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
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On
Buy on
Stream On

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. AlexanderChilds
    Apr 3, 2018
    10
    I loved this show so much from the story line to the details. I feel like the story was rushed a little but it got done what it needed to show us about the characters. The fighting is amazing with cut scenes. The actors embrace their characters and in the show it feels so real. One thing i give credit to is the acting the actors do like you would expect them to but making it real like ifI loved this show so much from the story line to the details. I feel like the story was rushed a little but it got done what it needed to show us about the characters. The fighting is amazing with cut scenes. The actors embrace their characters and in the show it feels so real. One thing i give credit to is the acting the actors do like you would expect them to but making it real like if they grew up in the institute than they wouldn't have that many emotions unlike someone that was born into an innocent family will react different and they portrayed this in a beautiful way. One thing they could improve is have more episodes and slow down the story to make it flow a little but other than that it's amazing. I love how the characters develop with there powers, relationships and emotionally.… Expand
  2. MarMagui
    Apr 20, 2018
    9
    Its more story, its not perfect, but the characters that I love from the books are there, and it makes me happy to see them make justice to the books
  3. Alecismybae
    Jun 19, 2018
    10
    I absolutely love this show! At first I thought it was a show like that I wouldn't like, but it turned out to be the most amazing and interesting show I have ever watched! I totally recommend it to people that like fantasy shows and movies!
  4. nymphalidae
    Jun 23, 2018
    10
    Amazing series with amazing representation. It got better and better and deserves at least one more season.
  5. LeeEverett
    Jun 14, 2017
    8
    Very interesting and I love the graphics and great scenes. And I LOVE Malec! Has to be my favourite gay ship ever. I love all the characters. The acting is not bad at all, but it does improve a lot in the next season.

    However, I love all the characters APART from Clary. Could they not find a better actress? Even I think I could do better. I much prefer the Clary from the movie. The    Very interesting and I love the graphics and great scenes. And I LOVE Malec! Has to be my favourite gay ship ever. I love all the characters. The acting is not bad at all, but it does improve a lot in the next season.

    However, I love all the characters APART from Clary. Could they not find a better actress? Even I think I could do better. I much prefer the Clary from the movie. The Clary in the show is so...bland, boring, annoying, ordinary, and thinks she's better than she actually is. Her facial expressions are also weird and over-exaggerated. There, I said it, Kat can't act. That's just my opinion though. I also prefer the Jace from the movie but the one in the TV show is cool so no complaints there. I love Alec, Izzy, Simon and Magnus especially. Matt, Harry and Emeraude are great actors in particular and play their parts so well.

    The show keeps me interested and wanting to find out what happens next. I recommend it.    … Expand
  6. Berthinerte
    Apr 8, 2016
    9
    Sorry I just can't agree with you people who find it excessively bad. I just don't get the point of giving such a bad review: I've read and loved the books, and find the series really good. I mean, I understand that the people who liked the book want the series to be very close to the book's story. But hey, seriously, series shouldn't stick too hard on the book either: series and books areSorry I just can't agree with you people who find it excessively bad. I just don't get the point of giving such a bad review: I've read and loved the books, and find the series really good. I mean, I understand that the people who liked the book want the series to be very close to the book's story. But hey, seriously, series shouldn't stick too hard on the book either: series and books are two very different way to tell a story: the producers have to do some modifications. And I personalty think they did a great job.
    On the other hand I understand you didn't like Clary's and Jace's actors (the other are all amazing, especially Alec's and Magnus'), but I assure you get really used and attached to them if you're open-minded enough.    … Expand
  7. Metacritic420
    Dec 26, 2017
    10
    If you love Supernatural then you will most likely love this show. Stick with it until episode 4 at least before passing judgement/reviewing.

