Shadowhunters (2016–2019) User Reviews

It builds its own version.

[fjustfer-39371 · 8/10 · 9 May 2018]

The new season of Shadowhunters clearly makes a stable foundation of what makes its book counterpart so intriguing. I believe this is the time where it shines and subsumes itself to the character and environment of the book that all readers are familiar of. Season 3 is the stepping stone of what could become a long running show.

My advice, withhold all judgements on the first two seasons and be carried away of the new season.

Now I'm hooked!

[p_bubblegum · 8/10 · 20 February 2018]

I finally got around to watching this series on Netflix after a long delay due to reading a few negative reviews but wanted to finally make my opinion.

Firstly I was interested in the story - I haven't read the books but was introduced to the Shadow Hunter world by the movie so I dont have much to comapre or judge, but it's the same story line I'm most interested in. (There will always be a divide between book and movie/tv versions of any narrative).

Yes I agree the first couple episodes seem a bit lacking but you can't hot a home run straight off the first bat. I kept watching and finding getting more and more drawn in & constantly hitting next episode. I was initially dissapointed there seemed to be only 2 seasons but so excited now it is still continuing because now I'm hooked!

Notes: I think more raw emotion coming from the actors/characters and little less cliche moments will benefit but all characters stories are smooth and not over complicated but detailed that it doesnt create plot holes. Perhaps more focus on the inner character developments so we can get really attached to indivudals backstory and their life choices.

But still I am hanging out for the next season and I recommend at least watching the whole first season before making a judgement call - if it aint your thing fine but dont rain on others parade.

Don't give up. This is a great adaptation.

[gustafsonlori · 8/10 · 17 January 2016]

When I saw the previews I was nervous it would be like the deplorable movie. I am a huge fan of the series.It makes sense to keep it a series instead of trying to make movies of all the movies. I will be interested to see how they will follow the books. Will each season be a single book? Will they combine books. Either way, I'm excited to keep watching. The casting in the movie was horrible. Magnus was a joke. The casting for the series is spot on. I'm pretty picky when it comes to casting. I am disappointed with the institute as others have stated. I enjoyed Simon and Jace's humor. I find the use of the different weapons interesting and didn't think the effects were cheesy. Please please remember that it is very difficult to make an adaptation of a book into a movie or series. We were spoiled with Harry Potter and the Hunger Games. I'm definitely going to keep watching.

Much better than others would lead you to believe

[dontpanik · 7/10 · 13 January 2016]

Let me start by saying that I loved the books and hated the movie so much I tried to get through it twice and never made it beyond the first 15 minutes. Does this stick completely to the books? No, of course not. It follows the story line much better than the movie. Remember, this isn't a mini series so they need to set up a broader world. The characters are true to type and so much better cast than the crappy movie. I can already see that I am going to like Simon. He's pretty much exactly like in the book and bonus, Alec doesn't look like one of their dads :D. 1pilots are almost always meh and require setting up the premise so don't worry about it being plot heavy. They settle in nicely in the second episode. (already on Hulu plus a week in advance). Give it a shot if you like the books.

Season 2 and 3 are amazing ! Give it a chance

[morganazenpet · 10/10 · 10 May 2018]

Season 1 is more of an introduction and not as good . But season 2 and 3 are SO GOOD! It almost seems like it's a new show , the story is better, the acting is on point and the special effects are amazing . Give it a chance .

A New Shadow World Worth Exploring

[Grey2black · 7/10 · 13 April 2016]

I've read almost all the books, but the story of Clary, Jace, Simon, Isabelle, Alec and Magnus... That one I know from start to finish. Can't say I appreciate the movie, but I've found this TV show to be quite interesting. Sure, it has deviated from the books, but I hardly know a TV show based on a book that hasn't. Even movies do it all the time. So I gave it a shot and I'm willing to follow it through. If I wanted to see the story of the books then I'd read the books. When I watch Shadowhunters is really to see what they're willing to do differently. And so far although it hasn't been great, it isn't poor either. I've found it to be a good show to follow. And until it becomes impossible to watch then I'll continue seeing it.

Also true that the cast is a little green and that shows quite well, especially in the scenes that would require more emotion more deep into it. But seeing most are newcomers I'm more than willing to let that slide.

All in all I believe if people go into this with a open mind and not expect to see what they read in the books they'll appreciate it for the value it has.

