopped like a cheap sushi roll.” The sentiment was echoed in a plethora of YouTube reaction videos, where creators displayed side‑by‑side comparisons of episode lengths, drooping eyebrows included.
The Numbers: Episode Lengths and Ratings
- Episode 1 – 48 minutes (including recap)
- Episode 2 – 48 minutes
- Episode 3 – 44 minutes
- Episode 7 – 33 minutes total, 28 minutes core
- Episode 8 – >57 minutes (confirmed)
Despite the complaints, the season holds a 96 % critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, nudging past Season 1’s 93 % score. The paradox – rave reviews but vocal runtime grumbles – gave Gunn a clear signal: the finale needed breathing room.
Gunn’s Announcement and What It Means
Gunn’s exact words, captured in a screenshot that quickly went viral, were simple: “You’ll be happy to know next week’s episode is over 57 minutes long.” He posted the note in response to a fan comment that lamented Episode 7’s brevity. The timing was deliberate – the finale is slated for Thursday, Oct. 10, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT) on Max, the streaming home of the series.
Industry analysts, like ComicBookMovie.com, noted that longer finales have become a way for creators to reward binge‑watchers. “When you give fans a 57‑minute closing act, you’re saying the story matters enough to bend the format,” said media commentator Lisa Huang.
Story Stakes: Unresolved Plots Heading into the Finale
Episode 7 left several hot‑potato threads dangling:
- Christopher Smith’s (a.k.a. Peacemaker) uneasy truce with Rick Flag Sr. and A.R.G.U.S., where the portal to Earth‑x was handed over – only for Flag Sr. to seize it.
- The hinted super‑villain turn of Keith Smith, whose betrayal was called “arguably the most compelling subplot” by multiple reviewers.
- The mysterious Earth‑x reality, barely explored beyond a single glimpse.
With an extra 20‑plus minutes, Gunn can finally let those arcs breathe. In a brief interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he hinted that the finale might wrap Christopher’s journey “at least for the moment,” leaving the door ajar for a potential third season.
John Cena, who reprises his role as Christopher Smith, said in the same interview: “We’ve been building to this moment all season. The longer runtime just means we can give fans the payoff they deserve.”
Industry Perspective: Runtime Trends in Superhero TV
Gunn isn’t the only one feeling the pressure. Recent data from streaming analytics firm StreamMetrics shows that 2025 saw a 12 % rise in viewer drop‑off rates for episodes under 30 minutes in the superhero genre. Shows like “The Boys” and “Moon Knight” have taken note, experimenting with “event‑length” episodes that sit between an hour and a feature film.
“It’s a balancing act,” explained TV veteran Mark Daniels. “You want to keep the season tight for weekly suspense, but you also need that big, cinematic moment that feels worth the subscription.” Max’s tiered pricing – $16.99 for ad‑free, $20.99 for ultimate ad‑free, and $9.99 for the ad‑supported option – makes every minute count in the platform’s eyes.
What’s Next for Peacemaker
Beyond the finale, a few questions linger. Will DC Studios green‑light a Season 3? Gunn has not given a firm answer, but insiders say a script draft is already in the cupboard. Meanwhile, the Earth‑x storyline could spin off into a limited series, a move that would mirror the Marvel‑Netflix anthology approach.
For now, the biggest story is the imminent 57‑minute binge. Fans are setting alarms, streaming parties are forming on Discord, and even casual viewers are curious to see whether the extra runtime will finally tie up the wild, multiverse knots that have kept them guessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did fans complain about Peacemaker’s episode lengths?
Viewers noticed a steady drop from ~45 minutes in early Season 2 episodes to under 30 minutes by Episode 7. The shorter slots left many plot threads under‑developed, sparking frustration on social media and in fan forums.
How long will the Peacemaker finale actually be?
James Gunn confirmed the finale will exceed 57 minutes, making it the longest episode in the series and roughly double the length of the penultimate 28‑minute installment.
When and where can I watch the finale?
The episode premieres on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2025, at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (6:00 PM Pacific) on Max. It’s available to all U.S. subscribers, regardless of tier.
Will the longer runtime resolve the Earth‑x storyline?
Experts anticipate that the extra minutes will allow the writers to flesh out Earth‑x, give Keith Smith’s arc proper closure, and settle the portal conflict that has haunted Christopher Smith since Episode 7.
Is a third season of Peacemaker in the works?
Gunn has not officially confirmed a Season 3, but insiders report that a script outline exists and that DC Studios is evaluating its performance metrics before green‑lighting a continuation.