    You can love the books, the movie & the show - I do. If you don't compare then they are all enjoyable.
    The show has Good acting, characters, action & style. Plots could better but still enjoyable most episodes.
    Best thing about show - Malec
  8. daffydnb
    Feb 11, 2018
    10
    I LOVE this show my fav person is Magnus OMG love him.This show has so many twist and turns even thoght i already now whats goin happen im still shocked.but I AM SO PISSED THAT THERE IS NO SEASON 1 OR 2 DVD THAT IS IN ENGLISH.IM NOT ONE OF THOUSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEXFIX OR ANYTHING AND I DONT BUY THE DIGITAL VERSIONS OF STUFF I LIKE DVD'S HOW AM I SPOSED START WATCHIN SEASON 3 RIGHT NOWI LOVE this show my fav person is Magnus OMG love him.This show has so many twist and turns even thoght i already now whats goin happen im still shocked.but I AM SO PISSED THAT THERE IS NO SEASON 1 OR 2 DVD THAT IS IN ENGLISH.IM NOT ONE OF THOUSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEXFIX OR ANYTHING AND I DONT BUY THE DIGITAL VERSIONS OF STUFF I LIKE DVD'S HOW AM I SPOSED START WATCHIN SEASON 3 RIGHT NOW WHEN I CANT EVEN REAMBER SEASON 1 OR 2 AND THEY DONT EVEN SHOW THE SHOW AGIN ON TV ITS JUST 1 OR 2 TIMES AND IT DONE AND THEN THEY DONT COME OUT WITH THE NEXT SEASON UNTIL A YEAR LATER OMG!!!!!!! I REALLY HOPE THEY COME OUT WITH AND ENGLISH VERISON SOON!!!!! HOW ARE YOU GOIN SHOW THE SHOW IN ENGLISH BUT NOT HAVE THE DVD IN ENGLISH THATS MESST UP!!!!!!!!… Expand
  9. Varianne
    Jun 23, 2018
    10
    This show maybe starts with a low cost budget but it has evolved in a marvelous show ♥ It support the LGBTQ community, the Jewish, strong woman's, men's and emotions, adoption, and more. Please give it a taste you won't regret it ♥ The actors have put so much of themselves into their characters, it's unbelievable! They have a way to make us learn how to get trough tough situations in life,This show maybe starts with a low cost budget but it has evolved in a marvelous show ♥ It support the LGBTQ community, the Jewish, strong woman's, men's and emotions, adoption, and more. Please give it a taste you won't regret it ♥ The actors have put so much of themselves into their characters, it's unbelievable! They have a way to make us learn how to get trough tough situations in life, they have changed for a lot of people lives the views on how a gay person is feeling inside out buy showing to homophobic people's how to really understand them. Thank you ♥ Even the friends and family bonding is strong after all they went trough... They are always there for each other trying to fix things correctly and by that we've learned o much, to be better persons ourselves and treat others right to. So please, don't judge that show by it's cover but by really try to make connections with the actors and their stories, because they have a way to act, that is really meaningful and everyone deserve to feel good about themselves. So if you truly want that, LISTEN TO THE SHOW! They have content for everybody ;) ♥ #SaveShadowhunters… Expand
  10. wania_519
    Jun 23, 2018
    10
    As a fan of the show, I’ll be the first to admit the first few episodes weren’t the greatest. But it gets so much better and it’s totally worth suffering through a few cringey moments early on. Great representation, totally deserves another season.
  11. saar32
    Jun 23, 2018
    10
    so this review has to be at least 75 words ? I don’t really need more words than ‘this is the best show’
  12. laurenn
    Jun 23, 2018
    10
    Of course it starts out a little cheesy, honestly most good shows do. Season 2 is a big shift in that aspect, as is season 3 (that best yet). What is so special about this show is the characters. They are easy to relate to, well rounded and mostly given wonderful development. That show has love, action, fun and family. The most important thing is the positive representation and diversityOf course it starts out a little cheesy, honestly most good shows do. Season 2 is a big shift in that aspect, as is season 3 (that best yet). What is so special about this show is the characters. They are easy to relate to, well rounded and mostly given wonderful development. That show has love, action, fun and family. The most important thing is the positive representation and diversity this show brings. The cast, crew and characters all play a part in this and it is so so amazing to see on screen. I love this show.… Expand
  13. Lilith6661
    Jun 23, 2018
    10
    While it starts off slightly slow, the show certainly picks up. I love this show because of the inclusion of POC, sexual orientations, girl power and so much more
  14. Lissykate78sh18
    Jun 23, 2018
    10
    Wonderful characters, great story-lines. Lots of diversity and real life issues mixed within a supernatural world. 10/10!
  15. Kerman
    Jun 23, 2018
    10
    The first season was definitely rocky. They didn't have a huge budget and it took a little bit for them to really find their legs but when they did...It is an amazing show! The 2nd season was insanely better than the first and the first half of the 3rd season was EVEN better! This show has an amazingly diverse cast, wonderful LGBT+ rep, it touches on so many hard issues, and it'sThe first season was definitely rocky. They didn't have a huge budget and it took a little bit for them to really find their legs but when they did...It is an amazing show! The 2nd season was insanely better than the first and the first half of the 3rd season was EVEN better! This show has an amazingly diverse cast, wonderful LGBT+ rep, it touches on so many hard issues, and it's wonderfully fantastical! If you decide to give this show a chance stick it out through the rocky first season and you won't be disappointed! I love this show and honestly it's the only one I look forward to every week.… Expand
  16. Lightwood
    Apr 7, 2016
    10