Hard to enjoy

[AngelHonesty · 5/10 · 10 July 2020]

I enjoyed the books. I know that no movie or show based off of books are nearly as good, so I will not rate this compared to the books, but as a stand alone show.

The acting is beyond dreadful, the lines are cheesy and the plot is very rushed. As always if you love fantasy shows with magic, demons, and such, you might overlook everything else and enjoy it for what it is.

From guilty pleasure to shameless obsession!

[basoirbans · 10/10 · 29 May 2018]

The most important thing I want everyone to know is that it get's better. Much better. If you love the genre, I recommend you watch through the first season as the second season is better and the third season is totally awesome. There are many likeable actors/actresses. The acting is believable. The special effects get noticeably better by the season. I absolutely LOVE the story. This is my favorite genre and I'm glad I watched through the first season even though I wasn't to eager to finish it.

Major plot point nonexistent...

[lily_kitty_cat24 · 7/10 · 30 March 2016]

I cannot fathom who's idea it was too leave out Clary being able to make new runes. That is such an integral part of the story. I'm fine with the other changes, just not that one. This show NEEDS those forgotten runes.. Ffs. Otherwise, with the casting, even though the acting is green and new, I like that we get to see fresh talent come into their own. It'll be nice to watch the progression of skill as the actors get more comfortable and learn to add their own sounds to their characters. Honestly I like this Simon way better than Nathan from misfits. Watching the movie, I was stuck on that character every time I saw Simon. I feel like the show could slow it's roll a little bit too and just take it's time to perfect each moment in the plot. Stretch it out a little, you know? Add more meaningful dialogue. Give a workshop on body language and subtlety...

Split Personality

[tradairn · 1/10 · 26 July 2020]

I'v been reading the reviews and I'm glad to know the show improves in Season 2, but I'm on Episode 8 of Season 1 and I'm not sure I can stick with it long enough to get there.

Clary is SOOOO annoying! Both she and Simon overact so badly it's like they walked on to the set by mistake; they belong in some cheesy sitcom. The rest of the cast at least give more restrained performances, but Clary and Simon are on the verge of hysteria the WHOLE TIME - it's exhausting to watch them.

Shadowhunters: from ZERO to HERO

[jokiko-59457 · 10/10 · 12 April 2016]

I've been a fan of the books years before the TV show started, so I had high expectations. But I also saw enough book to TV adaptations to know what expectations were realistic. Did Shadowhunters blow me away? No, but it did manage to pull me in, very slowly. The show begins with a lot of potential but also with a lot of issues. It's cheesy, the acting was a bit off for some of the actors, it doesn't have the best special effects and the script lacks here and there. And yet I didn't give up on it and I'm so glad I didn't.

While season 1 certainly has it's issues, the show also proved that it keeps evolving. It keeps getting better. And when you see the progression they made from the first episode to the finale, you can be sure that this show will deliver once it returns for season 2.

Compared to other book to TV adaptations, Shadowhunters stayed very loyal. They stay true to most of the characters and the story, they just told it in a different way so that even book fans can be surprised, which is a good thing in my opinion. The first few books are (mostly) from Clary her point of view, so I was very happy to see characters that I love get more attention. To give an example: the show made us part of Simon his journey to becoming a vampire every step of the way, we got to delve deeper into the Lightwood family dynamic and the parabatai bond between Jace and Alec. But mostly, we were part of Malec (Magnus & Alec) their love story from the first time they saw each other to their first kiss. The episode of the same name – 1x12: Malec - is probably one of the strongest they did.

There is a great balance between the books and the TV show; some things I like better in the books, other things in the show. Which makes both enjoyable for different reasons.

In a lot of ways Shadowhunters reminds me of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Maybe people won't remember this but Buffy didn't have a great start. Season 1 was cringeworthy and it needed time to find it voice, and it did. There is a reason why Buffy was the pioneer of this genre. I feel the same way with Shadowhunters, not that it will ever get the same impact as Buffy had, but that it needed a bit of time to find its strength.

Cassandra Clare created a wonderful world, where the characters and their relationship are the beating heart and the show was able to bring this to life. And mostly, Shadowhunters is fun. It has a great sense of humor and likable characters.

I wish people wouldn't have rated the entire series based on the pilot alone. Hopefully people will give it a chance. Just binge-watch season 1 and by the end of it, I'm sure you're gonne wanne see what happens in season 2. If the books are any indication it's gonne be one hell of a roller-coaster.

