Shadowhunters

TV review by Edie Nugent, Common Sense Media
Shadowhunters Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

A paranornal romance heavy on style, light on substance.

Freeform Science Fiction 2016
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 36 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 117 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Shadowhunters is a fantasy series adapted from the bestselling series of books by Cassandra Clare. In this paranormal romance, werewolves, vampires, warlocks, demons, and fairies are real and can be both friends or foes. The series' protagonists are in their teens, and they engage in risky behavior, sometimes to save the world, and sometimes just because they're adolescents. As they try to navigate a world of violence and danger (where supernatural surprises lurk around every corner), the main characters adopt some devil-may-care posturing and attitudes -- again, standard teen behavior. Sexuality is mentioned but limited to some steamy kisses.

Community Reviews

Stevegates1234
Stevegates1234 Adult
December 28, 2020
age 17+

Disturbing and sexual. most reviews people have not seen the whole show

Most of the reviews on here seem to be kids pretending to be adults, people who are wanting to save show/compare to book or people who have only seen first few episodes. After episode 5 it gets extremely bad. Common sense media seem to only review first few episodes . Their is constant sex scenes throughout the show. More in season 1 as try to draw more people in. That can be very graphic and sexual. Including 1 abusive rape scene. Lots of gore and torture throughout the show. Was very shocked as was expecting it to be like a marvel or lord of the rings type of gore. But was much worse, more like a deadpool or underworld movie but less comic book style and more realistic. With people hearts and limbs getting ripped or cut off. Burning. And teeth getting pulled out. People get punched to death aswell as sword fights. This show is completely different to the books. I showed my 16 year old this, as we are both fans of the books. after few episodes decided not to let her see anymore. Their is also incest. And abusive parents that could be upset for some people. Drugs also take a big part in this show and shows the side effects. Their are a few characters who get drunk whenever their slightly upset or angry constantly.Characters also get drunk lots. This show is also to do with vampires and at times can be very gory when they drain humans, as don't cut away, but shows the blood and closeups of the pain on the humans face. This show is not the best. If you do have a teen wanting to watch this Show them the movie instead. Wish I had not made the mistake. As a parent can be hard to tell from first few episodes, and reviews on here. I have seen the full show, not just first few episodes. As episodes go on the darker and more violent it gets. Hopefully this review will be helpful to some parents.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
2 people found this helpful.
Henry M.
Henry M. Adult
November 30, 2016
age 14+

EXCELLENT IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOKS

I watched this show without bothering to watch the movie or read the books. On its own, it is a brilliant show! I loved it, and there wasn't an episode I didn't like! However, i did read a bit of the books AFTER watching the show, and can see why a lot of the original fans didn't like it. If you haven't read the books and don't plan to, then I would reccomend this show as a must-watch!

This title has:

Great messages
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
1 person found this helpful.
See all 36 parent reviews

What's the Story?

When Clary Fray turns 18, she's plunged into a terrifying world that's been hidden from her since childhood by her mother: the world of vampires, werewolves, warlocks, and demons (to name a few). Clary's mother Jocelyn barely has time to admit she's been keeping their family history as SHADOWHUNTERS a secret before she's kidnapped by the very demons that give the mystically powered hunters their name. They're looking for something called the Mortal Cup. Luckily Clary's human friend Simon and newer Shadowhunter friend Jace both have her back as she begins a quest to understand her secret history and her place in this secretive and dangerous new world. She'll need them both to stay alive and save her mother.

Is It Any Good?

This often melodramatic show exists in a very intricate world that includes several castes of supernatural beings. While the rules and history of this universe do have some depth, it's unfortunately not shared by Shadowhunters' characters. Too often they're boilerplate teen archetypes: the nerdy friend with a crush on the main character, the loner bad boy with a secret heart of gold, and even a sexy and outgoing queen bee. Though this was also true of the books the series is adapting, it could have easily improved on its source material by fleshing out these characters.

The two-dimensional quality of the characters renders it a mildly engaging romantic mystery at best, one that happens to include lots of stylish outfits and fight choreography. There are better role models than Clary and more interesting fantasy worlds out there, but the wildly popular source material lends the series appeal to its teen target audience. It's not the worst they could do, but parents should check out an episode or two with younger teens to ensure they approve of the more violent content.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • How would the story of Shadowhunters be different if Clary's mother had been honest with her from the beginning? Were there other ways she could have protected her daughter that would have left her more prepared for her family legacy?

  • How do Clary's friendships, both with her "mundane" friends as well as her fellow Shadowhunters, inform her decision-making? Why might it be important to have friends that know us from different parts of our lives?

  • If a friend texted you from a situation that seemed suspicious, as when Clary texts Simon to meet her at the abandoned church in the pilot, how would you respond? Are there steps to take when a friend is in crisis that will help keep you both safer?

  • How do the characters in Shadowhunters demonstrate compassion, curiosity, and courage? Why are these important character strengths?

TV Details

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Character Strengths

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Themes & Topics

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