Shadow and Bone

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 23, 2021
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 84
  3. Negative: 16 out of 84
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User Reviews

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  1. SofiaaC
    Apr 23, 2021
    10
    Such a good show with a really new and intriged universe, amazing cast, especially the crows. I'm in love with Inej and Jesper.
  2. viroodiem
    Apr 25, 2021
    8
    First and foremost this is a good show. That said it comes off as a great show. Not because it is great, but because it comes in the middle of a TV drought in the month of April 2021. If you stack this against other months where there are 2-5 good shows running, it illustrates is a good show and might even be at the head of its respective pack. But definitely not something above a goodFirst and foremost this is a good show. That said it comes off as a great show. Not because it is great, but because it comes in the middle of a TV drought in the month of April 2021. If you stack this against other months where there are 2-5 good shows running, it illustrates is a good show and might even be at the head of its respective pack. But definitely not something above a good show.

    The show feels like the illegitimate love child between Anna Karenina and Final Fantasy or The Last Airbender or something of a similar vein with an emphasis on elemental style magic, A looming evil, Huge monsters and a battle between light and dark magic. All done with a well made steampunk aesthetic that is not too overwhelming that it becomes tedious.

    The writing is much wht you would expect for a YA translation. It does a good job of crafting likable heroes and even anti-heroes. It is however fairly predictable and does get pretty tropey at times.Even cringy how close they follow TVTropes templates for some characters. The world building here is a major strong suit. You really want to see more of this world and its fall.

    The actors, although mostly fresh faces, churn in good work that elevates that writing, for the most part. The lead actress being a definite step down in quality, but it not being so glaring it hurts the production. There are a few other weak actors but again, nothing so glaring as to cause much concern after you are an episode in and can suspend disbelief.

    Arguably the biggest strong suit is the visuals. Between the set pieces and costuming you can tell a LOT of budget went into it and they definitely got their moneys worth. This is one of the best looking fantasy series since Game of Thrones.

    The season ended well with a satisfying conclusion and setting up a whole new season for us to anticipate. Only complaint is it being netflix and netflix style of dumping everything for it to be binged which can be great, but at the same time the audience does not get to adequately digest episodes which makes a series more memorable. With as big of a production this has to be we are likely looking at a year if not upwards of two for a second season. Shows like Altered Carbon illustrate what happens when you go too long between seasons after a season was just binged. People forget and dont care the same way when a new season returns. So hopefully netflix knew how big this was going to be and had production set up well in advance to make a second season turn around low. We shall see.

    All in all I would give a 7.75 and go ahead and round up to an 8 because of it coming in the big drought and needing something good to sink teeth into.    … Expand
  3. TheCritiic
    Apr 25, 2021
    10
    This show has a level of overall polish that I haven't seen since game of thrones. The sets costumes, and artistry immersive level of detail it's fascinating to be able to delve into the ideology that there exists a fold in which one cannot enter or one should not enter and how the world always wants to go where no man should what is this fold or this crease this area that we're unable toThis show has a level of overall polish that I haven't seen since game of thrones. The sets costumes, and artistry immersive level of detail it's fascinating to be able to delve into the ideology that there exists a fold in which one cannot enter or one should not enter and how the world always wants to go where no man should what is this fold or this crease this area that we're unable to enter what is it that captivates and lures us to want to explore the fold....The show has it all, great acting, dialogue and characters, just watch, you'll thank me later… Expand
  4. Skeletor71
    Apr 23, 2021
    7
    At first I was so excited, because almost everything looked exactly like I imagined it when reading the books. But after a while it got confusing, because of all the different books happening at the same time. It even gets boring from time to time. And the pace is too fast for me. This should have been at least 12 hour long episodes.
    I'm writing this after having watched three episodes,    At first I was so excited, because almost everything looked exactly like I imagined it when reading the books. But after a while it got confusing, because of all the different books happening at the same time. It even gets boring from time to time. And the pace is too fast for me. This should have been at least 12 hour long episodes.
    I'm writing this after having watched three episodes, so I hope it gets better. The acting, scenery, production values, etc. are all really excellent though. This is by no means a horrible show. And I will definitely watch every minute of it.    … Expand
  5. Artursecond
    Apr 25, 2021
    10
    I went in without any expectation and now I'm really surprised. The first chapter is a bit "fast" (to say the least) building the world, but it all comes pretty nice!
  6. Monster507
    Apr 23, 2021
    10
    Me encanto todo, la producción, los efectos, creo que los primeros episodios llegan ha ser confusos, pero a partir del 5 se empiezan ha atar cabos.
  7. peyman_eun
    Apr 23, 2021
    10
    Probably the best fantasy series Netflix has ever made. Very well made. One of the best TV series of 2021. I really liked the series and I also like his genre. Both the costume design and the scene design as well as its special effects are at a high level. I think Alina's acting is good and lovable, and overall the performance of the actors is good. The story is complex and full ofProbably the best fantasy series Netflix has ever made. Very well made. One of the best TV series of 2021. I really liked the series and I also like his genre. Both the costume design and the scene design as well as its special effects are at a high level. I think Alina's acting is good and lovable, and overall the performance of the actors is good. The story is complex and full of margins. The series never has the weaknesses of Netflix The Witcher. The war plans and design of the dragons are well done and attractive.
    In conclusion, I can say that there is a series that is worth a bench watch!    … Expand
  8. shoulderoforion
    Apr 25, 2021
    9
    Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. I was concerned from the trailer that it would be too much worldbuilding for me to get into it not having read the books first, but that wasn't the case at all. Great story, fantasy, acting, writing, pacing. Binged it all in a day and a half, and am eagerly looking forward to it's second season. This was a treat.
  9. AX10
    Apr 27, 2021
    10
    Neetflix al fin encontró el camino para producir una muy buena serie de fantasía. Interesante argumento, buenas actuaciones, gran calidad de vestuario, fotografía y maquilla bien las limitaciones de sus FX como para que no desentonen. Una serie totalmente recomendable para los amantes del genero. Como punto negativo, una historia basada solo en adolescentes y con demasiada carga puesta enNeetflix al fin encontró el camino para producir una muy buena serie de fantasía. Interesante argumento, buenas actuaciones, gran calidad de vestuario, fotografía y maquilla bien las limitaciones de sus FX como para que no desentonen. Una serie totalmente recomendable para los amantes del genero. Como punto negativo, una historia basada solo en adolescentes y con demasiada carga puesta en el romance para los distintos personajes.… Expand
  10. ilqar19
    Apr 28, 2021
    10
    i dont remember,when i have seen last time great fantasy tw show like this.
  11. Dee-Jay_Deli
    Apr 29, 2021
    7
    A little clichee, but well-enough produced to make it an enjoyable watch. Yes, I too rolled by eyes and groaned a little at the many obvious YA tropes in this show ("love triangle", "chosen one", "bland love interest without personality) but it's all put together well enough to retain some charm. The main actress has enough charm and charisma to keep me hooked and the world isA little clichee, but well-enough produced to make it an enjoyable watch. Yes, I too rolled by eyes and groaned a little at the many obvious YA tropes in this show ("love triangle", "chosen one", "bland love interest without personality) but it's all put together well enough to retain some charm. The main actress has enough charm and charisma to keep me hooked and the world is sufficiently unique to remain interesting. Even if you do feel like you've seen it all before.… Expand
  12. Everwhaa
    May 14, 2021
    8
    You know what? Was not expecting anything from this show.
    Ended really enjoying the story telling.
    There's a few cheesy things in there but overall... It's a good show to check out.
  13. ShaneDog
    May 24, 2021
    10
    Well done on so many levels; casting, script, graphics, location, and that’s just the tip of where they went right. Couldn’t stop binging after episode 1. Can’t wait for the the next season already!