Good show with some critiquing

[princesssarahr1 · 7/10 · 1 March 2016]

I have watched all the episodes thus far and was very skeptical at first; however, I believe it will be a good show with some critiquing. I have noticed the changes but feel that these were not anything that people should be going crazy and demeaning over. This is a series and I understand changes must be made...if people will remember even Harry Potter had ALLOT that was left out because there was no way that they could put everything that was in the books in the movies. Also, I would like to say how I like you have brought the institute to the 21st century and also added more characters which allows it to be more intriguing. First of all I like Dominic Sherwood cast as Jace. I believe he meets the character of Jace in the book much better than Jamie Campbell Bower, although a great actor and he done a great job, but I feel he did not meet the body met the characteristics of Jace. However, Katherine McNamera as Clary, well she definitely needs some acting classes/coaching. She goes too far and makes it look fake. It does not feel natural coming from her. Also, she needs to work on her connection with Dominic Sherwood. Further, I really like Simon (Alberto Rosende) better than Robert Sheehan who played him in the movie. Also, Harry Shum was an excellent choice as Magnus Bane. And I really like Matthew Daddario as Alec, but Emeraude Toubia needs to work on her role as Isabelle and not come across too hoochy. Furthermore, Alan Van Sprang needs to remember he is not on the set of Reign and needs to take cues from Jonathon Rhys Meyers, who done an excellent job in how he portrayed Valentine in the movie. Furthermore, I like how you are portraying the vampires in this series showing that not all of them are bad versus how they were portrayed in the movie which were hideous, untrustworthy creatures. I hope people will give this show the benefit of the doubt and stop picking at what is not in it and just enjoy the show. Also, I hope that you renew the show for a second season. :)

Terrible Acting, Ruined an amazing book series!

[krystaljain · 2/10 · 27 July 2020]

Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Claire is an amazing book series and this web series has done a huge injustice to it. I was utterly disappointed on watching the episodes and couldn't get past a few. The acting is just terrible. There are no expressions on the cast's faces, the scenes look very disconnected, the way that the storyline is displayed is hugely disappointing.

Another failure attempt to remade the Moral instruments...

[arundeepakrj-87764 · 6/10 · 12 January 2016]

The Shadowhunters premiered on yesterday with huge expectation but it failed to fulfill the expectation. the source material for the series is very loyal to the books..we have to give credit for that... everything else is worthless... PLUS: Very strong story line.. and nothing else... MINUS: flat performances by lead actors, cheap visuals and effects, crap writing, worst casting other than leads... VERDICT:

first of all i was very excited about the series... but after watched the premier i m very very disappointed.. simply,The Shadowhunters is a ambitious effort to hook teenage viewers, but without proper writing...that's gonna have to wait...

Give it a go

[mariashaukat-80351 · 10/10 · 27 October 2017]

This show is amazing. Yes it had a few problems in season one and it took a while for the actors, writers and production crew to adjust and find their rhythm like many shows but season two showed what this show is capable of. This show has everything you could ask for. It has entertainment and good characters as well as well as good rep for pretty much everyone and its just getting started.The first few eps of the show might not be to your taste but everything gets better as it goes along especially the acting, effects and writing and direction. So if you quit in season one then give it another chance and stick with it because season two and especially 2B is amazing and even the last few eps of season one are quite good. It really sets the tone for season two and for 2B to blow our socks off and now hopefully season three will too.

Quite different from the book, but in a good way

[defaltsimon · 6/10 · 4 November 2016]

Not really a spoiler, but I just display my subjective opinion on the ending of season one without real spoilers.

First off, this is not a perfect book adaptation. Keep that in mind.

I had read the first 4 books when I started watching this series. The trailer wasn't very impressive, but I decided to watch it anyway, since I loved the books. I watched the first two episodes one after another. It is hard to describe the feeling: I was disappointed but wanted to watch more. The script was not the best and neither was acting, but I kept watching. As I watched more and more, I could see that this was not going to be an exact book adaptation. It changes many things, but perhaps that is for the best. About the acting: I have seen many people complain about actors that I will not name here. It is true that some were not really sure how to display their character in the first few episodes, but after that, the acting and atmospheric feeling really improved.

I really recommend you to watch this series, especially if you have already read the book and are intrigued by book adaptations that are not exactly like the book.

