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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User Reviews

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  1. Lucas565
    Aug 18, 2021
    10
    Uma das melhores séries que eu já assisti eu recomendo ela é maravilhosa mesmo
  2. 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!!
  3. 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!
  4. 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!
  5. 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!
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. Abzzski
    Aug 27, 2018
    7
    I honestly thought the show was really weird at first but then it stated to grow on me.
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. HookX
    Jun 24, 2018
    10
    Excellent show, had a rough start but has blossomed into something special.
  16. Leaticia
    Jun 24, 2018
    10
    Great show with an amazing representation who has helped so many people to accept themselves
  17. sfjessii
    Jun 24, 2018
    10
    Brilliant, complex, real characters, awesome fantasy setting, great poc and lgbtq+ representation.
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. Lissykate78sh18
    Jun 23, 2018
    10
    Wonderful characters, great story-lines. Lots of diversity and real life issues mixed within a supernatural world. 10/10!
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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’
  25. 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
  26. nymphalidae
    Jun 23, 2018
    10
    Amazing series with amazing representation. It got better and better and deserves at least one more season.
  27. 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!
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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.
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