    This is one of the best shows I have seen in a long time. I was instantly obsessed and I am so grateful this exists. I haven't read the books, but I am going to asap. Alec especially is so important to me. I also love the supportive relationship he has with Izzy.
  17. cefaulder1
    Apr 15, 2016
    10
    I wasnt sure on the first episode, but I loved the mix of new and old, magnus bane and alec captured my heart and I think clary and Jace came into their own.
  18. Benja
    Mar 30, 2016
    9
    It gets a lot better! I am actually really into the show right now! You can't judge the show just by its first episode, that would be unfair. I am currently at chapter 12 (Titled "Malec") and now I'm sad because it only lasts 13 episodes, I hope it comes back soon!
  19. 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 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.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 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.… Expand
  20. 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 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 fineI 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.… Expand
  21. nightshade9
    Jan 28, 2016
    10
    I love this show I have no idea what everyone is making a big deal about. The show is more realistic than the movie, and the movie had horrible acting.
  22. fabioloso31
    Jan 17, 2016
    7
    This tv show shows promise, and let´s keep in mind that there is a lot of room for improvement, after all the first episode of Buffy wasn´t the best either.
    Shadowhunters is an adaptation of a beloved book series by Cassandra Clare, and as with all book adaptations, there are going to be changes.
    I´ve read the books, and they´re great, they have a good dialogue, great characters and a    This tv show shows promise, and let´s keep in mind that there is a lot of room for improvement, after all the first episode of Buffy wasn´t the best either.
    Shadowhunters is an adaptation of a beloved book series by Cassandra Clare, and as with all book adaptations, there are going to be changes.
    I´ve read the books, and they´re great, they have a good dialogue, great characters and a fun story, so i was highly anticipating this show. The movie was disappointing, but i had hopes for the show, and while it wasn´t horrible, it wasn´t that god either, but, as i said, it is promising!
    The dialogue wasn´t the best, and some special effects need to be worked on, but there is room for growth.
    It´s fun, have fun with it, just don´t put many thoughts into it...    … Expand
  23. lovetvshows
    Feb 5, 2016
    10
    I was scared to watch the show, tbh. I was in love with the movie cast but I hated how they kind of raped the story in the movie. I read a lot about changes for the show as well and was like PLEASE don't, please stay true to the books. But then I started watching and with expecting nothing at all, I fell in love right away. Considering that a concept has to work for a tv show, I let go ofI was scared to watch the show, tbh. I was in love with the movie cast but I hated how they kind of raped the story in the movie. I read a lot about changes for the show as well and was like PLEASE don't, please stay true to the books. But then I started watching and with expecting nothing at all, I fell in love right away. Considering that a concept has to work for a tv show, I let go of my love into book details and decided to just enjoy it. And I do, I love it! The cast is not flawless but portraying the characters well (some are even beyond perfect, speaking of Izzy and Simon) I love the visuals,setting, atmosphere. the story is changed a little but still close enough to be recognizable as the mortal instruments and also it keeps things exciting because you don't know what will happen. I can't wait to see more!… Expand
  24. Mario147
    Jan 13, 2016
    10
    Amazing show so far, Emeraude plays Isabelle in an awesome way!! My fav character so far *-*
    I can't wait to see what they have got for the rest of the season.
  25. 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 very interesting things.
  26. sunneh_
    Jan 13, 2016
    10
    I will give it a 5. Because they did try their best to appeal to both people who read the books and people who haven't. Hopefully with good reviews it will get a bigger budget for season 2 and make it even better!
  27. johnnyboy2
    Feb 9, 2016
    10
    I love this show! My friends and family love it too and wants many seasons!!!All I hear about is how great and exciting it is on Shadowhunters Fb groups and how more and more fans are starting to like it more!
  28. artmetis
    Feb 10, 2016
    10
    Loving how the characters develop. The actors have come a long way since the first episode - as they become more comfortable in their roles the chemistry on set is rising! Loving especially the growing relationship between Magnus and Alec and what it represents for LGBT people on TV. In fact, most of the characters are positive role models! Looking forward to more episodes!
  29. Valesca
    Feb 26, 2016
    10
    The same exciting story, with a new view that surprises and excites every episode! I'm fascinated! I fell in love again for Jace and Clary, Simon and Izzy, Magnus and Alec!
  30. Incs
    Feb 29, 2016
    10
    I love it! I wish you keep filming it. It's not that bad as some of them says, I actually think it's getting better with each episode. I LOVE the humor in it. Even if it's different from the book, I still think the show is great.
  31. gokcebayr
    Mar 6, 2016
    10
    I really do think, despite all the negative comments, that you must give this show a chance. While there's definitely room for improvement in some of the acting and the script, we must keep in mind that the first season has already been shot and our negative and positive feedbacks could only be put in use for the second season.

