Common Sense Media Review
A paranormal romance heavy on style, light on substance.
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Shadowhunters
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 36 parent reviews
Based on 120 kid reviews
Kids say the show is suitable for teens aged 13 and up, with some noting it's a great adaptation of the book series, albeit with significant changes to the plot and character presentation. Reviews highlight its mix of romance, action, and some intense scenes, with many praising the positive themes of self-acceptance and bravery, while also mentioning the occasional graphic violence and suggestive content.
- age appropriateness
- positive messages
- violence present
- adaptation differences
- not suitable for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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 ...
Families can talk about how the story of Shadowhunters would 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
- Premiere date : January 12, 2016
- Cast : Katherine McNamara , Dominic Sherwood , Alberto Rosende , Matthew Daddario , Emeraude Toubia , Isaiah Mustafa , Harry Shum Jr.
- Network : Freeform
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Curiosity
- TV rating :
- Last updated : February 3, 2026
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