Shadowhunters

:

Season 1
  • Network: Freeform
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 12, 2016
Season #: 3, 2, 1
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
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  1. portmanteau
    Jan 16, 2016
    1
    tweeny garbage, unadulterated dross. It's chock full of rote cliches, middling production values and could be substituted for any other teen sci-fi over the last decade without anyone even noticing. It will no doubt last at maximum 2 seasons. and that's being extraordinarily generous.
  2. IanMoone89
    Feb 26, 2016
    1
    This show has been painful to watch. They tried to rush through and try to get you hooked from the first episode and that was a total failure. I love the books and the story, and they strayed way too far from that. The acting is abysmal, say nothing of the special affects. They should really invest some time into classes for their actors so that maybe they would have a hope of actuallyThis show has been painful to watch. They tried to rush through and try to get you hooked from the first episode and that was a total failure. I love the books and the story, and they strayed way too far from that. The acting is abysmal, say nothing of the special affects. They should really invest some time into classes for their actors so that maybe they would have a hope of actually showing something worthwhile. This does the books an absolute disservice. The dialogue is delivered as though the actors are more concerned just with trying to remember their lines and deliver them quickly than actually putting any kind of feeling or effort into the character. I am really disappointed as I was really looking forward to this show.… Expand
  3. dixieheart
    Feb 18, 2016
    1
    I really wanted to like this show. The idea was very enticing to me. The first episode was hard to sit through, simply because the main girl Claire is beyond winy and annoying. Her voice alone makes me want to turn the tv off. I tried to let this minimal nuisance pass but yet another annoyance in the show occurs. Majority of the cast can not act. Putting a distraction was their best idea II really wanted to like this show. The idea was very enticing to me. The first episode was hard to sit through, simply because the main girl Claire is beyond winy and annoying. Her voice alone makes me want to turn the tv off. I tried to let this minimal nuisance pass but yet another annoyance in the show occurs. Majority of the cast can not act. Putting a distraction was their best idea I imagine considering the curvy character exploits her body in almost every episode. I Can honestly say I am tired of seeing her chest. The show all and all is hard to sit through.… Expand
  4. Lilywaterflower
    Mar 24, 2016
    0
    I never read the story nor seen Mortal instruments but the show is just full of chappy, disconnected, over dramatic dialogue. And the plot fills a bit rushed. The acting has a phony feel to it.
  5. lilyporter
    Mar 22, 2016
    2
    I've read the Mortal Instruments books, I'm in the middle of the last. Since like, the first episode, nothing has been accurate. Not even some of the characters are portrayed the same from the books. all of the plots are 100% different and the acting is awful. The movie wasn't 100% accurate, but it was probably about 97%. At least they stuck to the actual plot of the first book, whereasI've read the Mortal Instruments books, I'm in the middle of the last. Since like, the first episode, nothing has been accurate. Not even some of the characters are portrayed the same from the books. all of the plots are 100% different and the acting is awful. The movie wasn't 100% accurate, but it was probably about 97%. At least they stuck to the actual plot of the first book, whereas this show is taking a totally different one. Don't base it off the book if everything is going to be different.… Expand
  6. JozM
    Mar 27, 2016
    0
    Worst actors possible for all but Magnus. Sherwood walks around like an ape pursing his lips as if that and his attempt at an American accent pass for acting. He's as edgy and sharp as the high school jock who never got beyond high school notoriety. McNamara toddles around with her mouth in a constant open "O" as if she was advertising sex toys. Her moaning and pathetic fake crying atWorst actors possible for all but Magnus. Sherwood walks around like an ape pursing his lips as if that and his attempt at an American accent pass for acting. He's as edgy and sharp as the high school jock who never got beyond high school notoriety. McNamara toddles around with her mouth in a constant open "O" as if she was advertising sex toys. Her moaning and pathetic fake crying at every scene are ridiculous. Hysterical when those two attempt to look like they're fighters poised with their glow in the dark plastic swords held high. I couldn't even watch the horror that was Luke trying to act in pain...

    Worst writing possible with numerous things that make zero sense and settings that are anywhere but NYC. Atrocious casting to say the least. If you constantly announce how much Clary looks like her mother when they only way they could look less alike is if they were different races; you tell the audience how stupid you think they are over and over and over...