    The biggest problem people had with this show was the    I really do think, despite all the negative comments, that you must give this show a chance. While there's definitely room for improvement in some of the acting and the script, we must keep in mind that the first season has already been shot and our negative and positive feedbacks could only be put in use for the second season.

    The biggest problem people had with this show was the changes, I guess. Like the fact that they took a plot from the second book and mixed it with the first book. Fans of the book said that they were not going to continue watching, some of the reveals which were made early on and that the pace was not the same. However, since the author of the books, Cassandra Clare, has approved this show, its pace, actors and its context (which is slightly different from the books) I don't think the changes that were made are that much of a problem. Special effects and the monsters are not as realistic as you would expect, but that's just because of the budget. If, and I hope, the show gets a renewal for a second season, I'm positive they will improve the effects and the cringeworthy cheesy lines.
    While, Simon, Alec, Magnus and İsabelle are portrayed with perfection, I had a slight discomfort with Clary and Jace, I felt like their connection was sort of forced at the beginning. But like I said, with each episode, they get more in character.

    I'm beyond shocked by the negative feedback this show gets and I truly believe that, with every episode, the characters fit more, and the story unfolds nicely. The show just improves. It's just a good show. Don't judge beforehand and watch it, please.    … Expand
  32. Cadiva
    Mar 12, 2016
    8
    Massively improving the longer it goes on and a vast improvement over the film. The casting has been mostly good with, imho, only Alan Van Sprang not really getting decent material as Valentine (not blaming him as he's very charismatic in other roles).
    Harry Shum Jr and Matthew Daddario are killing it as Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood though and their slow burn pairing is one of the    Massively improving the longer it goes on and a vast improvement over the film. The casting has been mostly good with, imho, only Alan Van Sprang not really getting decent material as Valentine (not blaming him as he's very charismatic in other roles).
    Harry Shum Jr and Matthew Daddario are killing it as Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood though and their slow burn pairing is one of the saving graces in the first few episodes when the show tried to do too much too quickly.
    Things have been improving week on week though.    … Expand
  33. VanessaSantos
    Feb 19, 2016
    7
    The storyline is good but the actors who play Clary and Jace should take acting classes, they do not show emotions and Jace's hair cut is ridiculous. They don't even seem to like each other, so this could never be a credible romantic pair.
  34. Sophie265
    Mar 30, 2016
    10
    I really think the reason this show is so lowly rated is because most of the reviews are based on the first few episodes. Granted, they weren't very promising, but the series has improved immensely over the course of the season. It has a great cast of actors, diversity with many people of colour and female characters that are well written and well rounded. Moreover, the highlight of theI really think the reason this show is so lowly rated is because most of the reviews are based on the first few episodes. Granted, they weren't very promising, but the series has improved immensely over the course of the season. It has a great cast of actors, diversity with many people of colour and female characters that are well written and well rounded. Moreover, the highlight of the season comes from Harry Shum Jr's and Matthew Daddario's portrayals of Magnus and Alec respectively, whose budding relationship is perhaps the most compelling aspect of the series. They play their parts beautifully and it builds up to the climax of episode 12 entitled Malec (their names combined). My advice would be to give this show a chance, because I can see it becoming essential viewing in the future.… Expand
  35. akikavasaki
    Mar 4, 2017
    10
