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. 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. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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!
  25. TornadoCreator
    Apr 10, 2016
    6
    If someone asked some nameless executives to modernise 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer' for a 2016's teen audience; this is what you'd get. It's fun fantasy action with some interesting concepts and decent characters, Katherine McNamara plays a great lead role and is equal parts vulnerable and capable depending on the situation; which works. Sadly that's about all there is that I can praise.If someone asked some nameless executives to modernise 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer' for a 2016's teen audience; this is what you'd get. It's fun fantasy action with some interesting concepts and decent characters, Katherine McNamara plays a great lead role and is equal parts vulnerable and capable depending on the situation; which works. Sadly that's about all there is that I can praise. There's a clear and constant hint of sexualisation as they find any excuse to squeeze Miss McNamara into a tight leather outfit that shows off her body; but I'll admit I did enjoy the eye candy during my soapy teen monster fighting serial. In fact, it's half the reason I'm still watching as she's the only real stand out part of the show.

    The show itself lacks the humour that the like of Buffy had, with far more time being spent going on and on about magical mcguffins and the "destiny" of the main character. The show tries to be far more serious in tone than it's pacing or atmosphere can deliver making it come across as "moody teen" the TV show. It's hardly a bad show, but it's one I can only recommend to fans of the genre. If you grew up watching Charmed or Buffy, you'll probably find yourself at home here; but there's far better stuff out there.    … Expand
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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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.
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  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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