Parents' Guide to

Shadowhunters

By Edie Nugent, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

A paranormal romance heavy on style, light on substance.

TV Freeform Science Fiction 2016
Shadowhunters Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 39 parent 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
3 people found this helpful.
Luke S.
Luke S. Adult
December 28, 2020
age 17+

Extremely sexual and gory

Great show. But had heard mixed things about the show, had hoped more reviewon here people wouldhave watched not just start. Me and my 15 year old had to turn it off after a few episodes. This contains Stabbings, slit throats, mauling by wild dogs, and, in one instance, a skull crushed to a pulp by someone's bare hands. Their was an extremely graphic sex scene. Over the top glorified gore . I can tell you now it gets worse. In season 2 their is a scene with sadistic torture. Lots of drugs involved. Books are alot less graphic and sexual. But I would say anyone 17 and up. Deals with very mature themes, depression grief addiction. Their was also a scene were a character gets raped in a later season. the sexual relationship could be a bit much for 15 year old. In and out of season their can be bad language. Incest also plays a big role, as character don't know at first but still continue when they find out their siblings.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
1 person found this helpful.
See all 39 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?

Our review:
Parents say (39):
Kids say (118):

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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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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