    i love the series, i personally think it is awesome and my friends love it as well, we are all hooked
  36. awhiteside90
    Jan 13, 2016
    10
    Although it differs from the books, I can see that it has great potential to bring to life the characters we know and love. I believe they can deliver a story that everyone can enjoy (not just fans of the novels). Great start, and can't wait to see more.
  37. ZenMaste
    Jan 21, 2016
    7
    Well so far so good! I think the casting is a lot better than they did in the movie and the story is following well with very few necessary details so far. The fight scenes have been great and the special affects has been very well done. I am looking forward to seeing how they carry out the rest of this first season
  38. Taltos
    Jan 23, 2016
    7
    Feels like I'm watching a remake of the Tomorrow People.
    Has some good potential and I'm looking forwards to the rest of the episodes to see how they build on the intro.
  39. aaronlightwood
    Jan 13, 2016
    10
    Incredible! this gonna be one of the best ci-fi tv shows ever i love all the characters.
    I can´t wait to see all the episodes, i love all the scenes and the pandemonium was amazing, Dominic Sherwood is a wonderful Jace
  40. rocknbri
    Jan 13, 2016
    8
    Okay, so I read all the books, and after the disaster that was the movie, I went in with very low expectations. That being said, I wasn't all that disappointed. It was most certainly a step up from the movie, but they DID differ from the book, and any one going to watch this after reading the books should keep that in mind. If you are a reader who gets heated when a show or movie differOkay, so I read all the books, and after the disaster that was the movie, I went in with very low expectations. That being said, I wasn't all that disappointed. It was most certainly a step up from the movie, but they DID differ from the book, and any one going to watch this after reading the books should keep that in mind. If you are a reader who gets heated when a show or movie differ from the novels, I would suggest coming back to this show at a later time, if at all.
    This being said, the acting wasn't all that awful. Really, the actors in this show were small time actors, or simply in commercials or music videos. The FreeForm/ABC Family hit Pretty Little Liars was god awful in the beginning (acting wise, nor did they follow the plot of the book), but the show went on to be very interesting and the networks prime feature. I see much potential in this show becoming a hit, but it's not quite there yet.
    It definitely was a step up from the movie though, but no where near the books. The books will be nearly impossible to live up to, but if this show is done correctly, I don't see how it won't be, at the very least, a good show. I do recommend it, but I also must warn you, it is a show that takes ASPECTS of the novel and make it their own. It's in no sense bad, but it's not like the novels. I enjoyed the show, and will be keeping up with it.    … Expand
  41. hkthorpe
    Jan 13, 2016
    8
    I was impressed and was expecting not to be after watching the trailers. They made the acting out to be cheesy and flat yet I was completely taken by Clary and Simon. It is a pilot. But it was enjoyable. As a massive massive fan of these books I appreciated he few alterations they made which I totally understand to and film has to do. If you're into supernatural stuf you will love it. TheI was impressed and was expecting not to be after watching the trailers. They made the acting out to be cheesy and flat yet I was completely taken by Clary and Simon. It is a pilot. But it was enjoyable. As a massive massive fan of these books I appreciated he few alterations they made which I totally understand to and film has to do. If you're into supernatural stuf you will love it. The only weakness would be dialogue as sometimes it is all exposition and quite clunky but at times, for especially Simon, it's genius. Hopefully a few more episodes in and the bumps will have smoothed out. In my opinion, if you love the series, give it a chance!… Expand
  42. shadowhunters93
    Mar 14, 2016
    10
    I did not really like the movie but I love this show. It has great actors and an amazing script. I hope there will be more seasons.