    Fans of Stranger Things, Hunger Games, Harry Potter, etc will love it. If you don’t then I guess it wasn’t meant for you!
  14. Lucas565
    Sep 3, 2021
    10
    Uma das melhores séries que eu já assisti eu recomendo ela é maravilhosa mesmo muito boa
  15. ewalluis
    May 14, 2021
    8
    I have not read the books. I did enjoy the show. There isn't much of hand-holding in terms of introducing audience to the world, all the different regions, their history or politics and such. Characters do get a different treatment though.

    Some events that seem random are often too convenient for my liking but that might be because of source material or the fact that 8 episodes 45-50    I have not read the books. I did enjoy the show. There isn't much of hand-holding in terms of introducing audience to the world, all the different regions, their history or politics and such. Characters do get a different treatment though.

    Some events that seem random are often too convenient for my liking but that might be because of source material or the fact that 8 episodes 45-50 minutes each isn't a lot of time.

    Most of the cast consists of up-and-coming actors with just a few roles in their filmography and they actually do a very good job. Casting main protagonist as a mixed race character allows show to tackle racism which "fits well" with all the other problems of war torn country.

    Music is good. Costumes are even better. VFX are OK-ish and luckily not overused.

    If the show gets renewed for second season I'll most likely watch it.

    EDIT after reading the books:

    The netflix adaptation is a better version of the Shadow and Bone. I liked the books but they also made me realise how much writer Eric Heiserrer changed and/or improved. Boring stuff out. Interesting events in. This also means a lot of exposition which sometimes is too much.

    books 7/10
    netflix adaptation 8/10    … Expand
  16. LivWill90
    May 1, 2021
    10
    Unique world with compelling storylines, top-notch production and excellent performances. One of the best fantasy series in years. Kudos to Netflix!

Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Most Discussed TV Season of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Radio Times
    Reviewed by: Huw Fullerton
    Dec 2, 2021
    60
    The action and characterisation feels less convincing than it did in the simpler, less sprawling book story, almost like the rush to expand the story left it contracted in the ways that really matter.
    Read full review
  2. Empire
    Reviewed by: Ben Travis
    Sep 20, 2021
    60
    Some elements are overly familiar and others overly confusing, but Shadow And Bone will draw you into the Fold with its absorbing world-building and engaging lead duo.
    Read full review
  3. Polygon
    Reviewed by: Petrana Radulovic
    May 8, 2021
    85
    Though it’s full of worldbuilding lore that might hinder newcomers, Shadow and Bone is the best sort of adaptation for longtime fans: one that might just possibly be better than the source material.
    Read full review
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