    Used to be a big fan of the books. After seeing this garbage, I can't continue reading the series. The trash that is this show is something that can't be unseen. Having any of it brought to mind when reading the books even for a moment is a moment too much.    … Expand
  7. Knighthawk81
    Jan 13, 2016
    2
    I think we're just about out of gas with this YA adaptation craze. "The Mortal Instruments" didn't work as a movie, and now it doesn't work as a TV series. While MTV surprisingly made an engaging show with the "Shannara Chronicles," Freeform swung and missed with this series. The pilot was a boring, confusing train wreck.
  8. Julie91
    Feb 10, 2016
    0
    HOW IS THIS SHOW EVEN ALLOWED ON TV
    script and acting is laughable..... they need to keep this series a movie and bring back all the original actors- they had more experience and fit the characters properly. I'm a die hard fan and I've read all the books- the TV show is a joke.
  9. Brendo99
    Jan 31, 2016
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What can i say? Im completely disappointed. I had hoped that someone could accurately bring the mortal instruments to life on a screen after the train wreck that the movie turned out to be but instead they give us this. They spend to much time trying to appeal to pop culture and attempting to cram all too much plot into each episode rather than focusing on information accuracy and a good quality script. Not only that but the special effects and the demons were rather pathetic, but could be overlooked. The choice of actors could have been much better as well. I've read all the books and it's really a shame because the mortal instruments is a great series and it has a lot of potential as a tv show but not if it keeps getting screwed over.

    To be more specific on some earlier points, on the show Valentine looks more like he should be Clary's grandfather rather than her dad and not at all as the book describes him. Another one is that shadowhunters are supposed to be wearing their fighting gear, not fancy business suits. The institute is not supposed to be all modern and high-tech because shadowhunters are very traditional and don't even allow telephones in Idris so the chances that they're using touchscreen computers is extremely unlikely.

    I will continue to follow it though in hope that the producers will pull their crap together and turn this into something awesome.    … Expand
  10. JorgeLestre
    Jan 16, 2017
    1
    It's so painfully bad that it simply feels to plastic even for its target audience. It's poorly written, terrible directed and has some of the worst acting I've ever seen. Matthew Daddario, though, maybe the reason I won't give it a 0; the boy is growing and we may seeing him in other projects soon, at least he is not that bad.
  11. Jurassic14
    Jan 13, 2016
    1
    Absolutely disappointing!!. They made it seem like a crappy crime show, all the characters profiles and scenes you love are all completely different. There is a lot of jumping back and forth in the first episode and if they were trying to follow the books they COMPLETELY FAILED!!
  12. alexturners
    Jan 27, 2016
    0
    painfully bad. the creators of the the tv series should have realised that the movie flunked due to straying too far from the beloved plot and avoided doing that; instead, we get a Valentine that appears to be located in Chernobyl (this one actually made me speechless) and several other instances in which the tv series strays from the plot for no apparent reason. on top of that, what madepainfully bad. the creators of the the tv series should have realised that the movie flunked due to straying too far from the beloved plot and avoided doing that; instead, we get a Valentine that appears to be located in Chernobyl (this one actually made me speechless) and several other instances in which the tv series strays from the plot for no apparent reason. on top of that, what made the movie oh so good - the casting and the performances, the script - is nothing but oh so bad in the show. the characters appear robotic, detached; the script could've perhaps been viewed as funny if it was brought to life in a more realistic way, and the wonderful historic set of the Institute is replaced by a lab like room which looks like it could be designed (and owned) by tony stark. at the end, however, it comes down to the lack of chemistry behind the actors, to the way every words appears to be forced and unnatural and to the way in which the wonderful books are let down by this terrible rendition.… Expand
  13. pjstar35
    Feb 8, 2016
    3
    When this show first started, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to keep watching this due to the atrocious acting in the show. After 4 episodes, the acting hasn't gotten any better. The only thing that's keeping me watching the show is the fairly decent story. I have not read the books so I can't criticize any differences between the show's story and book's story. That beingWhen this show first started, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to keep watching this due to the atrocious acting in the show. After 4 episodes, the acting hasn't gotten any better. The only thing that's keeping me watching the show is the fairly decent story. I have not read the books so I can't criticize any differences between the show's story and book's story. That being said, if I am able to make it through the entire season I will be truly amazed. Each episode of this horrible acting pushes me closer and closer to no longer watching. There's a reason that the main actress, Katherine McNamara, has no big accomplishments to her name. No big movies, no long lasting TV Shows. I don't see that changing in her future unless she gets some major help with her acting skills, or lack thereof.… Expand