    (Big fan from the Netherlands)
  43. TamPie96
    Mar 26, 2016
    10
    Absolutely love this show!! The acting was not great to begin with but is defiantly improving. I really want more seasons, so my favourite books can continue to come to life!!
  44. Sorrowfulltears
    Mar 30, 2016
    10
    The show boasts amazing potential, it mixes traditions of the past with societies evolution that will leave the viewer wanting more! Character development is a major part of the series and is woven into the story line with both ease and finesse. The show adapts the lore from the book into the series in a way that keeps it true to it's origin but gives it it's own new twist. Acting skillsThe show boasts amazing potential, it mixes traditions of the past with societies evolution that will leave the viewer wanting more! Character development is a major part of the series and is woven into the story line with both ease and finesse. The show adapts the lore from the book into the series in a way that keeps it true to it's origin but gives it it's own new twist. Acting skills are lacking in some areas however the exaggeration of emotion really pulls you deep in the storyline and leaves you on an emotional ride that you will never want to get off. Unlike many other fantasy shows Shadowhunters doesn't focus too much of it's screen time on one aspect of the storyline i.e. romance or action ect. In short, it is a wonderful tv series that I greatly enjoy and would recommend to anyone with a knack for fantasy as a genre. It is definitely not perfect and you shouldn't expect Lord of the Rings level fantasy depth however I believe it is underrated and deserves more credit than it is receiving.… Expand
  45. manningn15
    Nov 26, 2018
    9
    This is one of my favorite supernatural tv shows of all time. The visuals are spectacular. The cast gives fantastic performances especially Katherine McNamara, Matthew Daddario, Dominic Sherwood, Harry Shum Jr., Emeraude Toubia, Isaiah Mustafa, and David Castro.
  46. Tigbri
    Jun 24, 2018
    10
    Jace and Alec's relationship/bond is the most unique think I've ever seen and it is so beautiful
  47. Ameelya
    Jun 23, 2018
    10
    Yes, the first season is rough. The same is true of many shows; it takes a while for the writing and acting to settle in, and the budget was sparse leading to some bad effects. However, do yourself a favor and power through it. You won't regret it.

    This is an IMPORTANT show. It has a sexually and racially diverse cast (and writers room) with appeal to a broad audience who are drawn to    Yes, the first season is rough. The same is true of many shows; it takes a while for the writing and acting to settle in, and the budget was sparse leading to some bad effects. However, do yourself a favor and power through it. You won't regret it.

    This is an IMPORTANT show. It has a sexually and racially diverse cast (and writers room) with appeal to a broad audience who are drawn to it for diverse representation. One of the most prominent romantic pairings is a same-sex couple in a healthy, stable, interracial relationship that avoids harmful tropes and stereotypes.

    One of the primary metaphors the story is built around is racism and white supremacy (not surprising, the original novels started out as Harry Potter fanfic, which is another franchise build around a fascist would-be uprising); the title characters, the "Shadowhunters" are mostly a new generation trying to dismantle the oppressive structures of the paternalistic, authoritarian institution they were born into. The chief villain is a would-be fascist dictator trying to overthrow their government and commit genocide against the non-Shadowhunter supernatural races.

