Shadowhunters

:

Season 1
  • Network: Freeform
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 12, 2016
Season #: 3, 2, 1
Metascore
45

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 5 out of 9
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On
Buy on
Stream On

Critic Reviews

  1. We Got This Covered
    Reviewed by: Isaac Feldberg
    Jan 12, 2016
    30
    The pilot is so bloated, attempting as it does to relay all the rules of its fictional universe through nauseatingly clunky dialogue and disorienting time- and location-jumps (including some to freaking Chernobyl, where the series’ big bad has randomly chosen to camp out), that it’s difficult to make sense of anything going on, but here are the basics.
  2. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Tirdad Derakhshani
    Jan 12, 2016
    30
    A dull YA fantasy adventure that takes itself so excruciatingly seriously it invites mockery.
  3. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Keith Uhlich
    Jan 11, 2016
    30
    What remains is origin-story drudgery (much talk of lost magical objects and Clary's "destiny") that's occasionally leavened by bursts of unintentional humor.
  5. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Lisa Weidenfeld
    Jan 12, 2016
    25
    Not even the directorial efforts of McG can salvage what’s happening here. There are some mild action sequences, but they don’t do much to elevate the proceedings.
  6. The Wrap
    Reviewed by: Tim Grierson
    Jan 12, 2016
    20
    Not fun enough to be trashy and not resonant enough to make you care.... Lordy, is it silly--and worse, it lacks the wit or sharp self-awareness to own up to its campiness or help make its melodramatic elements more palatable.

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
86
#86 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 298 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 203 out of 298
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 298
  3. Negative: 66 out of 298
  1. BiagioZ
    Jan 12, 2016
    10
    Promising, fresh and brilliant in a few specific moments. A very good beginning for Freeform, we're gonna see drama, jokes, love and veryPromising, fresh and brilliant in a few specific moments. A very good beginning for Freeform, we're gonna see drama, jokes, love and very interesting things.… Full Review »
  2. popculturecult
    Jan 16, 2016
    8
    A lot of promise here. Obvious effort has been made to to learn from the mistakes of the 2013 film adaptation. The premiere episode was keptA lot of promise here. Obvious effort has been made to to learn from the mistakes of the 2013 film adaptation. The premiere episode was kept fast paced and streamlined which was a god send to anyone who hasn't read the books. There's plenty of talented young actors on the show but if you're expecting an Emmy award winning performance right out the gate you might want to check yourself. Anyone who doesn't enjoy fantasy or those expecting to see a verbatim portrayal of the books should obviously stay away. Much like the emerging TV series The Magicians (Syfy) and The Shannara Chronicles (MTV) this show is giving fans of the books more of what of they love. Production value is high on a limited budget, the sets are excellent and wardrobe is well chosen. This series gives audiences an updated twist on the themes and plot points present in the book series and while fans of the franchise are sure to find it a breathe of fresh air, anyone who can keep up with a fast-paced and intricate fantasy storyline should enjoy it.… Full Review »
  3. lschwoebel
    Jan 19, 2016
    7
    I think to really get a good idea of the show we need to see a few more episodes. The first episode was trying to put a lot in but I thinkI think to really get a good idea of the show we need to see a few more episodes. The first episode was trying to put a lot in but I think that it gave the show a fast pace feel to it. The casting is great I think the actors will grow with each episode. They have a lot to accomplish and they have two audiences to please people who read the book and people who didn't walking the fine line will not always be done well but at least we know they are trying to. I think that is evident. Good show and I think after a few more episodes and it will hit its stride and become a great show.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »