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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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!
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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!
  9. 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!
  10. 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!
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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)
  14. 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!!
  15. 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
  16. 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
  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. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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!
  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. 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
  28. 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.
  29. 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’
  30. 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
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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.
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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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