    In light of the current events along the US border, events which are being driven by racism and white supremacy and which hearken back to genocidal ideologies of the past, these are important, topical issues. The world NEEDS a show like this.    … Expand
  48. sfjessii
    Jun 24, 2018
    10
    Brilliant, complex, real characters, awesome fantasy setting, great poc and lgbtq+ representation.
  49. Leaticia
    Jun 24, 2018
    10
    Great show with an amazing representation who has helped so many people to accept themselves
  50. HookX
    Jun 24, 2018
    10
    Excellent show, had a rough start but has blossomed into something special.
  51. TheORey
    Jun 24, 2018
    10
    Shadowhunters has become one of my favorite supernatural shows ever, story-wise, acting-wise, the characters are all likeable, even the villains are so well written in a way that you'll find yourself kind of rooting for them. So now that I look back at season one, I can acknowledge its many flaws with acting and special effects (although that's not really important to me but it is to someShadowhunters has become one of my favorite supernatural shows ever, story-wise, acting-wise, the characters are all likeable, even the villains are so well written in a way that you'll find yourself kind of rooting for them. So now that I look back at season one, I can acknowledge its many flaws with acting and special effects (although that's not really important to me but it is to some people), but what this show has become makes me appreciate season 1 so much more now because... It's a start, a rough one perhaps but it's still the beginning of something that would later become beautiful (not that it was ugly before, just not as beautiful). I'm still giving it a 10 anyways because that's what I'd give season 3, but there is no season 3 without season 1, right?… Expand
  52. Thorus808
    Jun 24, 2018
    10
    I love the show, i like all fanthasy shows, but this show is one of my favorit, and i love the Actress Kat McNamara.
  53. AngelicRune
    Jul 7, 2018
    10
    The first season has a good storyline but acting and special effects are really bad. The first few episodes are probably the worst of all the show, but I totally recommend it. Season 2 and 3 are the best, the acting improved so much, the storyline and special effects are really really good.
    But ignore the books because the show is an original adaptation -not exactly an adaptation- and    The first season has a good storyline but acting and special effects are really bad. The first few episodes are probably the worst of all the show, but I totally recommend it. Season 2 and 3 are the best, the acting improved so much, the storyline and special effects are really really good.
    But ignore the books because the show is an original adaptation -not exactly an adaptation- and they follow the main storyline but also have a personal storyline. The show also treat better all the characters because in the books you only see Clary and Jace, the show has lots of Magnus, Alec, Luke, Maryse, Maia, Simon, etc. It's one of the best representation for LGBT couple, mental health, POC and all.    … Expand
  54. Lucas565
    Aug 18, 2021
    10
    Uma das melhores séries que eu já assisti eu recomendo ela é maravilhosa mesmo
  55. Abzzski
    Aug 27, 2018
    7
    I honestly thought the show was really weird at first but then it stated to grow on me.
  56. xexe
    Sep 17, 2018
    8
    Still ok so far but felt that Katherine is not suitable for this lead role. Nothing against her but I only saw a barbie doll , not a shadow hunter. Her whole vibe is wrong. It felt forceful, trying too hard to play her character. Better to be a disney princess or in a barbie movie lol. Absolutely not cut for this one
  57. malecficlibrary
    Jan 12, 2019
    10
    Despite what other reviews suggest, Shadowhunters is not your run-of-the-mill, pre-teen/teen sci-fi show. Yes, the show has its fun, quirky, and somewhat cheesy moments, particularly in Season 1, but it has matured a lot since then and taken on a much darker and more serious tone. Although the characters are part of a fantastical world, their personalities and life experiences are deeplyDespite what other reviews suggest, Shadowhunters is not your run-of-the-mill, pre-teen/teen sci-fi show. Yes, the show has its fun, quirky, and somewhat cheesy moments, particularly in Season 1, but it has matured a lot since then and taken on a much darker and more serious tone. Although the characters are part of a fantastical world, their personalities and life experiences are deeply embedded in reality. This leads to prominent story lines about topics that are often thrown to the wayside in sci-fi/fantasy shows (i.e., sexuality, mental health, addiction, racism, homophobia, etc.) and sparks conversations that allow for learning experiences, both for the characters and the audience.

    This show has also become extremely well-known for its positive representation. It features diversity, but not in cliches or token characters. 5 of 8 of the main characters, as well as many recurring characters, are played by People of Color and many of them hold leadership positions. Several well-developed characters identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, including one of only two asexual characters currently on TV. One of the main (and most popular) romantic relationships in the show is between a recently-out gay man and a bisexual man and it has been allowed to develop onscreen, front and center, in many respects. Religious minorities are also featured in prominent roles, as well as strong, capable women who empower each other. This representation not only makes a difference in the lives of those who watch Shadowhunters; it has provided the show with a platform to break overused and harmful stereotypes - a platform that the show has overwhelmingly used beautifully to do exactly that.

    Because of all of this, Shadowhunters has broken the mold of your typical genre show and paved the way for other shows to follow in its footsteps. The cultural importance of Shadowhunters cannot be overstated. There's a reason that it won 4 People's Choice Awards in 2018, including Show of the Year. It's definitely worth a watch!    … Expand
  58. gardeleanne
    Jan 13, 2019
    10
    I absolutely love this show! The cast, the characters, the storyline, the representation, the music... There is no words for me to tell how great all off this his! It sends a beautiful message of love and respect... Go check it out! It may seem slow at the beginning but keep getting better and better with each season!
  59. Kattid
    Jan 13, 2019
    10
    This is such an amazing show! It has everything you need from love, strong relationships, strong female characters, action, great storyline and representation from all groups of people. The actors are amazing! Watch it!
  60. Akshay123
    Aug 16, 2020
    9
    The first season might have a little bad graphics,but it is very interesting,it gets more and more interesting season by season. I love the second and third season the most!! This is an amazing show!! I love it!!

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
See all critic reviews »