  14. Qwertyuiop1
    Apr 9, 2016
    3
    The tv show doesn't go along with the book. Most movies or tv shows may not go with the book, but this one goes way too far. It's great to have a visual for the books, but don't add things that aren't in the book, or don't go in order. For example, don't say when Clary goes to the Silent Brothers, that she finds out Valentine is her father. When they used the mortal on her, the name MagnusThe tv show doesn't go along with the book. Most movies or tv shows may not go with the book, but this one goes way too far. It's great to have a visual for the books, but don't add things that aren't in the book, or don't go in order. For example, don't say when Clary goes to the Silent Brothers, that she finds out Valentine is her father. When they used the mortal on her, the name Magnus Bane should be mentioned, not that Valentine is her father. Another example is when Camile is trying to get information from Simon. He is also supposed to get turned into a rat, and snuck out of Magnus's party by a vampire.… Expand
  15. Asdfghjpo
    Apr 9, 2016
    2
    Shadowhunters scored the top for 2 years because of the books. Lots of people who read the books love them, until the tv series came out. It was and is depressing to see such a great book not be represented the way it should be.
  16. TheRaven06
    May 14, 2016
    0
    Never seen worse tv series. No one of those people can actually act.. Everything so easy, so cute and the whole story that make me puke. I just regret I waste my time for this..
  17. saraiarnell
    Apr 8, 2017
    0
    hi im back this show sucks so much i cant even begin to explain every little thing with it is so, so, wrong. as i said, alec is the only good thing in the entire show. the rest is complete crap. i wish i wish they had followed the book exactly. i could put up with the horrible casting if it just followed the book. seriously the people watching the show are people who read the book so whyhi im back this show sucks so much i cant even begin to explain every little thing with it is so, so, wrong. as i said, alec is the only good thing in the entire show. the rest is complete crap. i wish i wish they had followed the book exactly. i could put up with the horrible casting if it just followed the book. seriously the people watching the show are people who read the book so why make it as far from the books as humanly possible, huh? the directors need to re think this entire series. whoever likes this show either hasnt read the books or enjoys boring shows.… Expand
  18. Rae21
    Feb 11, 2017
    0
    I blame the producers, as someone who watched the movie and read all the books, it seems Netflix has decided to just make up their own version of the story but use the characters in their plot, it is badly put together and does not follow the original story in anyway, it has become boring and pointless to watch
  19. mulder
    Feb 17, 2017
    1
    okay, so much could have been done with this series yet they literally have a dialogue that sounds like the intro to a porn film. Do the directors even care about the actual novels? the acting is so horrible and the actress Katherine McNamara literally has none of the personality Clary Fray should have, she really sounds acts horribly to say the least. This series was not produced for theokay, so much could have been done with this series yet they literally have a dialogue that sounds like the intro to a porn film. Do the directors even care about the actual novels? the acting is so horrible and the actress Katherine McNamara literally has none of the personality Clary Fray should have, she really sounds acts horribly to say the least. This series was not produced for the fans but rather for hormonal teens/tweens. The only applaudible actors who slightly portrayed their roles well are Matthew Daddario.… Expand
  20. Rayanne
    Feb 22, 2017
    3
    I gave a chance to this show but it's just bad. Not horrible or unbearable, but bad. Katherine Mcnamara is absolutely gorgeous, being honest, all the cast is easy on the eyes, but they are not good actors. Mcnamara is a shame acting. The story is so predicable, I could tell what was going to happen in every major scene. I didn't read the books and I can't tell if it was well-written andI gave a chance to this show but it's just bad. Not horrible or unbearable, but bad. Katherine Mcnamara is absolutely gorgeous, being honest, all the cast is easy on the eyes, but they are not good actors. Mcnamara is a shame acting. The story is so predicable, I could tell what was going to happen in every major scene. I didn't read the books and I can't tell if it was well-written and the show doesn't honor it, but I can tell Shadowhunters fails in good acting and an original plot. Specially now when more and more tv series with movie's quality are being created and we have so many options of streamers and great shows to watch. I don't recommend and won't keep watching it.… Expand
  21. cbez
    Nov 26, 2017
    0
    Terrible, so much could have been done with this if done correctly, however the overuse of exposition in the pilot along with the terrible acting and the unnecessary plot changes caused it to be a total let down.