The first season ends with kind of a plot twist (that I very much liked), but I will let you watch the series instead of revealing spoilers ;)

7 out of 10 for an intriguing story and great acting but some not so great (but relatively small) bad plot choices.

I had low expectations anyways. Suddenly liking the movie more and more

[samibaugh · 2/10 · 13 January 2016]

If you've read the book there aren't any spoilers. There is nothing specific.

I find it hard to blame the actors for this poorly written script. The most obvious problem is that there were amateur actors playing pretty difficult roles. As a bookworm, I am accustomed to not being happy with movies based on YA books.

"Shadowhunters" is no exception. They did not choose characters well, besides their lack of talent there are certain characters whose personalities are key to character development and the bond that forms between characters and audience is just not here.

Jace was not portrayed well in this show, we don't see any of his "wounded, mysterious, arrogant" self other than people saying he's that way. Once. I've always pictured Jace somewhere between Jamie Campell Bower and Dominic Sherwood. So at least they got a little closer.

I didn't even know Luke was who he was because I was looking for a curly haired, middle aged, dorky guy. Isabel was unbelievably slutty and Alec was barely there. Hodge was a disappointment all around. Almost as disappointing as the Institute was. One of the top five most important parts of the book is that there aren't very many Shadow Hunters left. In the show, they're everywhere.

I think the movie had a better idea by making Clary more relatable. In the show she goes from "I'm so confused" to "Oh it's okay they're just helping" in one scene. We don't ever see her struggling with the idea that her mom lied to her or that she's scared that there are demons everywhere.

I noticed that because of the actor's lack of talent they didn't allow close up shots very often. My favorite part of watching a movie is seeing an actors face shift so that we can literally watch the character's internal struggle. They don't ever do this. They didn't play with shadows or lighting or color. Which doesn't take a lot of money to do. Just skill.

Just get through S1

[kayjordansibley · 10/10 · 1 May 2018]

Get past S1 and its smooth sailing. I think it needed to find its legs and the actors needed to discover the characters more. And S2 doesn't disappoint. The cast and characters are diverse spaning across the spectrum in personality, ethnicity, and sexuality. Strong women who support each other, men who break free of the stereotypes of true masculinity, badass fight sequences (come S2)...its just good. Though it's a fantasy show, it deals with real world problems with care. The special effects and writing improve greatly in the second season. And this current third season just keeps getting better. Hoping for a season 4!!

it slowly gets better

[ozguozturk · 7/10 · 1 August 2017]

Summary, just try to survive till the 4th episode.

Let me first say this, I didn't read the books but I watched that awful movie. I didn't even know that the movie and the show were the product of the same book series till I got to the 2nd episode.

The first few episodes are bad, like really bad. I remember watching the pilot then texting my friend " how do you watch this, it is horrible". She forced me to continue and I am so glad she did. Basically, the savior of the show is Magnus Bane played by Harry Shum Jr. He fully enters as a character in the fourth episode and everything slowly starts to get better from that point. The actress who plays Clary is still terrible and she continues to be terrible till the 2nd season but the other characters get more screen time than her after the 4th episode so you can actually watch the show. Jace still sounds like a the-bad-boy but like I said, less screen time.

Instead of these characters, we get to see Alec, played by Matthew Daddario, grow as a character which is quite well done. Magnus steals every scene he is in. Isabelle is OK. I also really like Luke, they slowly take over the episodes after those absolutely terrible first three.

The special effects slowly get better so does the writing and the- well everything.

If you can get through the first season CONGRATS. Because the second season is incredible compared to the first season. One of the reasons why is you get used to some things and you just accept that, this is not one of ABC's best but it is pretty good. CLARY GETS SO MUCH BETTER IN THE SECOND SEASON. I still hate Jace but maybe that is my problem. The effects right now (2x18) are pretty good. The costume department sometimes really screws up. Sebastian is incredible, the actor really is good. Magnus and Alec are still the best part of the show. The writing is sometimes really cheesy but good. It becomes a fun TV show that you like but not love

So yeah, the first season is 4/10 second season is 8/10 overall I think 7 is nice

Sorry for any spelling or grammar mistakes, English is not my first language.

Poorly acted and weak script

[aimtrain1021 · 1/10 · 23 December 2020]

I am almost done with the book series, so I wanted to try the show. Looks wise the cast resembles how I picture the characters, but the acting and dialogue is so poor that it takes away from the story. I am 3 episodes in and it's so cringey. And I like these types of shows-Buffy, Supernatural, Vampire Diaries were all great shows with good casts.

Jace is too nice in the show so far. He is missing the closed off broody vibe from the books. Clary is whiney. Alec is too wooden. It's just off.

Shows or movies based on books are never as good as the books, but they can be acceptable. I love the Harry Potter movies and Hunger Games. You need the right cast with the right acting abilities or it just doesn't work.

just give it a go.

[alicialouba · 10/10 · 17 February 2016]

Give this show a chance. Just do it. People are complaining that the first episode was crap. I hope people realize that for some of the cast this is their major big break. Besides, it gets so much better! I'm sick of all the reviews that were published right after the first episode was released and people are listening to it as they think that is for the entire show when it is not. So, do the people who actually have waited for this show since March and are actually enjoying it, and don't spread negative hate around social media and whatnot because I surely am not the only one to see the show expand and explore. Not saying everyone has to like it, but please don't brainwash other people into thinking it is bad when it's not. Feel free to disagree with me, I only made this account to post this review, ha ha.

Has it's ups and downs

[clombardo9-947-651778 · 7/10 · 19 January 2016]

First, I want to say that I understand this show wasn't meant to follow the books 100%. People have to understand that the reason this was reborn as a TV show was that the movie didn't draw nearly as much interest as needed to continue with the series in movie form. This was highly disappointing, so I was excited for the show. I went in with a totally open mind and told myself I would try to judge the show fairly. I believe the show could stand on its own for people who haven't read the books which is super important. I actually like some of the changes solely based on the ability for this show to draw people not familiar with the book series. I think the show has enough action and for the most part the cast is worth watching. Now for the die hard book fans....as one of them I am super disappointed in a few things. First, as good as most of the cast are, they do not fit the characters from the book very well. I agree with a lot of others that the movie actors were almost perfect, but these fall quite short. Most especially disappointing is Jace. This is what is ruining the whole thing for me. Of all the characters to fail on, this was not the one to do it on. I don't know if it's the change in story or the actor that is the reason, but his character is all wrong in the show. He is nothing like the Jace in the book, and to be honest, isn't even likable. I certainly hope they do something to make him more likable, or it will ruin the whole show for die hard book fans, which I'm guessing are a huge part of the overall viewers. On one positive casting note, I like the new Hodge character despite not being exactly what I pictured from the books. I do like the difference in his inability to speak of The Circle and I hope to see him in more episodes and what they decide to do with his story line. I also like Simon, which is surprising considering I really loved the Simon of the movie. I find his character likable and just nerdy enough to fit the bill. All in all I intend to continue to watch it, and just try to enjoy it as something much different from The Mortal Instruments of my imagination.

WOW......

[dhop-44683 · 1/10 · 31 July 2018]

There's bad acting, then there's Shadowhunters. There's not much more to say really

Are you guys insane? It's better than the movie!

[dalemay · 7/10 · 5 March 2016]

I enjoy the series so much! I find the cast of the series 100 times more attractive than the cast in the movie. I couldn't even get turned on the Jace who was in the movie yuck! And the girl who played Clary? Not even a tad bit pretty. I do admit that I wish Jace was more arrogant in the series like he is in the book, but I'm not complaining. As long as they keep the action and romance going I don't care. I really hope it will be renewed for a second season! There are fans of the book complaining over and over about the series, okay we get it you don't like the changes. Be grateful that the book at least was given a series! By the way I love Clace in the series they are so sexy, especially Dominic.

Improving every week, absolutely obsessed now!

[twilight-1010 · 10/10 · 24 February 2016]

I personally love this show so much! It took about five episodes to get above just decent, I'd rate the first five episodes a C- or 5.5/10 but after episode 5 I give the show a B+ or 8/10! Clace finally get a bit of chemistry in episode 7, Alec is perfect, the script gets slightly better with every episode I promise! The plot deviates from the books but that just keeps it interesting! The key points and incidents are definitely still there though. Malec is my favourite part of the show. I'm honestly so obsessed with this now and seriously hope it gets renewed for a season 2! That's when the storyline and character development would really get brilliant in my opinion. The cast are getting better every week and the only thing I have against it now really is the CGI/special effects but I get that they're on a low budget so I forgive that. Script still needs work but already seeing improvements as I said. If you are a fan of the books, movie or supernatural fantasy dramas you'll love this!