  22. Al00
    Apr 2, 2016
    0
    actor can't act, special effects are horrible and the story is terrible, if u read the books it is also worse, they change it but in a worse way ruining it
  23. charlie678
    Apr 2, 2016
    1
    i love the book and series. the show looked like it was going to follow it but is ruining the book completely not following the plot line and ruining what could of been magnificent and taking away the authors views on what it should be. i agree that some of the acting is good but looking at the actor that plays clary ruins clary for me she is terrible an making want to be sick. I'm sorryi love the book and series. the show looked like it was going to follow it but is ruining the book completely not following the plot line and ruining what could of been magnificent and taking away the authors views on what it should be. i agree that some of the acting is good but looking at the actor that plays clary ruins clary for me she is terrible an making want to be sick. I'm sorry this is negative but the tv show has ruined the book. the producers just want it to get views and it would if they followed the plot line properly and had better actors. i just hope they don't ruin further book series.… Expand
  24. mek12
    Apr 10, 2016
    0
    While the original movie lacked content I believe it is much better than this show. I tried to give it a chance because I loved the books so much but the actors are awful along with changing some of the original content that makes the books amazing. It is an awful attempt to recreate the books.
  25. dizzy_devil
    Feb 10, 2016
    2
    The acting and writing are really difficult to take with this series. I'm currently reading the books and really enjoyed the movie. I was hoping for so much more from this series. I was very excited when I learned it would air as a series. I have watched the first two episodes and they were extremely hard to watch. The special effects seem to be better than the acting and storyline.The acting and writing are really difficult to take with this series. I'm currently reading the books and really enjoyed the movie. I was hoping for so much more from this series. I was very excited when I learned it would air as a series. I have watched the first two episodes and they were extremely hard to watch. The special effects seem to be better than the acting and storyline. At this point, I'm not sure I want to watch the remaining episodes I have recorded. Very disappointed with this!!… Expand
  26. joanaleite
    Mar 8, 2016
    0
    1 word for this show. BAD
    Bad actors, bad script. They can't even act. Completely waste of time. They show no real emotions, where did they find these actors? I guess they were on a budget.
  27. LuckyRabbit
    Jan 15, 2016
    0
    Bad! Bad acting! I'm absolutely disappointed. It looks like a school play. They lost mystical and romantic spirit of Shadowhunters world and it is very sad.
  28. aisha_porter
    Dec 4, 2016
    0
    What can I say..... I HATE, THIS, STUPID, RETARTED, HUMILIATING, AWFUL, TRASH, HOPELESS, FAILURE, TV SHOW!!!!! A ONE RATING DOESN'T EVEN CUT IT. IF THERE WAS A ZERO RATING, THAT'S WHAT I WOULD GO FOR!!!!! WHY WAIST ONE MILLION DOLLARS ON THIS AWFUL SHOW!?!?! ME AND MY SISTERS HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A SECOND MOVIE. I STARTED WATCHING THE SEASONS AND EVERYTIME AN AD CAME ON I WOULD RUN AROUNDWhat can I say..... I HATE, THIS, STUPID, RETARTED, HUMILIATING, AWFUL, TRASH, HOPELESS, FAILURE, TV SHOW!!!!! A ONE RATING DOESN'T EVEN CUT IT. IF THERE WAS A ZERO RATING, THAT'S WHAT I WOULD GO FOR!!!!! WHY WAIST ONE MILLION DOLLARS ON THIS AWFUL SHOW!?!?! ME AND MY SISTERS HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A SECOND MOVIE. I STARTED WATCHING THE SEASONS AND EVERYTIME AN AD CAME ON I WOULD RUN AROUND THE HOUSE SCREAMING AND SAY THIS IS SO FREAKING RETARTED AND STUPID!!!! JUST, STOP, THIS, RETARTED, TV, SHOW!!!!!!! ITS AWFUL. I FREAKING HATE IT!!!… Expand
  29. Trixelle
    Jul 22, 2017
    1
    i loved the story from the books, but this show made me start to hate the books itself. Horrible-looking actors and over sexualized actresses made this TV show a pain to watch. Actor for Jace does not look like a typical main-character, instead he looks like a buff gymnast trying to look cool. All the girls are over sexualized and does not give a feel of an adventurist, which totally doesi loved the story from the books, but this show made me start to hate the books itself. Horrible-looking actors and over sexualized actresses made this TV show a pain to watch. Actor for Jace does not look like a typical main-character, instead he looks like a buff gymnast trying to look cool. All the girls are over sexualized and does not give a feel of an adventurist, which totally does not match the feel of the original story. Horrible, just horrible.… Expand
  30. Sayhello2
    Nov 2, 2017
    0
    seriously? this serial has nothing to do with the mortal instrument book. The film was better not only in casting actors but also in action. The serial does not go by the book at all, but it's up to it's own story. Cast of the actors is pitiful - Jace (Sherwood) is not Jace as in the book. Alec (Daddario)? What? where are his blue eyes, how better he is than Jace? I understand that theseriously? this serial has nothing to do with the mortal instrument book. The film was better not only in casting actors but also in action. The serial does not go by the book at all, but it's up to it's own story. Cast of the actors is pitiful - Jace (Sherwood) is not Jace as in the book. Alec (Daddario)? What? where are his blue eyes, how better he is than Jace? I understand that the serial may appeal to people who have not read the book, but it does not answer it at all. The film is 100 times better than this serial, although it has been out for a while, but it has always been better. It was a pity that they did not go on in the film again.… Expand
  31. Viviscott92
    Sep 12, 2018
    0
    The concept is awesome. Its unique, I like that these angel type beings are edgy and kind of emotionally detached. Even their look is neat, with their tattoos and leather. They're not all feathers and light or anything. The overall aesthetic is very pleasing. The movie had some corny bits but I enjoyed it and had hoped for a sequel. I appreciate that the show came to fruition.
    Although, I    The concept is awesome. Its unique, I like that these angel type beings are edgy and kind of emotionally detached. Even their look is neat, with their tattoos and leather. They're not all feathers and light or anything. The overall aesthetic is very pleasing. The movie had some corny bits but I enjoyed it and had hoped for a sequel. I appreciate that the show came to fruition.
    Although, I must say, I absolutely despise this Clary girl. Everything from her voice and appearance to her weak, needy behavior. Its such a shame. I know shes confused and going through oh, so much but- unfortunately I hate the girl and cannot connect with her or feel any sympathy for her. I literally made this account to express my disdain for Clary.
    The show and movie for that record, are totally tweeny and inane but admittedly, to an extent, its part of the draw for me. Its good to unwind with after a long day.
    On a positive note, I'll reiterate that I appreciate that the show came to be and I do enjoy Isabelle and her antics. Magnus is of course, fabulous.

    LeeEverett,
    IanMoone89 &
    dixieheart all make valid points.    … Expand
  32. mamareza
    Feb 20, 2019
    0
    in my opinion the vampire's story line and seelie's are much better than others , shadowhunters stories are kindda boring and unfortunately writers like to focus more on them.
    i wish in future they drama becomes less of a matter than the real story!

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  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.
    Read full review
  2. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    Jan 12, 2016
    40
    McNamara does her best, but Clary has been written as all breeze and no storm, which makes her central relationship with Jace more an algorithm of attractiveness than chemistry. Decter appears far more interested in Revelations than revelation, and in his rush to get to the "good stuff" he has forgotten that this kind of stuff is good only when it takes a while to get there.
    Read full review
  3. 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.
    Read full review
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